Yellowknife — April 22, 2024
Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) Minister Vince McKay issued the following statement today after the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) announced updates to the Northwest Territories (NWT) Emergency Plan:
“The GNWT and emergency management partners have learned from past experiences, including last year’s historic wildfire season, and have updated and improved emergency management practices accordingly ahead of the 2024 high-risk season.
“Updates to the NWT Emergency Plan announced today include revised language to better reflect the purpose of the plan; clarified roles and responsibilities for local authorities, the GNWT, and emergency management partners; an outline of what response and hosting costs community governments may be reimbursed; and the GNWT’s approach to emergency-related communications.
“Updates also explain the escalation of responsibilities during emergencies, starting at the individual level all the way up to federal support.
“I want to be clear that no changes were made to the roles and responsibilities of the GNWT or community governments, and that the updated plan remains consistent with the current powers and authorities outlined in the Emergency Management Act.
“Instead, updates are intended to clarify these roles and how partners can support during emergency preparation, response, and recovery.
“As part of this important work, the territory’s Emergency Management Organization worked with all GNWT departments and agencies to review their functions within the NWT Emergency Plan to ensure accuracy and clarity.
“The updated plan has also been shared with the Council of Leaders and the Northwest Territories Association of Communities, and in the days and weeks ahead, MACA regional staff will offer presentations to community governments wishing to learn more about these updates and highlight some of the changes that may impact how they plan for and respond to emergencies.
“As Northerners, we have faced many challenges over the past few years due to the impacts of wildfires and floods. Unfortunately, due to climate change, we can likely expect more frequent and severe wildfires and floods in the future.
“That is why it is so critical that all of us – individuals, businesses, communities, and governments – take action to prepare for disasters should they occur. Knowing our risks and preparing for them will help us navigate potential emergencies, and the GNWT will be there to help residents and communities prepare, respond, and recover.
“I am confident that recent updates to the NWT Emergency Plan will result in a more coordinated approach to emergency management in the Northwest Territories going forward, and I urge everyone to consider the important role they play in preparing for emergencies as the 2024 high-risk season approaches.”
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