Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) Minister Shane Thompson is declaring a Territorial State of Emergency under the Emergency Management Act to allow the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) to acquire and deploy the necessary resources to support the management of this unprecedented wildfire season, and protect the health and safety of Northwest Territories residents.

Wildfire situations in the South Slave and North Slave regions are rapidly evolving, and the needs on the ground are changing quickly. Fort Smith and Hay River remain at risk due to wildfires burning in the South Slave region. Yellowknife is also at an increased risk due to a wildfire approaching from the west.

This measure has been taken to ensure that the Emergency Management Organization (EMO) is better equipped to support the GNWT, community governments, and public agencies involved in emergency management plans and programs under the Emergency Management Act.

Residents, businesses, and organizations continue to be incredibly helpful, supportive, and cooperative during our ongoing wildfire and emergency response. We continue to be thankful to everyone who is supporting these efforts.

At this time, nothing is more important than protecting the health and safety of NWT residents and communities, and the GNWT believes this measure will support the management of this unprecedented situation.

Quote(s)

“The decision to declare a territory-wide State of Emergency allows the Government of the Northwest Territories and our partners to access and deploy resources so that we can continue our work to protect residents and communities in a more efficient manner. We find ourselves in a crisis situation and our government is using every tool available to assist.”

- Shane Thompson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change; Municipal and Community Affairs

Quick Facts

• This state of emergency applies to all of the Northwest Territories in recognition of the efforts needed to manage this unprecedented wildfire season.
• Declaring a territory-wide State of Emergency provides additional powers to the Minister and those designated by the Minister to do all acts and take all necessary proceedings, for the duration of the order, to deal with an emergency.
• Under the Emergency Management Act, the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs may declare a state of emergency for a period of 14 days.
• A state of emergency may be renewed, if the Minister determines that an emergency still exists.

Related Links

• NWT Fire Updates
• GNWT Public Safety Updates

For media requests, please contact:

Jennifer Young

Director, Corporate Affairs

Municipal and Community Affairs

Government of the Northwest Territories

867-767-9162 ex 21035