June 14, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, I rise to update Members on the status of the recent flooding in Nahanni Butte and the incredible efforts of many individuals and organizations who are working together to help ensure the safety of residents.

As is the nature of most emergencies, this event caught us by surprise. Water in the Liard River basin reached heights not seen in many years, and in fact, it may turn out to be a record year.

Despite the fast moving nature of floods, residents were not caught off guard. Officials from Nahanni Butte worked together with a number of organizations to ensure residents were notified in advance, and emergency plans could be enacted in time to ensure a safe and coordinated evacuation.

The response was coordinated through a number of partners including the RCMP, the Government of Canada, the community government of Nahanni Butte and the GNWT.

Within our government, MACA coordinated the emergency response, the Department of Transportation worked to provide evacuation transport, Health and Social Services provided emergency shelter and supplies to evacuees, and Environment and Natural Resources has offered to provide fire crews from the region to help with community clean up once flood-waters subside.

Mr. Speaker, I am very impressed with the level of cooperation amongst everyone involved. One positive thing we can take away from this unfortunate situation is that it proves our emergency planning efforts are working. It is also an indication that we need to continue to be ready for emergencies by working together to plan and prepare for future events.

We’ve all heard about climate change and what that might bring. Wildfires last year and record-breaking floods this year all point towards the need to remain focused on our efforts to build resilient communities.

Throughout this event, I worked very closely with my colleague, the MLA from Nahendeh, Kevin Menicoche. In addition to his obvious concern for the residents of Nahanni Butte, Mr. Menicoche praised the Village of Fort Simpson for their incredible generosity and giving during this period of need.  I too add my praise for the people of Fort Simpson who have gone above and beyond to assist the Nahanni Butte evacuees.

MACA continues to work with communities to build and sustain effective emergency plans, to familiarize officials with their important roles and responsibilities during an emergency, and to support community governments in the management of emergencies.

Mr. Speaker, today residents from Nahanni Butte remain in Fort Simpson, and it may still be some time before they are able to return.   Members should be assured that all those who have combined to support the evacuation remain committed to supporting these residents until such time as they are able to safely return to their community.

Once the water recedes, MACA, in conjunction with the Department of Public Works and Services and the Department of Transportation, will undertake an assessment of the community to determine the full extent of the damage.  I would like to assure Members, and the residents of Nahanni Butte that we are sensitive to the impact of this flood on their lives, and we be examining all options in getting the community up and running again, including accessing financial assistance under the federal Disaster Assistance Policy.

Given the circumstances of the recent events, we are once again reminded of how important preparedness and partnerships are when responding to emergencies in the north. I invite my colleagues to join me in commending the organizations and personnel who contributed to a successful emergency response.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.