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Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by saying that I along with several of my Cabinet colleagues, had the privilege of visiting Hay River, Kátł’odeeche First Nation, and West Point First Nation earlier this week to observe the damage caused by this year’s flooding in the South Slave region. I want to thank Mayor Jameson and Chief Martel for inviting and hosting us on our tour around your communities. Thanks also to MLAs Bonnetrouge and Simpson for accompanying us and demonstrating leadership for your communities.

It was eye opening to see the hundreds of homes, businesses, and other infrastructure that have been damaged and, in some cases, lost to the flood. For many residents, the clean up work is just beginning, and from the conversations I had with many people on the ground, I know they understand that full recovery will be a long and exhaustive process.

I want residents to know that the Government of the Northwest Territories is here to assist you and your communities with this recovery work. Municipal and Community Affairs staff are already on the ground and meeting with residents to discuss their needs, provide support and are working diligently to assess the damage to every home, business, building, and property.

Mr. Speaker, today I also want to speak about the collective action that was taken by hundreds of people, over the past few weeks, to help those affected by this flood.

During these unimaginably difficult days, we have seen example after example of neighbors helping neighbors, and communities helping communities. From the absolutely heroic efforts of residents, who risked their own safety to rescue others from the flood waters, to those who have gone above and beyond to provide care and comfort to evacuees.

I want to recognize the contributions made by so many NWT residents to help those in need.

I would also like to thank the communities of Enterprise, Fort Providence, Fort Resolution, Fort Smith, and Yellowknife for all their work in making a very difficult time a little bit easier for evacuees.

I would also like to thank all the people, businesses, and organizations who made donations of time, goods, food, and money to the residents of the affected communities. I visited the evacuation centre in Yellowknife several times and heard nothing but deep appreciation for the generous contributions, and I know this was the case in evacuation centres in other communities as well.

Mr. Speaker, communities are the frontline for emergency management. I want to acknowledge the quick and effective response of the Town of Hay River and the Kátł’odeeche First Nation. The leadership shown by the Mayor and Chief and their teams, as well as by their local Emergency Management Organizations, made a critical difference in responding to such a large-scale disaster event. 

Lessons learned from the 2021 flood season helped us to be more prepared this year. The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs launched a ‘Be Ready’ campaign before the start of spring break up this year. This campaign provides residents and community governments with information on preparedness, flood risk, and disaster assistance. It includes printable checklists, links to flood readiness videos, guidance about what to do when going home, and how to navigate disaster assistance.

The Disaster Assistance Policy was updated to better support those affected by disasters. Eligibility for disaster assistance has expanded to include non-profit organizations, commercial hunters, trappers, and other harvesters of natural resources. The maximum amount of assistance has increased from 80 percent to 90 percent of eligible costs, and the total payable amount available to residents, small businesses, and non-profits has increased from $100,000 to $240,000. Under the new policy, the maximum payable amount has been removed entirely for community governments.

We are also in the process of enhancing our emergency management team. Having more staff in our regional offices and in headquarters, to work closely with community governments and residents, helps everyone to prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural disasters. The recovery work required after a flood of this magnitude will take time, and we ask for your patience as our government continues to support the ongoing recovery efforts.

To the residents in the affected communities, we know this has been an extraordinarily difficult time for you and your families. I want you to know that our government will continue to work hard with your community governments to ensure that you remain safe and have the support you need.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.