Check against delivery

Mr. Speaker, later today I will  table the first Annual Report on the Northwest Territories Emergency Management System covering the period of April 2024 to December 2025.

This report gives residents, community governments, Indigenous governments, and Members of this House a clear, transparent account of how the emergency management system is functioning, what improvements have been made, and where further work is needed. By reporting on our progress, we are taking an important step toward demonstrating improvements to the Northwest Territories emergency management system.

Mr. Speaker, Northerners have been clear about their expectations. They want a stronger emergency management system that is resilient, communicates clearly, and demonstrates accountability. The Government of the Northwest Territories takes this priority seriously. Trust is built through consistent action and a commitment to follow through. This Annual Report reflects our commitment to transparent and timely reporting on the actions to improve the NWT emergency management system. 

The Northwest Territories continues to face significant risks. Floods and wildfires remain our highest risk hazards, and climate change is making these events more frequent and severe. The major floods of 2021 and 2022, followed by the wildfire seasons of 2023, 2024, and 2025, resulted in costs exceeding $354 million. As a result, the Government of the Northwest Territories has strengthened its approach to emergency management by applying After-Action Review recommendations and lessons learned from each disaster. Feedback from community governments, Indigenous governments, and emergency management staff also guide improvements to planning, training, and operational procedures. These emergency events have had real impacts on families, businesses, and communities, reinforcing the need for a resilient emergency management system that residents can rely on.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories has invested in staffing, creating a new dedicated Training Officer position. This role ensures consistent training, increased support for communities to develop and practice their emergency plans, and improved local readiness. The Government of the Northwest Territories has also expanded its communications team to strengthen risk communication, coordinate public information, and improve engagement with communities before and during emergencies. These resources help ensure information is timely, clear, culturally appropriate, and accessible.

The Emergency Management Organization is building a long-term, region-based system so communities can be responsive to residents’ needs during an emergency. Every region has Regional Emergency Management Coordinators who provide direct, on-the-ground support to communities. Regional Emergency Management Coordinators are key local contacts who assist communities with planning, capacity building, training coordination, and preparedness activities tailored to each community’s specific risks and needs.

Mr. Speaker, a key part of strengthening our system and public trust is ensuring that those who respond to emergencies have the training and tools they need.

The Government of the Northwest Territories made a commitment to expand Incident Command System, or ICS training, across the territory. ICS training provides a common language and structure for emergency response and is essential for coordinating efforts during complex events. We continue to provide ICS courses for emergency staff and frontline responders. Training for elected officials, including MLAs, is also planned for this April, to recognize the important leadership role they play during emergencies. Community governments can now access ICS 100 training through Local Government Administrators of the NWT. When responders across the territory are trained to the same standard, communities can count on a coordinated, professional response when it matters most.

Mr. Speaker, community governments are responsible for their emergency plans, but we are providing stronger support through updated tools, templates, training, and advisory services. Tabletop exercises and improved planning resources help ensure that community governments understand their roles and responsibilities and are ready to act when emergencies occur. When communities are well prepared and well supported, residents have greater confidence in the system that serves them.

Improving public communication during emergencies is also a key focus. Residents can expect timely, transparent updates, using plain language so residents better understand the risks they face and know what to do.

Mr. Speaker, these changes are making a difference. Since 2023, the GNWT, community governments, and frontline responders have a better understanding of their roles, improved information flow, and a more structured, responsive system. Standardized reporting and documentation have strengthened oversight during emergency responses, and after-action reviews are now more robust and better informed. These improvements demonstrate that the system is learning, adapting, and improving. Public feedback has played an important role in shaping these improvements. Residents asked for clearer communication and stronger reporting practices, and we have responded.

Mr. Speaker, emergencies cannot be completely prevented, but we can reduce their impact by ensuring residents and communities have the tools and information they need to understand risks, be prepared, and be ready when emergencies strike. This is how we build a system people can trust, where communities lead and the GNWT stands firmly behind them every step of the way.

Mr. Speaker, as we continue this work, we remain committed to providing regular, transparent updates on improvements to the emergency management system.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.