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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the 2024 wildfire season, a season that presented significant challenges to communities in the Northwest Territories, particularly Fort Good Hope.

Overall, we were fortunate to experience fewer community evacuations this year compared to previous years, but I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported response and recovery efforts during another difficult season.

Mr. Speaker, the Territorial Emergency Management Organization was activated twice this high-risk season in support of Local Emergency Management Organizations. The first was for a wildfire near Fort Liard, and the second for the wildfire around Fort Good Hope. While Fort Liard did not require an evacuation, the community of Fort Good Hope was not as fortunate.

On June 15th, leadership in the community made the difficult decision to evacuate residents for nearly three weeks because of the threat posed by a nearby wildfire. This evacuation resulted in the displacement of nearly 380 people, with many finding refuge in neighbouring communities. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the residents and leadership of Norman Wells, who hosted 220 evacuees, and to the people of Délı̨nę, who welcomed 21 evacuees. An additional 140 residents of Fort Good Hope found shelter at a nearby fish camp, displaying incredible resilience during such a challenging time.

For almost three weeks, a number of Fort Good Hope community members and volunteers elected to stay behind to help fight the fire while others supported different aspects of the emergency response, including the provision of care for firefighters within the community and for evacuees who had been displaced. These efforts to protect the community and to care for its residents were inspiring and ultimately allowed residents to return home safe.

Mr. Speaker, it is important to recognize the remarkable efforts made by small community governments and Indigenous governments throughout this wildfire season. First responders, leadership, Local Emergency Management Organizations, residents, business owners, and volunteers in Fort Good Hope, Norman Wells, and Délı̨nę worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their residents. Their quick action and collaboration during these emergencies demonstrate the strength of community-led emergency management in the Northwest Territories.

I would also like to acknowledge the outstanding work done by the Forest Management Division and wildfire fighters from the Department of Environment and Climate Change to protect communities at risk. I want to particularly recognize firefighters in Fort Good Hope who worked alongside the wildfire fighters to protect their community.

At the same time, I want to express my gratitude to the Emergency Management Organization for their swift response to requests for assistance. This team worked quickly to arrange evacuation flights and support essential staff returning to Fort Good Hope to help fight the fire. They also coordinated the provision of critical supplies to ensure the wellbeing of evacuees and those who remained in the community.

Now that we are in the recovery phase, the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs continues to work closely with affected communities to ensure cost-recovery for eligible expenses related to evacuation and hosting efforts. The majority of expenditures have already been reimbursed and remaining eligible costs are being verified and processed as quickly as possible.

Mr. Speaker, this government has identified emergency management as one of its top priorities, and I want to emphasize the importance of collaboration in response and recovery efforts. The response to this year’s wildfires was a complete team effort. Communities, Indigenous governments, local leadership, and the GNWT came together to protect lives and support each other during a challenging time, and I am grateful for everyone’s dedication and commitment to protecting NWT communities and residents.

Going forward, we will continue to work alongside communities to strengthen our emergency response systems, to improve coordination, and to ensure that we are prepared for future events. The Government of the Northwest Territories remains committed to supporting community governments in their recovery efforts while continuing to plan for future emergencies.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the community leaders, first responders, and residents who worked so hard to manage the challenges of this past wildfire season. Your resilience, determination, and compassion were inspiring and helped ensure the safety of NWT residents which will allow us to rebuild and recover together.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.