Mr. Speaker, as we move further into the high-risk season for flooding and wildfires, the Government of the Northwest Territories is taking every step to ensure we are ready for emergencies, with the capacity to respond swiftly, coordinate effectively, and work collaboratively with our partners to protect the safety and well-being of NWT residents and communities.

In recent years, our territory has witnessed the impacts of a changing climate and has faced increasingly severe and frequent emergencies. Wildfires, floods, and evacuations have become part of our collective experience. The 2023 wildfire season, the most significant in our history, tested our systems, stretched our capacity, and placed immense strain on residents and responders alike. It was a season that highlighted both our strengths and the urgent need to continue improving how we all prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies.

As we continue into 2025 emergency season, I know some residents are feeling anxious and concerned. I want to reassure you that the Government of the Northwest Territories has taken significant steps to prepare for the weeks and months ahead. Our emergency management system has been strengthened through additional training, coordination, and planning efforts at all levels. We are investing in people, partnerships, and preparedness.

The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs has supported community governments across the territory, who are the lead in emergency response activities, by updating their community emergency plans. Community planning workshops and tabletop exercises have been delivered in every region. These exercises bring together local leaders, first responders, and Government of the Northwest Territories staff to practice emergency scenarios, validate plans, and clarify responsibilities. These exercises are vital tests of how we function and respond in high-pressure situations.

The Government of the Northwest Territories has also invested in building an internal surge capacity to support communities when emergencies strike. Currently, there are 137 staff members on the Emergency Management Organization surge capacity list. Staff are encouraged to sign up and assist during emergencies when called upon.

As of last month, 106 surge staff have received Incident Command System, or ICS, training at various levels, ranging from ICS-100 to ICS-400. This training ensures that when emergencies occur, trained personnel are available and ready to support response operations across the territory.

Mr. Speaker, emergency preparedness is not only the job of the Government of the Northwest territories, but also a shared responsibility. That is why the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs launched the Be Ready 2025 campaign in March. This public awareness initiative helps residents understand risks and take practical steps to prepare for emergencies. The campaign encourages people to build or check their 72-hour emergency kits, speak with their insurance providers, and develop household emergency plans. My personal emergency plan was shared via video on my Facebook page in early May.

While we focus on the present, we are also building for the future. Earlier this month, an independent After-Action Review of the 2023 wildfire emergency response was released. This review was conducted by a third party with oversight from representatives of the Government of the Northwest Territories, Indigenous governments, and Members of this House. The After-Action Review is not intended to assign blame, rather, it aims to identify opportunities for improvement that will benefit residents, responders, and the future of our communities. It provides a detailed assessment of the emergency response efforts to the numerous wildfires during the summer of 2023 and outlines a path forward with clear recommendations.

The Government of the Northwest Territories will respond to the recommendations in the report, many of which have already been identified from lessons learned and have been implemented. Several of these recommendations are already shaping our work to improve our emergency preparedness, response, and recovery efforts, including enhanced training, updated emergency planning tools, improved coordination with Indigenous governments, and modernized financial assistance policies.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories is prepared for the 2025 flood and wildfire season. We have strengthened our systems, trained our people, and reinforced our partnerships. We are encouraging and supporting residents to act through the Be Ready campaign.

This is how we build safe and more resilient communities for Northerners. This is how we prepare together.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker