Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I wanted to talk about Emergency Preparedness Week. I am pleased to advise this House that I have proclaimed the week of May 6th to 12th as Emergency Preparedness Week in the Northwest Territories. This proclamation coincides with a national initiative announced by the Honourable David Collenette, Minister of National Defence and Minister responsible for Emergency Preparedness.

The federal government has joined with the provincial and territorial emergency measure organizations, to encourage all individuals, families and community organizations, to prepare themselves for emergencies which may affect them. Everyone in the Northwest Territories must take responsibility for their own well-being, and join with their community government and the Government of the Northwest Territories, to minimize the risk to people, property and the environment when emergency situations occur.

Mr. Speaker, it is timely this week has been proclaimed Emergency Preparedness Week. The annual spring break-up of our rivers has commenced in the Western Arctic. Several of our western communities face an annual alert at this time of year, as there is always a risk of flooding that accompanies break-up.

Last year's forest fires taught us the value of planning for quick response. The forest fire season is fast approaching, and Emergency Preparedness Week is our opportunity to prepare for such threats again this summer. In the East, the warm weather and long days see more people travelling on the land and the weather can change very quickly, increasing the risks of people becoming stranded. Again, planning and preparations allow quick and effective responses to be mounted to rescue stranded parties.

Mr. Speaker, the foundation of effective emergency preparedness is proper planning, our emphasis must continue to be on prevention. In the Eastern Arctic, as I mentioned, search and rescue is one of the emergencies most likely to occur. Individuals can take steps to minimize risk and, at the same time, aid searches in finding them quickly. Using proper care and caution, being adequately equipped and telling someone your travel plans will help to reduce the number of searches and the length of time required to find a missing person.

We all have important roles to play when our personal safety and property are at risk. We must not forget that responsibility for emergency preparedness begins with each individual and household.

As Minister responsible for civil emergency measures, I join the federal government in encouraging all northerners to mark Emergency Preparedness Week by taking the time to inform themselves on how they can help safeguard themselves, their families and their communities before, during and after a disaster strikes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I have another Minister's statement, if that's okay.