Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to inform the House of the state of emergency that has been declared by Mayor John Curley for the hamlet of Cape Dorset. Mr. Curley also chaired the Local Emergency Response Committee. As of 1300 hours, a hurricane warning has been issued for the Cape Dorset area. Strong winds, very high sea swells and freezing rain are affecting the community as we speak and are expected to worsen. Residents awoke
this morning to very strong winds and freezing rain, and all but emergency services were shut down. Mr. Timoon Toonoo, the senior administrative officer, informed me that five boats have been lost, and unfortunately, more are likely to be lost before the end of the storm. Fortunately, Mr. Speaker, there has been no loss of life. These boats represent years of investment by the owners and by no means a minor loss in dollars and the ability to hunt and quarry soapstone. The Emergency Response Committee informed residents that at 10:45 a.m. of a state of emergency alert and outpost camps were alerted via high frequency radio also. Mr. Toonoo told me about some ice build up on power lines and is keeping a close eye on the situation. Because of glare ice and high winds on the roads, for that matter on everything, it is impossible to travel by foot in the community. He watched people falling down and being thrown around by the winds while trying to crawl to their destination. It is for this reason that residents are being indoors until further notice.
The SAO wanted me to pass on the hamlet's appreciation for the assistance of Mr. Mike Ferris from the Department of Municipal Affairs in Iqaluit and for their assistance. Also, in my home community, Kimmirut which is 220 miles to the east of Cape Dorset, I am also informed of very high winds and seas the loss of two boats plus five more that are anchored in fear of danger of overturning, as well as, heavy ice build-up on building walls, windows and roads. That community has also been literally shut down and is taking precautions. I would ask that Members of this House join me in wishing these two communities the best as they ride out this very fierce storm. Thank you.