Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, up to 50 people are reported missing every year in the Northwest Territories. The cost for a search conducted by the territorial or federal government can range from $100 to over $100,000.
This government spends over $100,000 on search and rescue operations every year. This amount does not include what the communities or the Canadian Forces and Coast Guard spend on searches.
Mr. Speaker, there is room for much improvement in this area. I am pleased to report that the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs has introduced a public awareness campaign aimed at reducing the number of search and rescue incidents. The Search and Rescue Public Awareness Campaign is designed to educate and encourage northerners to always be prepared when travelling on the land or water. The campaign is based on the national theme of sharing the responsibility. The key message is that people must share the responsibility for caring for themselves by avoiding risk. They must take reasonable measures to minimize their personal risk and maximize their ability to survive, if they are lost or stranded.
Mr. Speaker, search and rescue incidents are often due to mechanical failure, weather changes, failure to tell anyone of travel plans or a lack of survival equipment. This campaign will educate and encourage Northerners to always be prepared. This includes:
- making a trip plan and giving it to family, friends or the RCMP;
- packing emergency equipment and supplies;
- taking a tool kit;
- checking the weather;
- ensuring your equipment is in proper working order, and
- being prepared for the worst.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to thank the RCMP for their cooperation and active participation in search and rescue prevention and training. Through initiatives such as this, I am confident that we can make a difference and reduce the number of search and rescue incidents in the north. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--Applause