Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Every year during spring, the town of Hay River prepares for flooding, although the town has not experienced flooding as it did in 1963, which forced the relocation of many to higher ground. The flooding that year caused such devastation to the West Channel and Old Town that homes were damaged and residents were forced to relocate to what is now the New Town. This year, as in other years, the town was once again prepared. Luckily, flooding never occurred, and the residents and their homes were spared. However, this fall this has been different. The Hay River and Great Slave Lake experienced high water levels throughout the summer and into the fall. The town found itself on a water advisory alert for much of it.
Mr. Speaker, within the town boundaries of Hay River and extending along the shores of Great Slave Lake, we find private-run tourist facilities, water-treatment plants, the airport runway, residential homes, and public beaches. We anticipate flooding in the spring. This year, it came in the fall. This was due to the higher-than-normal water levels in the lake combined with severe north winds. The shores were battered by the waves, and some of the private infrastructure experienced damage.
Mr. Speaker, those impacted are asking where the support was during this emergency. In the Emergency Management Act, it states that, under the direction of the Minister, the Emergency Management Organization shall:
- lead the Government of the Northwest Territories in the coordination of emergency management activities;
- support the emergency management activities of local authorities.
Mr. Speaker, an emergency, as defined in the act, "means a current or imminent event that requires prompt coordination of action or special regulation of persons or property in order to protect the safety, health or welfare of people or to limit or prevent damage to property or the environment."
Mr. Speaker, the high water levels combined with high winds caused damage to infrastructure and the shoreline along the lake. This, in my mind, fits the description of an emergency. The coordination and response appeared to be disjointed, with no one organization wanting to take responsibility. Those impacted were mostly left without answers and limited or no support until it was too late. We have to take these situations seriously. It impacts the lives of our residents and the livelihood of our local businesses. Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of MACA later. Thank you.