Mr. Speaker, Northwest Territories residents are no strangers to emergency events. Every year, we are faced with threats such as forest fires and floods, to name a couple. Over the past 10 years alone, we have seen 21 emergency events that have resulted in the activation of community and territorial emergency plans, and in some cases, those events led to community evacuations. These events have included wildfires, floods, severe weather, prolonged power outages, and fuel shortages.
The approach to emergency management in the NWT relies on participation from everyone: individuals, families and to all levels of government. We are all in this together. Individuals and families have a responsibility to plan and prepare for the risks most relevant to them, to ensure their safety and the protection of their property. Communities are responsible for the development and implementation of emergency plans to reasonably protect the general public and minimize property damage and loss during emergencies. The Government of the Northwest Territories is responsible for planning and responding to territorial emergencies and supporting communities when their capacity is exceeded during emergencies.
Since March 2020, Northwest Territories residents have been faced with a new threat unlike any we have experienced before: the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic response is being led by Health and Social Services and is supported by the COVID secretariat as well as Municipal and Community Affairs. MACA's primary focus during this event has included supporting the GNWT's pandemic response; working with communities to ensure planning and preparedness at the community level; and monitoring for any other emergency events. MACA works with all departments through the emergency management organization and to provide needed support to communities.
Mr. Speaker, one of the key success factors in past emergencies has been the ability of our communities to plan and prepare and, when required, respond to protect and care for our residents. As we found ourselves in the COVID-19 pandemic, very few community plans included guidelines on how to respond to a threat. As a result, since early in the pandemic, MACA has been working with the communities to ensure that there is a good understanding of the potential threats and their requirements to sustain essential services. Communities have been working very hard to ensure that they have plans in place, that they have identified potential gaps in services, and that preparations were being made.
Mr. Speaker, the true value of planning and preparedness is not realized until an emergency happens. The community of Fort Liard is an excellent example and the first real test of a community emergency plan to the direct impacts of a pandemic. On January 16, 2021, when the first case of COVID was confirmed in Fort Liard, these emergency plans were implemented, which meant activating local officials. The Dehcho Regional Emergency Management Organization was also activated and deployed an on-site coordinator to Fort Liard daily to support the community government who advised as to their limitations in capacity in some areas. Staff also provided support for daily meetings with community leadership and ensured integration of EMO efforts with various people and groups. While community resources and capacity were impacted by the incident, the community was able, with support from the Emergency Management Organization, to respond and ensure all essential services continued. These efforts also meant that those required to self-isolate had to receive groceries and other essential items. We want to commend the community for pulling together to ensure that all residents had their basic needs supported during the response.
Mr. Speaker, planning for and responding to emergency events is an ongoing process, and the COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented. MACA will continue to work with communities to ensure plans are adapted and adjusted as more is learned about COVID-19, as the risk environment and assessment evolves, as vaccine programs take effect and as we learn from experiences like the response in Fort Liard.
Mr. Speaker, COVID-19 has been a long and difficult road for everyone. The rollout of the vaccine in the Northwest Territories is being well-received. It is important to note that the situation in the rest of Canada shows that we need to remain vigilant. I would like to remind everyone that it is critical that we all remain focused on protecting one another, and on behalf of Cabinet, I would like to thank all residents who continue to follow the advice and direction given by the Chief Public Health Officer and to ensure their own personal preparedness. Develop personal emergency plans, have emergency supplies on hand, and connect with friends, family, and neighbours to support each other. A simple phone call or offer to drop off groceries at the doorstep can make a huge difference for anyone who is feeling alone while they are self-isolating.
In conclusion Mr. Speaker, once again, I would just like to thank the people of the Northwest Territories and the response in working with the Government of the Northwest Territories. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.