Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to speak today about the collaborative work of the GNWT's Emergency Management Organization and community governments to help ensure the safety and security of residents in the emergency response to the recent flood situation experienced by several of our communities.
These past few weeks have been an incredibly trying time for the residents who have been directly impacted by the flood in their communities. There is never a good time for emergencies involving natural disasters but responding to one during a pandemic has added to a trying and difficult time. The North is a place where residents come together during times of need with offers of help and assistance, and I am pleased to say this was the case during this flood season.
Mr. Speaker, the Emergency Management Organization was active during the spring months and has been and continues to provide assistance to communities as our flood season continues. The Emergency Management Organization is an active part in all emergency responses. In particular, I want to acknowledge the quick and effective response of the communities of Hay River, K'atl'odeeche First Nations, Jean Marie River, and Fort Simpson. Over the past few weeks, the Emergency Management Organization continues to monitor and work collaboratively with communities to address emergency needs on an ongoing and real-time basis.
The membership of the Emergency Management Organizations have been working to ensure that activities of services continues, including making accommodations available where possible for those impacted. As communities have seen the water levels drop and it has become safe to do so, staff have traveled to the affected communities to meet the residents to discuss their needs, start to assess damage and mitigate concerns and access for the GNWT to provide support.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the communities of Fort Providence and Fort Smith who have kindly hosted evacuee centres, as well as the Town of Hay River who, after undergoing an evacuation and a flood risk themselves, has opened up their community for evacuees from other communities across the territory. I would like to also show the appreciation for all of the donations that have contributed to communities. The deep connection that we have with one another is evident with these generous actions of Northerners.
Flood response is community driven and supported by the Emergency Management Organization became much of an important work that happens on the ground. Many actions taken within the communities may be overlooked as such. I would also like to recognize the significant contribution of the front-line workers and the hundreds of volunteers that offered their time and effort to assist with the flood response.
To our affected communities and residents, we know this is challenging, and we are working with community governments to ensure that they remain safe and have the support they need from this government. We will continue to work with the communities on an ongoing recovery effort, and again on behalf of Cabinet, I would like to thank everyone that was involved in the flood efforts to date. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.