Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, please be advised this will be the first of five Members' statements I will be doing about the flood situation in the Nahendeh. I can only speak about my experience and what I saw. Please note, there were a lot of moving parts, and I could not see them all.

As people are aware, both communities were in charge. They were the ones that declared the state of local emergency and are working with the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Federal Government, including MP McLeod. From what I have witnessed and been part of, it is sometimes hourly contacts on top of their regular scheduled daily EMO meetings.

With all my heart and soul, I would like to thank the people of Jean Marie River First Nation, Chief, Council and Staff; the Village of Fort Simpson, Mayor, Council, and staff; and the huge number of volunteers and the regional EMO staff for doing an amazing job during the flood. Both communities and the regional EMO staff worked on their plan since January.

Unfortunately, what we witnessed was the worst flooding in recorded history from what I understand. There were things that we did not foresee, but thanks to these great teams, they were able to adapt.

I would like to thank the Town of Fort Smith, Hay River, Fort Providence, and Norman Wells for opening their homes and communities for our evacuees. They treated our residents with great respect, and they were being well taken care of.

To the residents of both communities, I hope you are safe and secure wherever you are. I know it's been a stressful time, but together we will get through this.

To the residents of the Northwest Territories and business, thank you, thank you for all your kindness, donations, and support. This is why I am proud to be from the Northwest Territories.

As the GNWT involvement, I can say that various Ministers have discussions about the situation and being updated on regularly. I know I have been on several calls with my colleagues to discuss the situation. I can tell you from my witness, when the community had a request, the GNWT was very responsive. I know every request I received from the communities, that the appropriate Minister made it a priority to deal with.

Again, I would like to stress the leadership, staff, and volunteers in both communities did an amazing job during this difficult time. I know on the ground level, the GNWT, as a whole, stepped up and helped residents of these two communities during the flood.

In closing, please remember good leadership sometimes means stepping back and let the professionals and volunteers do their job with your support. Thank you Mr. Speaker.