Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I was contacted by Chief Jerry Antoine of the Fort Smith First Nation regarding the recent flooding in the Deh Cho region. As a friend and former colleague, the Chief wanted me to pass on a message to the Premier of some ideas for how communication with those on the ground can be improved and how restoration can be done as effectively as possible.
Mr. Speaker, the message from the Chief is that the Government of the Northwest Territories needs to establish a single point of contact who will work directly with the community leads on the ground. There needs to be one person or a team of consistent individuals who are on regular and direct contact with the community leads working on the flooding and restoration efforts. It would also be ideal and preferred if this point of contact has authority and direct contact with the Premier's office. This would improve the effectiveness and efficiency of all incoming and outgoing communications by those on the ground and with the Premier.
Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, there is also the restoration component of the situation. Affected residents, whose homes have been damaged or destroyed, need assurances from the Government of the Northwest Territories that the cost that they incurred from this disaster will be recouped.
Chief Antoine has already contacted professional technicians in restoration, but they are waiting on Cabinet confirmation that these costs will be reimbursed.
Mr. Speaker, one good idea suggested by Chief Antoine is for the Premier to consider establishing a disaster navigator who will be in charge of a small team to oversee all specs of recovery, including the assessment in the best interests of the flood victims. I will have questions for the Premier at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.