Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, May 7th, residents in Jean Marie were watching the river rise as Chief and Council initiated their Local Emergency. At 6:30 p.m., the first siren sounded advising the residents to start moving to higher ground. As residents rushed home to finish packing up the necessaries and getting ready to leave their home, the second siren sounded. This happened very quickly, and residents witnessed the water steadily climb and flow over the road that leads out of town.

In speaking with some residents afterwards, they said it was very scary because they did not know if they could make it across safely. As one elder told me, I told my family member, Do not stop. Just keep on going until you get through the water.

At around 8:30 p.m., I spoke to Chief Sanguez, and he advised me that most of the community was under water, including the airport, but they were all safe by the Arbor.

At 11:00 p.m., the water had receded a bit. Unfortunately, this did not last long. By about 3:00 a.m., the water had passed the arbor, and people were being evacuated to Ekali Lake to higher ground, and others had already been sent to Fort Providence to stay at the Snowshoe Inn.

With the flood waters causing numerous challenges for communication, the SAO and others took turns to go to Check Point to get hold of Government officials and myself.

The community would like to thank Lynn and Wayne McKay for opening their home and businesses to them during this difficult time. It was greatly appreciated. I would like to thank the SAO, Municipal Staff, local volunteers, and Chief and Council for the amazing work they did during this very trying time.

As I said Friday, this flood was the worst that it has been in recorded time. The community and the regional EMO team did an amazing job, and I'm very proud of the work they were able to achieve.

On Sunday, May 16th, I had the opportunity to visit residents of Jean Marie at Ek'aki Lake in the communities camps along the road, in the community, and it was sad to see what happened to the community but a great opportunity to speak with various members about previous floods and next steps moving forward.

They were very happy with the generosity of all Northerners shown to them during this difficult time. I have attached an appendix which I would like to be deemed as read. I apologize if I miss anybody, as the list is not all inclusive.

On Monday, May 17th, I stopped in Fort Providence to chat with a few of the evacuees. They were very thankful to the community of Fort Providence and the Snowshoe Inn for their kindness and support during this time. But they also want to get back to Jean Marie to see their home, family, and start rebuilding their community.

Mr. Speaker, the flood was very difficult for the residents, but we now face the rebuilding phase and work to get their lives back together. I know in speaking with several residents, they look forward to meeting with Cabinet and other government officials on the next steps.

In closing, I would like to thank the community, their staff, leadership, the regional EMO team on the work they have done to this point and look forward to getting residents back into their homes safely. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.