Katrina Nokleby Great Slave

In favour.

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

In favour.

Diane Archie Inuvik Boot Lake

In favour.

Lesa Semmler Inuvik Twin Lakes

In favour.

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

The results of the recorded vote: 18 in favour, zero opposed, zero abstentions. The motion is carried. Bill 99 has had third reading.

---Carried

Third reading of bills. As per my ruling earlier today, I will now hear a motion from the Member for Monfwi. The Member for Monfwi moves a motion. Member for Monfwi.

Jane Weyallon Armstrong Monfwi

Okay, thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, during the evacuation of Yellowknife and areas, Indigenous --

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

-- one second, Member for Monfwi. You have to move the motion.

Jane Weyallon Armstrong Monfwi

Okay, thank you. Mr. Speaker, I move to set aside the ordinary business of the House to discuss calling upon the GNWT to ensure that Indigenous governments are involved in the GNWT's response to end the current wildfire management -- wildfire emergency. I think it's you now; do I continue, or?

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Yes, just go into your -- the Member complied with Rule 3.5(1) and the motion does not raise a matter of privilege and does not raise any matter which can only be debated upon the motion with notice. The motion is in order. Members, the Member of Monfwi may make a statement no more than five minutes explaining the matter to be discussed and the reason for the urgency. Thank you, Member for Monfwi.

Jane Weyallon Armstrong Monfwi

Okay, thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I was saying, during the evacuation of Yellowknife and areas, Indigenous people, many with language barriers and unique needs, were uprooted to cities in the south in which no one knew their language or knew how best to help them with their unique needs. As everyone here can imagine, in addition to fearing the wildfire, this extra burden on Indigenous people of the Northwest Territories of being dropped into unfamiliar territories in the south without the needed support has disproportionately added stress to their lives and has led to many Indigenous people facing extreme and unnecessary hardships that could have been avoided.

I cannot speak for all Indigenous governments and the effects on their citizens the evacuation has had, but I can speak to the effects this lack of coordination has had on the Tlicho people as I have heard directly from them and them -- and from Tlicho government who are on the ground down south trying to find their citizens and provide the necessary support they need. This failure to coordinate with Indigenous governments throughout the response in both planning and decision-making has led to our most vulnerable population at greater risk, such as elders, the homeless, and those struggling with addictions -- excuse me, I'll just take that -- sorry, about that.

This failure to coordinate with Indigenous government throughout the response in both planning and decision-making has led to our most vulnerable population at greater risk, such as elders, the homeless, and those struggling with addictions. If steps were taken to coordinate with Indigenous government, they could have made sure their people were taken to the safest possible environment. In some cases, of their own communities and provided with immediate supports. Instead, Tlicho and other Indigenous people of the Northwest Territories were shipped out across the country to large centres in Alberta, BC, Manitoba, and Yukon.

I have heard directly that people went missing for several days and were put in unsafe situations, such as homeless people with no IDs, money, or contacts in streets of large cities. Even child welfare issues as well. Tlicho government went so far as to create its own registration system to track down where its citizens were. They have since staffed volunteers down south to provide necessary support to its people. They have set up their own support centre in the south and are actively engaged in supporting its people in the cities. Thousands of kilometres away from home in unfamiliar place, Indigenous people of the Northwest Territories are cut off from their home, from their home communities, and support of their people. This could and should have been avoided with proper planning and coordinations with Indigenous government and organizations.

Mr. Speaker, today we have an opportunity to change, improve, GNWT working relationship with Indigenous government and organization be involved -- to be involved in ending this crisis, the emergency that is before us. Thank you.