It can happen to anyone, Mr. Speaker. And even twice a day. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to read a motion.

Whereas Avens is a care community for elders and seniors based in Yellowknife that provides long-term care services for residents under contract with the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA);

And whereas in August 2023, when the city of Yellowknife was under evacuation order, Avens was forced to evacuate 57 vulnerable residents, including some from long-term care facilities in Hay River and Fort Smith who were selected by the Government of the Northwest Territories for placement at Avens;

And whereas Avens was left with reduced staff due to additional demands from the Government of the Northwest Territories and was therefore unable to locate care sites and secure additional supports in order to maintain full services for its residents during their four weeks in the Edmonton/Leduc area;.

And whereas this work was done without financial assistance and resulted in Avens incurring over $1.3 million in evacuation costs to transport, house, and safely care for Avens residents;

And whereas a little over $900,000 was reimbursed to Avens under the Government of Canada's Disaster Financial Assistance Fund but the remaining balance of costs incurred has not been repaid by any government;

And whereas the Government of the Northwest Territories has refused to reimburse Avens the balance of the $400,000 which includes essential staffing costs dating back to the evacuation;

And whereas the 2023 Wildfire Emergency Response After-Action Review does not address compensating staff and incurring extraordinary operational expenses;

Now therefore I move, seconded by the Member for Sahtu, that the Legislative Assembly recommend that the Government of the Northwest Territories reimburse Avens $400,000 which is the portion of the costs incurred from their assistance to the government during the 2023 wildfire evacuation and it is not covered by the federal Disaster Assistance Fund;

And furthermore that the Government of the Northwest Territories, in its response to the 2023 Wildfire Emergency Response After-Action Review, provide guidelines on how to address remuneration of essential staff during an evacuation particularly for the non-governmental organizations providing contract services to the Government of the Northwest Territories;

And futhermore that the Government of the Northwest Territories respond to this motion within 120 days.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.