Thank you, Mr. Speaker. State of Emergency for Humanitarian Reasons for Norman Wells.

WHEREAS the Town of Norman Wells has been requesting long-term solutions from the Government of the Northwest Territories;

AND WHEREAS the Town has offered to work with the Government of the Northwest Territories on proactive community planning because of climate change impacts on resupply to Norman Wells which has resulted in rising food insecurity, rising heating costs, rising and prohibitive costs of living, and rising and prohibitive costs of doing business;

AND WHEREAS Imperial Oil is transitioning out of the community, which will result in a reduced tax base for the community and territory, diminished opportunities for skilled workers in the community and unknown risks and changes to the community's power generation and transmission;

AND WHEREAS the Mayor and Council of Norman Wells is seeking assistance and is requesting that the Government of the Northwest Territories:

1. Recognize the Town's local declaration of a state of emergency and communicate the matter to the to the Government of Canada, seeking humanitarian aid;
2. Develop a comprehensive policy and procedure to respond to any humanitarian state of emergency within Northwest Territories communities;
3. Engage in sustainable community planning with stakeholders in Norman Wells; and
4. Facilitate a discussion between Imperial Oil Resources and the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Tlegohti Got'ine.

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh, that this Legislative Assembly resolve that the current situation in the Town of Norman Wells is a state of emergency for humanitarian reasons;

AND FURTHER, that this Legislative Assembly calls upon the Government of the Northwest Territories to communicate this state of emergency with the Government of Canada, seeking humanitarian aid for the community;

AND FURTHERMORE, that the Government of the Northwest Territories provide a response to this motion within 120 days.

And, Mr. Speaker, I request a recorded vote. Mahsi.