Rocky Simpson

In favour.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yeah, I support the bill. You know, knowing how hard and the efforts that frontline workers and those that support them are you know, the effort that they're putting in to fighting this fire, not only in Hay River but throughout the territories. You know, to reach their goals, they need equipment, you know, they need supplies and that, and that all takes money, and then and we have to provide that to them so that they have what they need in a timely manner. I know I did send a letter to or an email to the Premier and, you know, and asked for more money be given to...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank the mover and the seconder of the bill as well because I think it does have merit. As far as I'm concerned, Indigenous participation is important and paramount when it comes to protection of our land, forests, and communities. However, Mr. Speaker, for me, at this time, knowing what's taken place in Hay River, Fort Smith, and Yellowknife, I don't think it's appropriate to change this piece of legislation at this point without consultation from all Indigenous governments. Some thought has to be put into this, and it's probably something...

In favour.

Thank you, Madam Chair. And I appreciate the answer and I'm, you know, pleased to hear, I guess, you know, that the local governments and municipalities are on the radar of this government for some form of reimbursement or assistance as well. But, you know, the cost of firefighting or the cost of fighting these wildfires, we know, they take a toll not only on this government, but the people of the NWT as well, to the point that I'm hearing now that some of our residents will not return.

The Minister also stated that the Premier discussed costs with the Prime Minister. Can she confirm if there...

Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, the Member for Yellowknife North had asked for a high-level breakdown of costs. And I'd like to see that include what went out to local, regional, territorial, and businesses outside the NWT as well because this is something is this something, I guess, that the Minister can be provided? Because firefighting, really, in when we look at it is beneficial to part of our local and regional and territorial economy, and I think that, you know, when we're looking at it as much as, you know, we you know, we don't want to see fires because of the destruction they...

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. And that's all.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Yeah, I just want to, I guess, a couple comments and, you know you know, the Minister's now asking and this government's asking for another $75 million to continue with the fires, you know, the firefighting efforts going on, and rightfully so. There's a lot of work going on to you know, to support the you know, the firefighters, you know, there's probably cost of equipment and the support to those at the front lines as well. And I think this is just a start of what the ask will be. But, again, you know, I understand as well is that, you know, there's no asking here...

In favour.

In favour.