Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mahsi. There were 124 vehicle collisions on Northwest Territories highways in 2011. There was close to a 10 percent increase over the number of collisions from 2010. In spite of prevention efforts, driving conditions on our highway system can be challenging due to many factors beyond our control. Low visibility at certain times of the year, severe weather conditions, wildlife, rough road surfaces and long stretches of highway between communities with limited telecommunication services are just some of the things we contend with.
The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs and other departments have worked on ground ambulance and highway rescue initiatives for a long time, as well as community capacity to respond to emergencies. A preliminary assessment in 2010-2011 concluded that approximately 25 out of the NWT’s 33 fire departments were unable to respond to basic fire emergencies. We have no organized response measures for vehicle fires or other emergencies on our highways. The communities apply for reimbursement when they send emergency vehicles outside of their municipal boundaries.
The NWT Association of Communities has consistently called on the Government of the Northwest Territories to support firefighter training. It also passed a resolution last year, asking the government to develop and implement a formal multi-year contribution program that would allow communities to offer essential emergency services, and that would also allow the safe and reliable servicing of highways.
The Government of the Northwest Territories must move ahead on this program. I’m pleased that the government has a Ground Ambulance and Highway Rescue Committee and that there’s ongoing funding to support this initiative. I understand the government is reviewing its program and MACA promises updates in the coming fiscal year. However, I urge this committee to move forward to identify appropriate service levels, funding and performance measures, and to continue to engage stakeholders to fully implement a safe, reliable ground ambulance and highway rescue.
Vehicle fires and fires in communities are relatively uncommon, but one emergency in which lives are threatened or lost is one too many. There were 120 vehicle collisions on our highways in a single year. Increasing traffic increases the risk of emergency. We want people to drive with caution, and spend millions in capital dollars to maintain our roads, but we must expect the unexpected. We must be prepared to respond to the worst scenario. One moment can be one moment too late. One life lost is one too many. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Nadli. The Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Blake.
