Thank you, Mr. Speaker. October 5 to 11 is designated as Fire Prevention Week across Canada. Fire Prevention Week is dedicated to educating the public about the importance of fire safety. This year’s theme is Preventing Home Fires.
Northwest Territories firefighters provide an important service that is not always appreciated until an emergency arises and they are called to duty to protect people and property in our communities. Many community firefighters in the NWT are volunteers; however, they dedicate a significant amount of their time to assist their communities. We appreciate the risks all NWT firefighters take on our behalf.
Mr. Speaker, in recognition of Fire Prevention Week I wish to acknowledge the 2008 recipients of the NWT’s Fire Service Merit Awards. The Fire Service Merit Awards acknowledge the tremendous commitment and dedication of the men and women of the Northwest Territories Fire Service, who strive to keep our families, homes and communities safe. This year the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs is pleased to honour three recipients, nominated by the public, for their extra efforts in keeping their communities fire safe.
Mr. Christopher Jack-Carson, an educator in Fort Providence, is receiving this year’s Individual Award for developing an introductory fire issues program for his school. Mr. Jack-Carson recognized the value of providing his students with important information on fire hazards, fire prevention, fire response services in their community and career opportunities in firefighting. The program has been highly successful and has resulted in a reduction of fires in Fort Providence.
Mr. Speaker, the Hamlet of Fort McPherson’s fire department is receiving a community award for their outstanding efforts in expanding their response capabilities. This progressive fire department has added new training modules for their crew, including highway rescue, first responder, urban interface and water rescue, while continuing to maintain and enhance core firefighting skills.
The Tlicho communities’ government of Behchoko fire department is receiving a community award with honours, Mr. Speaker. This fire department has shown tremendous initiative in revitalizing and enhancing their community fire service. The Behchoko fire department has acquired new equipment and uniforms and developed preventative maintenance programs. Under a pilot initiative the Behchoko fire department’s training efforts have been extended to other Tlicho communities, substantially improving fire protection in the North Slave region.
Mr. Speaker, the Fire Service Merit Award program is a tremendous opportunity for the Government of the Northwest Territories to recognize the contributions firefighters make every day and to highlight the importance of a skilled fire service. I invite my colleagues to join me in the Great Hall at 11 a.m. on October 9 to celebrate the achievements of this year’s award recipients.
Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Lafferty.
