Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the forest fire season of 2014 is still strong in the memory of NWT residents. The GNWT spent $59 million fighting fires that year. Last year's fire season was also demanding, the second worst on record. We are also aware of the recent wildfire that caused evacuation of Fort McMurray destroying ten per cent of the city. While the residents of Fort McMurray are slowly being allowed to return to their homes, that wildfire is still burning out of control at more than 550,000 hectares. Here in the Northwest Territories, the 2016 season hasn't been busy as the Minister said earlier today. In fact, we have only had two fires. Only eight hectares have burned so far this year, Mr. Speaker. But Mr. Speaker, experts anticipate drier weather and the increased fire risk that comes with it. Now is the time to prepare, Mr. Speaker. In my riding, both Fort McPherson and Tsiigehtchic are surrounded by dense forest. A fire break was planned for Fort McPherson, but two years ago, that project was put on hold. As I mentioned we have had many fires that year, and for that reason, that project was put on hold. We know that taking preventive action works. In 2014, the community of Kakisa was saved from fire damage thanks to their use of fire smarting practices to clear the surrounding area of potential fuel. The 201415 fire seasons may have been expensive, Mr. Speaker, but it is much more expensive to rebuild than to protect. I will have questions for the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources later today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Members’ statements. Member for Thebacha.
