Mr. Speaker, the flooding in Hay River, West Point, and K'atlodeeche has impacted businesses in the fishing, agricultural and tourism sectors. Mr. Speaker, these business sectors are not only important to those that participate in them, but also to those persons and businesses that purchase the products from those sectors.
The agricultural sector, which has several producers located at Paradise Valley, was significantly impacted by this year’s flood and may not be prepared, or be fully prepared, for this production season.
The fishing sector businesses, which are primarily located in the West Channel, West Point, and Old Town, had much of their equipment compromised which will now require not only cleanup but purchasing new equipment to replace what was lost or damaged. This may translate into a late start.
We have two tourism operators located on the shore of the Great Slave Lake, with one suffering severe damage to buildings and equipment for the second year in a row and will require major repairs.
The Wharf Pavilion, in the Old Town, allows vendors to cater to residents, visitors, and tourists, suffered flood damage and will require cleanup and repairs. This is expected to delay its opening this season.
Mr. Speaker, the effect of this flood goes beyond damage to property. It affects the seasonal livelihood of many business owners, their employees and customers. Some of the flood damage in these sector businesses may be covered by the Disaster Assistance Policy. The question is, does the Disaster Assistance Policy compensate for loss of revenue and wages a question asked by business owners.
Without revenue and wages, these business owners, operators and workers, may step back and look for alternate employment that will provide immediate income to put food on the table while they rebuild. That, along with waiting on funds to repair damage, or replace damaged equipment, may result in a lost season for some business owners and operators.
Mr. Speaker, this government has made major investments in each of the fishing, agricultural, and tourism sectors in Hay River. We have a $15 million fish plant being constructed in the hope of revitalizing a commercial fishing industry, which industry has now been delivered another blow by flooding. We have seen contributions and supports provided to the agricultural sector to build infrastructure which is now compromised and damaged. Tourism operators and facilities are situated in floodprone areas and continue to be impacted year after year with no resolve.
Before we lose these sectors, we must provide those business owners and operators with some immediate financial supports to supplement the Disaster Assistance Policy funding. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, member for Hay River South. Members' statements. Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes.
