Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I mentioned earlier that Fort Resolution hamlet is under third party management. On January 9th, 2024, we had a serious house fire in our community, and my question is my first question is, will the Minister commit to put in place a volunteer fire department in the community of Fort Resolution as soon as possible? Also, to work with the chief and council, and president Arthur Beck, Fort Resolution Metis Council, on the plan? Mahsi.
Thank you, Member from Tu NedheWiilideh. Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With volunteer fire departments, there's obviously a concern of commitment from community members. Volunteerism is down everywhere, and I know the struggles in Fort Resolution are there. MACA is committed to making sure that the department is fully supported, and they have the resources in order to establish that department and operate it as such. However, again, it is a commitment that community members need to also step up and volunteer, and I hope for the sake of the community that local community members step up and put their name in to help out the community with volunteerism on the fire department. Thank you.
Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. Member from Tu NedheWiilideh.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you, Minister. And I think it's great that you're going to make that commitment. And the other thing too as well I brought up, Mr. Speaker, is that we had a fire plan that we brought forward in the last Assembly and going forward the fire season's right around the corner. I want to know if the Minister could commit to putting in place a fire plan for the community of Fort Resolution and work with the chief and council of Fort Resolution and also the president of the Fort Resolution Metis Council? Mahsi.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If it's the community emergency plan that the Member's talking about, I'm aware that the community is working on the community plan. They're hoping to have it finished off here shortly. They're working with community members, including the Indigenous governments in the community to make sure this plan is up to date. I'm also aware that they completed some Cat guard work within the community. I believe it was the end of December that it was completed. So in regards to the fire plan, which I believe he's speaking about, the community plan for the safety stuff there, there is a commitment to complete that and get that done before the upcoming season. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As well, the water levels have dropped just over three feet this year, and in Fort Resolution we have the water intake lines that are they're not far off the shore but they because the water went down. The lines had to be brought out a little further. In regards to fire safety in the community and water for the community of Fort Resolution for each household, what can you do to get this thing fixed right away so that this is not an issue? Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This beginning of the year here we had a I had a phone call from the chief, and I hear his concerns, and they were addressed with local knowledge and local people that were on site and I appreciate the work that they put into it to help the community. MACA's committed to making sure that these kinds of things don't happen, especially with us being in the community and working on that stuff, so. We are aware of the low water levels and the intake problems, and we're committed to working with the local contractors and try to solve those problems. Thank you.
Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. Final supplementary. Member from Tu NedheWiilideh.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Minister. Also, can the Minister commit to meeting with the leadership in Fort Resolution and the public along with myself, as the MLA, to talk about the hamlet of Fort Resolution? Also, can you also commit to having a monthly meeting with the community members with the SAO?
Thank you, Member. Two questions. Please stick to one. Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, so with the meetings, I have no problem going to the community and having public engagement with the community. As I stated to the chief when I spoke to him, I said that, you know, if I have the opportunity to go there I will go there. Hopefully sooner rather than later. Also, I will answer the other question; that's fine. I can't commit to going monthly but I would like to go there as soon as I can. I like to go home monthly if I can. Thank you.
Thank you, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. Oral questions. Member from Inuvik Boot Lake.
