Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It was a dramatic weekend in Nahanni Butte, Fort Liard and Fort Simpson. Melting snow and rain have swollen the Liard River to flood levels. The biggest emergency was in Nahanni Butte. Rising waters were lapping at the door of the power plant when finally it had to be shut down. With the power cut off, it was decided to evacuate the residents of the community to Fort Simpson by air and ground transportation. Fifty-two people were moved to safety.
The community of Fort Simpson has really come through. People have opened their homes, volunteered to help and worked hard to welcome the people of Nahanni Butte. I want to thank them for their kindness and hospitality. They are really making the best of it. It was a big job done on very short notice and I’m happy that it went so well. It looks like the emergency response exercise that Fort Simpson and region had about a month ago really paid off.
I also want to thank the mayor and staff of the Village of Fort Simpson, the staff at Municipal and Community Affairs, Health and Social Services and the Emergency Measures Coordinating Committee. I also understand the Department of Transportation played a big role, as well, and will help schedule flights when the evacuees can return to Nahanni Butte.
All of this happened when the ferry was out of service. High water on the Liard has brought a lot of logs and debris down the river. The N’dulee ferry crossing towards Wrigley is closed. This was a big concern to residents and visitors of Fort Simpson throughout all these evacuation procedures. At last report, water levels were stabilizing. This is good news, especially since 15 residents of Nahanni Butte stayed behind in the community. With any luck, everyone else will be able to return home early or later this week.
Thankfully, flooding like this is not a common event in Nahanni Butte. I hope the floodwaters have not done too much damage, but I trust our government will keep up the good job when the cleanup starts.
Once again, I offer my commendations to all involved for the safety and care of the people of Nahanni Butte and Fort Liard. Mahsi cho.
Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.
