Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, now that life is starting to get back to normal for the residents of Aklavik and Inuvik in the wake of the flooding and subsequent evacuation of Aklavik, I would like to take this opportunity to commend the many people and organizations who worked so hard to respond positively to this flood and evacuation.

On May 26th, an ice jam on the Mackenzie River resulted in water levels rising in the community of Aklavik so that many sections of the community were under water. Aklavik’s Emergency Response Committee responded quickly and efficiently by organizing the evacuation of residents whose home were affected by the rising floodwaters. Responding equally as quickly was the town of Inuvik’s emergency response team, who, on very short notice, prepared to accept the over 300 residents of Aklavik who were forced to leave their homes. Residents of both Aklavik and Inuvik responded in typical northern spirit by working together, supporting one another and maintaining their compassion and sense of humour throughout the entire ordeal. I understand that Aklavik’s motto may even have been temporarily changed from "Never Say Die" to "Never Say Dry."

---Laughter

In Aklavik, Mayor Hansen and his team did an excellent job in assessing the situation and responding quickly and competently in both the emergency response and the evacuation. Hamlet of Aklavik staff are to be commended in working so diligently to re-establish basic services within the community, including water delivery, sewage pump-out and road maintenance, under such difficult conditions. Their efforts resulted in Aklavik residents being able to return home sooner than anticipated.

In Inuvik, Mayor Peter Clarkson and his team at the Town of Inuvik, including the emergency response team under the direction of Deputy Fire Chief Julie Miller, prepared to welcome Aklavik evacuees in record time in an organized, competitive and sensitive manner. Their quick response, with minimal advance notice, can be used as a "best

practice" for government and other communities in similar situations to learn from.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories provided support and advice to the community throughout this ordeal. Municipal and Community Affairs supports communities in undertaking community emergency planning and response. Regional and headquarters staff worked to support both communities and confirmed how impressed they were with every facet of the emergency response.

A number of other government departments and agencies were involved, such as the Department of Transportation whose staff were quick to arrange air transport to move people to and from Inuvik. As well, Health and Social Services’ environmental health division, Public Works and Services, the NWT Power Corporation, the RCMP and the Canadian Forces’ Joint Task Force North all provided input, timely advice and assistance throughout.

The next step is to assess the damages, begin the repairs and explore how we can support both individual residents and the two community governments in covering the costs of damages and the emergency response overall. Staff from Municipal and Community Affairs are in Aklavik and Inuvik this week to attend public debriefing meetings and discuss how these next steps will unfold.

Once again, on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories, I want to commend the leaders and residents from Aklavik and Inuvik fro such a strong emergency response. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause