Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I want to recognize the outstanding work of the Canadian Red Cross during these challenging and unpredictable times, in the Northwest Territories, across Canada, and around the world.
The Canadian Red Cross is part of the largest disaster relief and humanitarian organization in the world. Together with the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross/Red Crescent, and 192 national societies, the Red Cross movement works to help people and communities in times of need and support them in strengthening their resilience through increased preparedness and readiness. Something, Mr. Speaker, that speaks to my proactive engineer's heart.
Recently, a leading source of research on trust in Canada – the Proof Strategies CanTrust Index – found that Canadians trust the Red Cross to "operate competently, effectively, and to do the right thing." The Red Cross has been voted the most trusted organization in Canada for 2022.
Over the last two years, the Red Cross has been instrumental in helping the NWT continue to function, from supporting isolation services and implementing epidemic prevention and control measures, to providing clinical surge support, the Red Cross continues to help our family, friends, and neighbours weather our rapidly changing northern climate and deal with the waves of COVID19.
With the same caring spirit they bring to all their work, the Red Cross immediately activated to support those impacted by the crisis in Ukraine, providing lifesaving humanitarian assistance. The Canadian Red Cross has been working closely with International Red Cross movement partners to coordinate essential supplies like food, water, medicine, and shelter to help those displaced both inside the country as well as those around it. The Red Cross wishes to thank the Government of the Northwest Territories for its generous offer to match NWT donations of up to $50,000 to aid in this humanitarian response. It's also worth noting, Mr. Speaker, that the federal government is also matching Canadian donations to the Red Cross to the tune of $10 million. As of March 5th, the Canadian Red Cross had raised $46.2 million for the Ukraine humanitarian crisis appeal.
As we look to the future and the rising challenges we face due to climate change, our strong relationship with the Canadian Red Cross will be more important than ever. Climatedriven disasters and emergencies are only expected to increase so ensuring we are prepared to respond rapidly, effectively, and in coordination will be crucial for our people and their communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Great Slave. Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake.
