Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we now have a picture of the devastation the fire caused to structures and homes on K'atlodeeche First Nation lands. This event follows in the footsteps of major flooding last year from which residents of K'atlodeeche and Hay River are still feeling the financial impact and are once again having to dip into what savings they may have to cover evacuation costs.
The current financial support of $750 per person offered up by this government, although welcomed, does not go far enough for those already dealing with the high cost of living. It excludes many and leaves many without. Residents are looking to the compensation package Alberta provided to evacuees, and our residents were expecting the same.
Mr. Speaker, throughout this event the questions on the minds of evacuees were:
Are family and homes safe?
When can we return home? And,
Beyond what has already been provided, what financial support is available?
The first two questions have been answered, and now the focus is on the financial support promised. Some residents have been notified to access personal insurance coverage to help offset costs. While income assistance clients were provided support, there are many outside that group who have limited support or no support at all.
Mr. Speaker, I have been receiving numerous calls from residents who are looking for the financial support payments promised. This government must inform those as to how and when financial payments will be made. It is a week since Hay River residents returned home and while K'atlodeeche residents are still waiting to return, both are saying although applications have been submitted, payments have not been received. Residents need financial support as soon as possible just to put food on the table, make rent or mortgage payments, and meet daytoday expenses.
Mr. Speaker, we also have the communities of Yellowknife, Enterprise, Fort Providence, Fort Resolution, Fort Smith, Fort Simpson, and others, who all welcomed evacuees with open arms and supplied services prior to any financial commitment from this government. Why did they do this? Because they knew it was the right thing to do.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased this government made a financial commitment to those communities who have supported evacuees. I will expect compensation for each of those communities to be equitable and timely. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Unanimous consent granted
Mr. Speaker, our failure to act quickly with adequate financial support will make people think twice about leaving their community next time an evacuation order is made which may result in loss of human life. Thank you.
Thank you, Member for Hay River South. Members' statements. Member for Thebacha.
