Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd first like to say Happy Birthday to my son R.J.
Mr. Speaker, over the summer, wildfires in the North South Slave Region destroyed homes, businesses, and community infrastructure which will have a longlasting effect on the emotional and mental wellbeing of residents of Hay River, K'atlodeeche First Nation, and Enterprise.
Mr. Speaker, many of us have seen firsthand the devastation in Enterprise, Hay River, and K'atlodeeche, and along the highway where cabins were lost due to these wildfires. Residents are asking, could more have been done to get the fires under control sooner? Possibly. But one thing is for sure, if not for the immediate action by Hay River's EMO and the sheer determination and work of those wildfire and structural frontline firefighters, of those who fought the fire from the air, and of those who provided logistical and various supports to all frontline workers, the outcome might have been much different and much more devastating and for this we thank them.
Mr. Speaker, this wildfire impacted residents of Hay River and the residents of the South Slave who were directed to evacuate on very short notice which many did, and for that we must thank them for their cooperation, patience, and understanding throughout this ordeal. The evacuation was not only for their safety and for the safety of their family and neighbours but provided frontline firefighters with room to effectively fight the fire that surrounded and endangered homes, businesses and community infrastructure.
Mr. Speaker, the Yukon territory and the provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and British Columbia, along with many of their residents, businesses and NGOs, all stepped up and welcomed our residents with open arms. They mobilized quickly to provide accommodation, meals, local transportation, mental health, and medical health supports and more. For this, we thank them.
Mr. Speaker, the First Nation and Metis governments provided ongoing financial, transportation, accommodation, and mental health supports to their citizens throughout the evacuation, as well many NGOs including United Way, have been instrumental in providing financial and other resources and supports and fill gaps left by government. For this, we thank them.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the work done by Hay River mayor Candace Jamieson, councillor Robert Bouchard, and volunteer Cathy McBryan who, among the many duties they had, spent countless hours at the airport ensuring safe and organized departures of all evacuees of Hay River. For this, I thank them. Thank you.
Thank you, Member for Hay River South Slave. Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake.
