Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Northwest Territories has been through hard times since the Assembly began four years ago. The pandemic, floods, fire, even war, have darkened our days and brought our people nothing but stress and uncertainty. It has also tested the resolve of this government to steer the territory through the worst of times. We are in the thick of it, Mr. Speaker. Even today, session is on an emergency basis and I think that it is important that we recognize the people who have been working hard to protect our communities while their friends and families have been forced to evacuate. I would like to say thank you and recognize all the essential workers from the City of Yellowknife, Town of Hay River, Town of Fort Smith, YKDFN, Kakisa, K'atlodeeche Reserve.
Mr. Speaker, when I recognize these people coming up shortly I just want to say, you know, they have been working long days and nights to protect our communities and our homes and be ready to welcome, for me and my community the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, home. I want to say a big mahsi cho to Elvis Kotchilea, Brian Proby, Kieron Testart, Bochia Kotchilea, Therese Lynn, Roger Mackeinzo, Joe Dewar, Cash McMann, Silent Safkin, Trisha Liske, Norman Sangris, Gordon Sangris, Eric Capoe, and the volunteers Brian Sundberg, Ethan Sundberg, Ernest Betsina, Norman Betsina, Nikki Betsina, including former chief Eddie Sangris and chief Fred Sangris. And there are so many others who have pitched in during these times, mahsi cho again from the bottom of my heart.
Mr. Speaker, Northerners are resilient and strong. Our Indigenous brothers and sisters have weathered greater storms that our ancestors survived since time immemorial. The community's display of compassion and generosity is humbling. It is no surprise that we are taking care of each other. That's what Northerners do.
Mahsi to everyone who has stepped up to help the evacuees from provinces, provincial governments to the nongovernment organizations, to cities and band councils, and ordinary citizens pitching in to help. And I want to recognize and include
Deninu Kue First Nation, the Fort Resolution Metis Council, and Lutselk'e Dene First Nation. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my Member statement. Thank you.
Unanimous consent granted
Thank you, Mr. Speaker; thank you, colleagues. But just because Northerners can handle any crisis, it doesn't they don't have questions about how this government has been managing our current state of emergencies. It does not take a scholar to notice that the communication from our Cabinet colleagues have been limited, confusing, and in some cases contradictory. Just this alone has caused enough for a concern. If our government cannot effectively communicate, it seems unprepared and for some untrustworthy.
Mr. Speaker, the people are frustrated and our patience are running out. We cannot expect that thousands of displaced residents can support themselves without help from our government. We must do more. Our people are looking for us for leadership. Even though the session is short, rest assured I am working day and night to support my constituents through the crisis and ensure our people that are back safely to their homes and their traditional territory. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Tu Nedhe Wiilidhe. Members' statements. Member for Great Slave.
