Premier Caroline Cochrane and Paulie Chinna, minister of municipal and community affairs and minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation, issued the following statement on behalf of Cabinet concerning flooding in Jean Marie River, Fort Simpson, Hay River, and Kátł’odeeche First Nation.

“The past week has been an incredibly trying time for NWT residents, especially those who are directly impacted by flooding in their communities. The North has always been a place where residents come together during a time of need and I know we will do that again for those impacted by flooding.

“The department of Municipal and Community Affairs, Emergency Management Organization (EMO), has been activated and is assisting communities with the NWT Flood situation. The EMO has been an active partner in the emergency response with the communities of Hay River, Kátł’odeeche First Nation, Jean Marie River and Fort Simpson over the past week and will continue to monitor and work collaboratively with communities to address emergency needs, including evacuation shelters on an ongoing, real time basis.

“The Northwest Territories Housing Corporation is working to ensure that activities related business continuity and resumption of services, including making NWTHC units available where possible for those impacted. As soon as it is safe to do so, NWTHC staff will travel to affected communities to meet with residents to discuss their needs and how the GNWT can provide support.

“Affected communities and residents, we see you, we know you are struggling, and we are going to do everything we can to ensure that you are safe and have the supports you need. Once flooding has subsided, the GNWT will continue to work with communities who will be focussed on leading the recovery.

“We recognize that many of our residents are under a significant amount of stress and our thoughts are with them during this challenging time. As the flooding situations are an active and changing situation, please remember to follow the advice and recommendation of your leaders and emergency responders. Stay calm and support each other, we will get through this.”

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