Premier Caroline Cochrane recently sat down with Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs and Environment and Climate Change Shane Thompson to make several public statements of thanks to all of the out of territory support that recently came in to help with the various wildfires.
“It has been truly humbling to see our neighbours from across the country step up to assist NWT residents who have been impacted by wildfires over the past month.”
They mentioned the funding that has been received by Hay River and K’atl’odeeche First Nation residents, donated by United Way NWT, and matched by the GNWT up to $150,000, providing assistance to the affected communities.
They also took the opportunity to announce some extra support coming from the Federal Government.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his government will also be matching donations to the United Way NWT. The Governments of the Yukon and Nunavut also announced generous donations of $25,000 each on May 17.
“To maximize our ability to fight wildland fires, our government has also signed a five-year agreement exceeding $28 million with Natural Resources Canada, under their new Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate Program Equipment Fund.
“This fund, which allows provinces and territories to cost-share investments for equipment such as vehicles, enhanced communications gear, and repairs to aging equipment, will be used for the purchase of aircraft, vehicles, dispatch consoles, and dust suppressant. Salaries and benefits, contracted services, and training are also eligible expenditures.”
The Premier and Minister sent their thanks to the neighbouring provinces who have sent their help, and to the Prime Minister and Feds for their extra support.
