After the evacuation notice broke the evening of July 24, 2023, Behchokǫ residents flocked to the Yellowknife Multiplex seeking shelter and resources.
Premier Caroline Cochrane was spotted outside and spoke with MyTrueNorthNow to provide her insights on the evacuation from the Territorial Government’s perspective.
“We have the Multiplex in Yellowknife set up for people, if you are a resident of Behchokǫ make sure that you’ve registered with the sportsplex or the Multiplex here so that we can make sure we have all the people,” Premier Caroline Cochrane tells MyTrueNorthNow.
Food, snacks, and even pizzas are available for evacuees at the Yellowknife Multiplex, and Premier Cochrane adds that while the evacuation was short notice, public service has been through situations like this before.
“We didn’t get a lot of notice on this one, but we’re setting up cots, it’s not our first time,” the Premier says.
The seven-day loss of employment policy initiated during the Hay River/KFN wildfire is in effect once again for evacuees, meaning the Territorial Government will supplement a portion of your income while you are evacuated.
“We have a policy for $750, and we are trying to help as best as possible,” Cochrane says. “We’re working with the communities, we’ve already contacted the Chiefs and the Grand Chief, and we’re working with them to talk about how we can support people in the longer run and people on income support,” she adds.
Premier Cochrane also shared her support of the firefighters during the ongoing wildfire crisis throughout the territory and confirmed that help for emergency crews is on the way.
“We’ve got other jurisdictions coming in; however, its important to note that we’re not the only jurisdiction, there’s other jurisdictions that are burning as well,” the Premier shares. “There’s usually a protocol when a jurisdiction is in trouble, other jurisdictions will come to help, so Alaska is coming, the Maritimes is coming, and we’re prepared to go international if we have to,” she adds.
