GNWT outlines actions to strengthen territorial emergency response

After several seasons of major floods and wildfires, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is outlining the actions underway to strengthen emergency response and better protect residents and communities.

As previously announced, the formal response to the 2023 Emergency Response After-Action Review (AAR) is now available. The 2022 Emergency Response and Recovery AAR Report, which was delayed due to the widespread emergencies and evacuations of 2023, is also being released. Both AARs make recommendations for stronger community support, clearer roles and training for responders, improved communication systems, updated evacuation planning, and expanded mental health supports.

Many of the recommendations from both reviews have already been implemented, including:

• Updates to the NWT Emergency Plan to clarify roles and responsibilities
• Launch of DriveNWT, a modern travel information site to improve public safety
• Delivery of Community Emergency Planning Workshops and tabletop exercises in 21 NWT communities
• Enhanced public readiness tools, including the annual "Be Ready" campaign and a new online emergency pre-registration system
• Implementation of surge capacity protocols to ensure more resources are available during major emergencies, with 137 GNWT staff on the surge capacity list
• Expanded training on the Incident Command System for GNWT staff
• Staffing of regional emergency coordinator positions to provide direct support to community governments

Work is also underway to review the Emergency Management Act with Indigenous and community governments, and to align the Disaster Assistance Policy with updated federal disaster recovery programming.

The GNWT recognizes Indigenous governments, community governments, emergency responders, non-governmental organizations, and partner organizations across the territory for their dedication and support throughout each emergency season.

Quotes:

"These reviews make it clear where we need to do better, and we are already putting those lessons into practice. The floods and wildfires of recent years have shown the strength of residents and communities, the dedication of frontline responders, and the commitment of GNWT staff who stepped up in difficult circumstances. Their efforts saved lives and kept people safe.

We are acting on the recommendations so that the next time an emergency happens - and we know there will be a next time - residents can count on stronger planning, clearer communication, and faster support. Working with Indigenous and community governments, we are building an emergency management system that is more responsive, more resilient, and truly ready for emergencies."

- RJ Simpson, Premier of the Northwest Territories

"Community governments and frontline responders are the backbone of emergency response, and we are working closely with them to put these lessons learned into action. With stronger planning, clearer roles, and closer collaboration with community governments and Indigenous governments, we are building a system residents can trust when it matters most. The GNWT will keep listening, learning, and improving our response with every emergency we face."

- Vince McKay, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs

Quick facts

2022 After-Action Review:

• The 2022 AAR is an independent, third-party review of the GNWT's emergency response and recovery activities for flooding in Hay River and the Kátł'odeeche First Nation (KFN) Reserve.
• Recovery from the 2022 flood season is ongoing and is expected to take until 2027.

GNWT Response to 2023 After-Action Review:

• The 2023 AAR is an independent, third-party review of the GNWT's emergency response to the most devastating wildfire season on record, which saw multiple community evacuations and resulted in the displacement of nearly 70% of the entire territorial population.
• The GNWT accepts 26 of the 35 recommendations, accepts five in principle, partially accepts three, and does not accept one. The GNWT Response document explains each decision and a detailed path forward for implementation.

Related links

• 2022 After-Action Review
• GNWT Response to 2023 After Action Review Recommendations
• Be Ready: Make an emergency plan and kit
• Public Safety

For departmental media requests, please contact: Jay Boast, Senior Communications and Planning Advisor Department of Municipal and Community Affairs Government of the Northwest Territories [email protected] (867) 767-9162 ext. 21044

For Ministerial media requests, please contact: Cabinet Communications Government of the Northwest Territories [email protected]