The Government of Canada is providing financial assistance to the Northwest Territories (NWT) at this time of critical need. The NWT has experienced the worst wildfire season on record, leading to widespread evacuations, loss of personal property, and damage to critical infrastructure. This follows severe spring flooding that the NWT experienced in 2021 and 2022 causing significant damage to public infrastructure, private residences, and small businesses.
Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, President of the King's Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, announced the Government of Canada is expeditiously assessing the Territory's Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA) claim for the 2023 wildfires. Additionally, the federal government is releasing $15 million to the NWT through the DFAA program, to support the Territory and assist with recovery costs associated with the 2021 and 2022 spring floods. This is on top of two DFAA payments totalling $50,681,251 that were issued earlier this year for those events.
In addition, from August 12th until September 6th, Public Safety officials had been embedded with territorial officials on the ground, working collaboratively through this challenging time to support the NWT in its response and recovery. PS officials also continue to work closely alongside territorial officials in order to ensure that future DFAA support is provided as quickly and smoothly as possible.
The Government of Canada has, and continues to work closely with the Government of the NWT throughout this unprecedented wildfire season.
