Latest news with #EmergencyManagementAct
CBC
28-02-2025
- Politics
- CBC
N.W.T. MLAs call on territorial gov't to declare state of emergency in Norman Wells
N.W.T. MLAs are calling on the territorial government to declare a state of emergency in Norman Wells for humanitarian reasons. Sahtu MLA Danny McNeely brought the motion forward Thursday saying that rising food insecurity and heating costs, along with increasingly unreliable infrastructure for resupply, are making life and business in Norman Wells extremely difficult. The motion calls on the territory to recognize the town's state of emergency and communicate that to the federal government. It also calls on the government to develop a procedure for responding to any "humanitarian state of emergency" in the territory. The motion passed with all 10 present MLAs voting in favour, and the six present cabinet ministers abstaining. McNeely told the assembly that rising costs are forcing Norman Wells residents to foreclose their homes, that some are leaving the town for opportunity elsewhere, and that seniors living on low incomes can't afford the basics. "The community is in a state of fear," he said. It's all tied to low water levels on the Mackenzie River in recent years, grounding barges that would usually resupply the community and forcing fuel to be flown in — a costly alternative. When the town declared its own state of emergency last fall, councillors noted at the time that if the territory would also declare a state of emergency, it would afford the department of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) more authority to offer support under the territory's Emergency Management Act. But MACA Minister Vince McKay said the challenges the town faces don't meet the territory's definition for emergency under the act, and that declaring a local state of emergency doesn't unlock federal or territorial funding. "A state of emergency applies only to situations where there is immediate threat to life or critical infrastructure," he said. Still, McKay says the government is committed to supporting Norman Wells and the Sahtu region, and is working to address both immediate relief and long-term planning. McKay pointed to supports the territory rolled out over the winter including a $150,000 donation to the Norman Wells food bank, doubling the home heating subsidy for seniors in Norman Wells, and a $1.8-million emergency fund for businesses, Indigenous and community governments in the Sahtu and Beaufort Delta to offset transportation costs. McKay said the territory is also continuing work to advance the Mackenzie Valley Highway to reduce reliance on seasonal transport. Norman Wells Mayor Frank Pope said he's proud of McNeely for continuing to advocate for the community and for canvassing support from other MLAs. Pope said the town is also facing the threat of Imperial Oil's departure, and the looming ripples that loss would create for work, transfer payments and taxes. Whether the town's challenges qualify as an emergency under the N.W.T. act, Pope says Norman Wells isn't giving up. The N.W.T. has 120 days to respond to Thursday's motion.
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Cherokee Nation makes changes in disaster relief
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — The Cherokee Nation tribe aims to be on the front line in federal disaster relief by addressing key challenges, according to the tribe's recent disaster response task force report. The task force issued a 21-page report outlining recommendations to improve emergency response. The reason the tribe responds quicker and does more than many other governments is that the Cherokee Nation believes in teamwork across agencies, as evidenced by the task force, Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said in a prepared statement. 'We are always willing to look at ourselves critically and find ways to improve,' Hoskin said. 'Disaster response and recovery never falls on one government, even one as adept as Cherokee Nation.' Cherokee Nation Provides Water to Aid Victims of Hurricane Helene Among the task force's recommendations were: Establish clearer authority and accountability for emergency response. Defined quick timelines for issuing an emergency declaration. Perform annual training simulations for key emergency response personnel. Establish a perpetual disaster response fund. The report states these measures will significantly enhance the nation's ability to protect its citizens and infrastructure in natural disasters by addressing these key challenges. Hoskin said his cabinet and Council will work to evaluate and potentially implement the remainder of the task force's recommendations. In a related effort to increase the tribe's services in disaster relief, Cherokee Nation entered into a historic agreement with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide trained response personnel to support FEMA's Supplemental Response Team Program during declared emergencies and disasters. The landmark five-year agreement, signed on Jan. 15, is the first in Indian Country. FEMA will reimburse the Cherokee Nation for costs incurred during these operations. The disaster relief team is comprised of seven Cherokee Nation Emergency Management employees, 15 Incident Management Team members, and 20 individuals who participate in search-and-rescue operations. Hoskin proposed an amendment to the tribe's Emergency Management Act to create the 'Cherokee Nation Community and Citizen Emergency Response Fund.' The proposed fund would begin at $1 million in the current fiscal year and build up to a cap of $5 million over time. The fund would mitigate individual and community losses due to disasters, such as loss of food, shelter, or other disaster-related economic impact, and purchase relevant equipment and supplies. 'Certainly, we have had emergency response funds in place for years,' said Deputy Chief Warner. 'But this proposal gives that funding more structure and helps us build up the funding over time.' 'When disaster strikes, the Cherokee people need assurances that funds are available to assist in recovery and that the funds will be distributed quickly,' said Council Deputy Speaker Kevin Easley Jr. Cherokee Councilor Danny Callison, the measure's co-sponsor, said last spring's tornadoes tested the tribe's emergency response operations and revealed improvement opportunities. The proposed legislation also provides that the tribes' new 'Gadugi Corps' disaster response volunteer network be 'activated' during a declared disaster to assist with response and recovery. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
