Have Your Say – Wildfire Management Annual Engagement

February 15, 2024

As part of the Department of Environment and Climate Change’s annual engagement activities, forest managers across the Northwest Territories (NWT) are visiting communities in all regions to get input on wildfire management from Indigenous leaders, community governments and the public.

We are seeking ideas and input from the public that consider both a local and a territorial view on wildfire prevention, preparedness and response. When attending these sessions, participants can expect to receive presentations on the 2023 wildfire season, background information on how the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) manages wildfires and opportunities for input, questions and answers from subject matter experts from your region.

For the first time, input on wildfire management can also be provided online using the GNWT’s public engagement portal. This new approach provides an additional way to have your say in a way that works best for you. Background documents and information are available online and at in-person sessions to assist in meaningful engagement.

The input gathered through these public engagement opportunities allows wildfire managers to:

• better understand community concerns about wildfire;
• continually incorporate community priorities into wildfire management;
• share information with communities and the public about the wildfire management program; and
• share information on planning for the 2024 season.

Additionally, regional staff from the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs will attend sessions to hear feedback from members of the public on the wildfire response as the GNWT continues to engage with residents to implement a whole-of-government approach.

Input related to emergency response – like emergency planning, evacuations, hosting, and other elements of emergency response – will be collected and considered separately as part of the planned independent 2023 Wildfire Season After Action Review on emergency response.

Quote(s)

“When it comes to wildfire management, the way we do business matters a great deal to people across the NWT. That’s why its important that that we engage with communities, Indigenous governments, Indigenous organizations and the public every year before the next wildfire season begins. We welcome the opportunity to hear from people across the territory as our team prepares for the season ahead.”

– Jay Macdonald, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

Quick facts

• This annual engagement opportunity is in addition to the independent, third-party review of the 2023 wildfire season and response that is currently underway.
• Wildfire managers engage with local communities and Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations every winter to review the past fire season, update Community Wildfire Protection Plans and share information on wildfires and our wildfire management program.
• Community Wildfire Protection Plans are in place for every forested community in the NWT to guide local wildfire prevention and mitigation measures.
• Individuals with cabins, remote homes or businesses in forested areas are responsible for taking steps to protect them from the risk of wildfire, and there’s no time like the present to start this work. The sessions are an opportunity for individuals to get tips on FireSmarting their home, camp, cabin or business.

Related links

• Have Your Say: Wildfire Management Engagements – 2024
• Prevent wildfire with these tips
• Prepare for wildfire before it comes with FireSmart NWT
• How wildfire operations work

For media requests, please contact:

Mike Westwick
Wildfire Information Officer
Environment and Climate Change
Government of the Northwest Territories
Mike_Westwick@gov.nt.ca
867-688-0958

NT4