GNWT’s Disaster Assistance Policy to be applied in NWT communities and surrounding areas

Press Release

August 31, 2023

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) will be applying the Disaster Assistance Policy (DAP) for communities and surrounding areas in the Northwest Territories where widespread property or infrastructure damage has been experienced and recovery efforts are required. Specifically, these communities include: Behchokǫ̀; Enterprise; Fort Smith; Hay River; Kátł’odeeche First Nation; Yellowknife and Ndılǫ, potentially including the Ingraham Trail; Dettah; Jean Marie River; Kakisa; Wekweètı̀; and Sambaa k’e.

The GNWT recognizes the immense stress that residents, businesses, and community officials are under due to the Territorial State of Emergency that was declared on
August 15, 2023, and particularly those impacted by this year’s unprecedented wildfire situation.

Before you register for DAP, it is important to note it only applies if:

• A wildfire caused damage to your primary residence and/or belongings.
• The applicant is a resident of the Northwest Territories (NWT). A resident is defined as a person who is lawfully entitled to be in, or remains in Canada, has lived in the NWT for at least three consecutive months, and is physically present in the NWT at least 153 days during each calendar year.
• Your insurance does not cover costs related to restoring essential items and property.

If you have questions or need assistance with navigating the process to access disaster assistance, email disasterassistance@gov.nt.ca or call (867) 767-9161 ext. 20134.

Quote(s)

“Our government recognizes the immense stress that residents, businesses, and community officials are under due to the Territorial State of Emergency and ongoing wildfire situation across the Northwest Territories. The Disaster Assistance Policy can provide financial assistance to NWT residents who have suffered damage as a result of this unprecedented wildfire season.”

– Shane Thompson, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs

Quick Facts

• The Territorial State of Emergency – originally declared on August 15, 2023 – applies to all of the NWT in recognition of the efforts needed to manage this unprecedented wildfire season.
• The most dangerous wildfires are caused by humans. They are usually closer to places where there are people or property than wildfires that are caused naturally.
• Protecting communities, properties, and each other from wildfire danger is everyone’s responsibility to keep the risk of damage from fire as low as possible.
• The Climate Trends and Variations Bulletin (CTVB) helps communicate to Canadians how Canada’s climate has changed over the period for which Environment Canada has made climate observations.
• The best protection individuals can apply in disaster-prone areas is having a clear plan and an emergency kit.

Related Links

• NWT Fire Updates
• GNWT Public Safety Updates
• Disaster Assistance Policy
• Disaster Assistance Funding Policy
• Disaster Assistance Policy Registration Form – Resident
• Disaster Assistance Policy Registration Form – Business / Non-Profit Organization
• Disaster Financial Assistance

For media requests, please contact:

Jay Boast

Senior Communications and Planning Advisor

Municipal and Community Affairs

Government of the Northwest Territories

Jay_Boast@gov.nt.ca

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