Thank you, sir. And what important representation it is, may I point out.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to talk about how important this motion is to Avens but, in fairness, the motion is also important to all territorial partners that help ensure Northerners were well cared for during the 2023 evacuation. Let us not forget the important role that NGOs play in service to our northern people, our government, and any institution that they collaborate with. They are key partners to our northern success.
What an experience, Mr. Speaker. Like no others, you know very well yourself more than 50 percent of the NWT was evacuated during that experience. It was completely unreal, the work and stress this caused so many. But, Mr. Speaker, what was overlooked in any form is the everyday -- we can't overlook -- sorry -- in any form the everyday people who rose to the occasion during this absolute urgent crisis. Yes, as we look back, we can say thank God our city wasn't razed and other communities weren't razed, Mr. Speaker.
So during that experience, so much had to be done and by so many as the fire was barreling down on this city and other towns, Mr. Speaker. In particular to Yellowknife, the city was under great duress. That fire could have jumped the line at any time. It could have turned back. Sure, that's a possibility, or it could have rained for several weeks. It didn't, though. And all we had were unknowns at the time when evacuation was ordered. Unknowns, Mr. Speaker.
So Avens, an agency such as themselves, had to make decisions, and they had to make responsible decisions. And in my opinion, they did. Hindsight is always 20/20. So I repeat: They had to make decisions given what information that they knew at the time. So when you're faced with choices that are limited and unclear, you have to do your best.
Mr. Speaker, Avens was this government's crucial partner during the crisis caring for the most vulnerable. I say clearly, this government because why is this government? Because in my view, it's always the same government. The faces of leadership change, that's true, but it is the consistent policy as it moves forward. It's the foundation of how we do business here. It may be the same government, but it evolves over time. So I'm talking about not just this government and the previous government.
So who is responsible? This government, Mr. Speaker.
So where are we today? Avens has made choices. They had to make choices in absence of any clear direction, policy, instructions, Mr. Speaker. They had to do their best. And, again, I think they did do their best. Now the problem is didn't -- but it didn't come was -- was the instructions until later. Government wants to share the responsibility, Mr. Speaker, by telling Avens they are now responsible for these costs. But, Mr. Speaker, that is completely unfair. This, moreover, is why we're here dealing with this particular disappointment today.
Mr. Speaker, Avens has been treated unfairly. Could you imagine any other community or any other NGO being left to hold the bag on a government responsibility and instructions to leave with your people, our most vulnerable, with no details as to how to do it? No limits, no parameters, Mr. Speaker.
Avens has always been a vital NGO that serves the lifeline of seniors across this territory. And in many ways, I feel it's shameful that we've allowed this dedicated organization to be left hanging at this point. Their plight is quite stressful, and it's unfortunate that it's here on the floor today. It didn't need to be.
Mr. Speaker, I personally find it unacceptable that the government continues to cite guidelines that were introduced post-mortem to the disaster as reasons for refusing the legitimate staffing costs. Mr. Speaker, this motion and this issue is all about fairness. And the problem is fairness is being denied.
Mr. Speaker, we must not allow changes in policy after the fact influence the outcome. Mr. Speaker, we must deal with the reality of what they were facing during that day, including the instructions, or I should say lack thereof.
Mr. Speaker, the facts are clear: Avens, a territorial seniors advocacy group and a long-term care provider, was thrust into an impossible situation during the wildfire season. Mr. Speaker, there was no support, again no guidelines, no assistance from the government. It was merely just, here you go. Avens organized its own plane. But guess what? Somebody came and commandeered it. That would be NTHSSA. Mr. Speaker, they were struggling to find a way to get out. A plane did finally come, and they did get out.
Mr. Speaker, this is very important. They had done work, the government took their plane, and then they had to find their own way. There's a cost and expenses seniors and elders in vulnerable care are challenging to deal with. A lot of work has to go into this.
This is an insane reality to consider, Mr. Speaker, especially when in those days, even the hours before the evacuation, the GNWT was still sending seniors over who were stranded from one evacuation area to the other. They were still receiving people. Everyone was fully aware how challenging this would be but dumping the weight on -- dumping the weight, but what's important, a significant weight and expectation, costs, and managing on this NGO is no less than a Herculean task.
Now, thankfully, Avens at the time has both the talent and help and ability to help manage through this crisis otherwise I don't even want to speculate where we would have been. Mr. Speaker, the fact is seniors would have been put into some risk. I dare not guess how far.
So to be clear, Avens arranged its own transportation, which is a little more challenging than you can think than organizing a minor hockey team, Mr. Speaker, or a little more trickier than organizing 60 useful players full of sugar on a soccer bus trip for a ride for six hours. This is a difficult undertaking. We're talking about people of the greatest of need. And I can't stress that. Specialized care, Mr. Speaker, crucial equipment. It's not that easy. None of these things would have been easy to do. I can't even imagine where you would start your undertaking of your logistics of planning this. This was challenging.
Now, Mr. Speaker, to be fair, the government did help on the return logistics, but then, again, they helped everyone on the return logistics three weeks later. So that was -- in all fairness, they did help with that. But it was still undertaken largely and the expenses all fell on the shoulders of Avens. However, as we need to move forward, this was done by Avens in the sense of helping them. They were being our important partner.
So let's be frank. This was part of a broader effort to assist individuals that Avens was trying to support, Mr. Speaker. Important residents needed the specialized care, and that cost money. So I mention this today just in case this government wants to take a more broader picture about how this gesture of what they've done to this organization sends ripple effects. We have capable hands who rose to the occasion, some may even say heroic efforts, and yet they feel years later it's been nothing but a struggle. The good deeds and duty they rose to has been ignored.
Mr. Speaker, they are not asking for anything that isn't fair. What they've been told by the government is they must absorb the costs that the government dumped on them. It was Avens responsibility according to the government. But, frankly, Mr. Speaker, if you talk to Avens, they've been saddled with costs that they really, really shouldn't have. To cover these real expenses, that's all they're asking for, Mr. Speaker. Avens has been forced to take out a second mortgage. Mr. Speaker, it's shameful that this organization is now having to mortgage one of their paid-down buildings to navigate through this financial crisis. This is a new burden that the government has offloaded on this NGO. Can you imagine if this was a problem in Inuvik that an NGO was told you have to pay? Could you imagine if this was a problem in Fort Smith? I mean, we'd be up in arms. Mr. Speaker, don't treat this NGO a terrible -- in an I'd say a biased way. It deserves the respect, the years of partnership it's represented in this community and our territory.
Now, we're suggesting there are ways to figure this out. But, Mr. Speaker, the problem is not Avens anymore; it really should be the GNWT. It's deeply troubling how this reflects poorly on our commitment to organizations that rise to the occasion to support our most vulnerable citizens. Mr. Speaker, this service couldn't be done cheaper by the government. So in other words, my view is -- and I feel that it's so frustrating when you see the value for the value the government gets by going to an NGO and yet here they are told you've got to pay more. It's so unfair.
Mr. Speaker, the accountability and transparency on this issue is where we're going next. Avens was one of the very first organizations in the NWT to compile lessons learned and action plans for future disaster situations, particularly those affecting the most vulnerable sector. This proactive approach should have been met with encouragement and collaboration from our government. It's not a blame exercise, Mr. Speaker; it's about thinking forward and thinking. Let's be honest, these things probably will happen again, whether they're in Yellowknife or not. Look no further than Fort Providence this summer. They had a major evacuation, and we need to ask ourselves what rules are we playing by? Are they updated? Are they fair, Mr. Speaker?
But this government hasn't even acknowledged the work that has been done and what it costs and certainly what they found after their clear and fair assessment. Mr. Speaker, this needs to be reviewed. When agencies invest time and their resources into providing thoughtful and professional recommendations, they should not be met with silence on top of ignoring the moral and ethical financial responsibilities. Ignoring and shelving these vital suggestions sends a message from this government that you're truly not valued, your expertise or insights are not necessary.
In my view, it's shameful, Mr. Speaker. We talk about caring for our vulnerable population while failing to act on varied recommendations they're trying to offer to help improve the system and things that will help save lives.
I am proud to stand here and support Avens because they really do make a community difference. They're accountable, they're transparent, they have a healthy board, they manage their finances well. I mean, you know, their residents are happy. Not everyone's happy every day, that's real life, but the fact is they love Avens. They recognize the work that is there. They recognize that every institution has challenges. And I'd say the overall community loves and is very proud of the work that's done at Avens. And I would say that that is a gold standard that we need to live by. Yet it comes down to what is meaningful to act here. We need to support this. Sitting silently while this happens is unfair. We must not allow the legitimate financial responsibility to pass us by.
Mr. Speaker, we could change this today. Honestly, we could. All the government needs to do is say we will find a way. And they could do that. They could say that. And I would welcome that. Mr. Speaker, I implore the Members to keep that in mind, that all we have to do is say yes. I understand there will be pressures from our community members about feeling this may be a Yellowknife issue. And I understand that. You have concerns too. And I understand perspectives of the communities and why you need to do what you need to do. I do respect that. But, Mr. Speaker, look at this: Avens is not just a Yellowknife issue; it's a territorial tragedy.
Mr. Speaker, again, they were sent people who were in long-term extended supportive care from Fort Smith, Hay River to Yellowknife. But it doesn't end there. Avens is also where it looks after many elders and seniors from every region of the territory, some from the top of the Mackenzie Delta down through the Sahtu to the Deh Cho. Avens welcomes anybody. And they help provide care, kindness, and dignity support, so those folks, no matter where they're from, get the best life and supports as they reach the final chapter of their lives.
Mr. Speaker, living with full dignity is one of the mandates that Avens has. Now, I'm not reading their mandate letter; I can just tell you by being on the ground there, they make sure everyone feels empowered and has the most dignity as possible. And that support runs true through all the staff. That quality of life in those final days is so important.
Mr. Speaker, we need to say yes. This House needs to get behind our seniors, elders, and vulnerable people. And we can do that today. So, again, if you feel it's not part of your constituency, ask yourself what if this very example happened to yours? You'd want that wrong righted today.
Mr. Speaker, I look to this government and say to them seize this moment and remember your promise to support our elders and seniors. What may be subtle here today is many people in history down the road may not know that the contribution you're making to this motion, but deep down inside you'll know that you've supported seniors. And that should help warm all our souls as we protect that community. Mr. Speaker, yes, there may not be a placard of every one of our names on this building that said we fought for that 400K that Avens was deserved, but deep down inside, as I said, we know what we did was right, and we know we did it together. And that includes Cabinet. You can do what's right too.
Mr. Speaker, in closing here, what the community is asking is only about fairness. And we can do this together. There's a measure of accountability and compassion that could be taken in action today, and I need your help, everyone's help here. You know, we need to rise, just like Avens, to the occasion. When faced down with troubling challenges, they did the right thing and we need to do the right thing by them. They deserve our support, nothing less.
Mr. Speaker, our vulnerable citizens mean a lot to me, and I feel that we need to make sure that gets demonstrated here. Mr. Speaker, this is just a rounding error as far as the government's budget is concerned. I think we could do better. And I'm not even saying shame, shame, you owe them an apology. I'm just saying write the cheque to fill the hole that they've been left with, Mr. Speaker.
With our collective support, this government will show Avens we care about them and we care about their commitment, Mr. Speaker. And finally, the important thing here, this also sends a message to every one of our community organizations that we don't leave them hanging when the government comes crawling and saying we need you now. How would they feel otherwise watching this example that's happened to Avens? So in the memory of everybody who committed themselves with the fullness of honour and zeal and commitment, I thank them for what they did in the 2023 fire evacuation. Let us fulfil. That thanks by showing them that the money is there to pay for their costs. Thank you, Mr. Speaker -- oh, and, Mr. Speaker, I will be asking for a recorded vote. Thank you very much.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I won't be long. I will just quickly say first off thank you to all my colleagues who spoke. Every one of them said something of value that I thought was very interesting. I will take on that note specifically the comments made by my good colleague from Monfwi and Deh Cho. I think what I look forward to is working with them to create a motion to say exactly what they want to say, and that way we get that conversation out specifically to target those folks who need that type of help. And I just said to my colleague from Deh Cho and Monfwi that I'd help them work that through so we'd get something done in a timely way.
Mr. Speaker, it is mentioned by two colleagues, my good colleague from Mackenzie Delta, including Great Slave, about it being a non-binding motion. That is true. But what needs to be also true at the same time is the fact that it's a strong voice from this side of the House. So, you know, whatever the final number ends up being is the words were spoken, and I'm hopeful that the department will listen and find a way through this process.
The Minister of Finance points out a comment, and I appreciate what she did in the context of putting stuff -- as I often say the phrase setting the table of the issue. But keep in mind that, you know, things cost what they cost in an emergency, so either you keep people there and you have to pay what you pay or you don't, and then you've got to deal with what you've got. And the clear, simple analogy is, as I said to my good colleague from Inuvik here, which was a plumber may be worth $100 during the day, but you call them at 3 in the morning, they're worth 200 bucks, or else they don't come. So you tell people as the place is under grave threat, well, we're going to pay you regular, I mean, there's a stress there. We have to be real and fair. People have to be appreciated and respected. And I don't think it was a balloon cost. I think it was respect for those who chose to commit themselves to make sure they didn't leave. Because the last thing you needed was people panicking and leaving. And that's part of one of the messages being said here.
Just tying it up very quickly, this motion is about respect for all NGOs, and I want to stress to my colleagues, if you brought -- and it sounded like most people spoke in favour in one form or another, and I want to thank you for that. I want you to know from my heart that if your community's NGO was facing these types of challenges, I mean, please knock on my door because it matters to me. This highlighted, as many of my colleagues have said, Avens does support many of our community people, and we have examples. So, again, it reaffirms it's such a diverse organization supporting Northerners to help sustain as much dignity in their last hours, days, or months of their life, that they have the best way out, the most dignified chapter, Mr. Speaker. And thank you for that. And as such, I'll tie it up with that. I've already asked for a recorded vote, so I'll at this time thank everyone for their time and consideration on this matter. Thank you.
The Member for Yellowknife Centre. The Member for Inuvik Boot Lake. The Member for Monfwi. The Member for Frame Lake. The Member for Great Slave. The Member for Mackenzie Delta. The Member for Yellowknife North. The Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh. The Member for Deh Cho. The Member for Sahtu.
All those opposed, please stand. All those abstaining, please stand.
The Member for Yellowknife South. The Member for Kam Lake. The Member for Hay River North. The Member for Hay River South. The Member for Nunakput.
All those in favour, 10. Opposed, 0. Abstentions, 5. The motion is carried.
---Carried
