Calgary-based firm MNP LLP, charged with undertaking an independent, third-party review of the GNWT's response to last summer's destructive wildfires, has released its findings.
The firm's conclusions were published in a sprawling 212-page document, released to the media on Aug. 27, and to the public on Aug. 28.
The GNWT was initially expected to pay $313,150 for the evaluation, however, Environment and Climate Change (ECC) Minister Jay Macdonald clarified that the "exact cost" will be released later, once final invoices are processed.
The report includes 25 recommendations in total, each of which was "proposed for immediate action to enhance outcomes in future seasons."
Among the more notable recommendations was that the GNWT "consolidate the regional and territorial aspects of the Wildfire Management Program into a single program with a single consolidated budget and financial reporting structure."
"The program human resourcing, budgeting, and reporting should be consolidated under wildlife and forest management, with regionally located resources reporting to Forest Management Division," the report stated. "Budget allocations should be determined on an annual basis through a work planning and prioritization exercise."
Other recommendations directed ECC to invest in fire modelling software, expand culturally appropriate mental health services for staff, and develop memoranda of understanding with "municipalities and Indigenous governments to document future areas of responsibility, cooperation, and commitments."
In addition to the 25 recommendations, there were a total of 17 opportunities for improvement, which are "suggested for consideration and implementation over the next one to three years." Those areas concerned topics like improving personnel training, and an increase of "off-season community engagement and education events to provide the public with information on the responsibilities of various government agencies related to wildfire response, highlight proper communication channels, and improve understanding of how resources are deployed and prioritized."
The 2023, wildfires in the NWT caused more than 3.4 million hectares to burn by in excess of 300 wildfires. Nineteen communities were evacuated and destruction was rampant, particularly in the small community of Enterprise, where approximately 80 per cent of structures burned down. In addition, a wildland firefighter SA国际影视传媒� Fort Liard's Adam Yeadon SA国际影视传媒� lost his life while on the job.
"The release of this review today underscores our dedication to transparency, accountability and continued improvement," Macdonald told reporters at a news conference following the release of the review. "It is vital that the public trusts our government's ability to manage wildfires, and we assure you weSA国际影视传媒檙e taking the recommendations of this after-action review seriously.
"Our goal is to build a more resilient, informed and prepared territory," he added. "I want to reaffirm our government's commitment to being open, transparent and responsive."
Macdonald called summer of 2023 the "most challenging" fire season in the NWT's history, and admitted that it tested the territory's "resolve, preparedness, and strategies.SA国际影视传媒�
"I want to acknowledge the incredible work of the territorySA国际影视传媒檚 firefighters and wildfire management teams," he said. "I extend my most heartfelt thank you to you and the loved ones who support you."
Todd Nash, a partner at MNP, is confident his firm's review has been "received and understood" by ECC and the GNWT.
"My sense is that theySA国际影视传媒檙e committed to learning from the experience, taking our work, and doing what they can to improve," he said. "You canSA国际影视传媒檛 really prevent the situation in terms of wildfire conditions... You can make enhancements, changes to how you prepare and respond to that."
An even more extensive review of the GNWT's response to the fires is expected to be completed next year. It is being undertaken by Transitional Solutions Inc, a firm based in Edmonton.
MNP's analysis broke down the government's response SA国际影视传媒� primarily directed at the Department of Environment and Climate Change SA国际影视传媒� into "11 key themes." Those themes are as follows:
-fire behaviour modelling
-human resources - capacity
-human resources - training and skills management
-aviation resources
-equipment management and infrastructure
-incident command and system discipline
-policy, strategy and procedures
-wildfire and wildfire response information sharing
-coordination with municipal governments and Indigenous governments
-prevention and community protection
-budgeting and reporting structure
"Most recommendations and opportunities for improvement are directed to Environment and Climate Change" the report stated. However, some are intended for other departments, the GNWT as a whole or local authorities."
