Question Period Note: Support for businesses in the Northwest Territories impacted by the wildfires and evacuations

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About

Reference number:
2023-4
Date received:
Sep 18, 2023
Organization:
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Name of Minister:
Vandal, Dan (Hon.)
Title of Minister:
Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency

Issue/Question:

Support for businesses in the Northwest Territories impacted by the wildfires and evacuations

Suggested Response:

• The Government of Canada is supporting businesses impacted by the 2023 wildfires in the Northwest Territories.
• Last week I approved $1M in emergency relief funds.
• This funding, delivered through CanNor, will be provided to the Government of the Northwest Territories for their emergency relief fund, to assist businesses impacted by the wildfires.
• Our government understands how important local businesses are to the prosperity of regional economies.

Background:

• The GNWT announced an evacuation order for Yellowknife on August 16, 2023, and residents were allowed to return starting September 6, 2023.
• The assistance, provided through the GNWT, may help cover eligible fixed costs while businesses were closed during the wildfire evacuations; these include but are not limited to:
• insurance deductibles and/or payments
• commercial rents
• interest on mortgages and loans, and
• utility costs.
• The GNWT will administer their Support Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) program using their existing processes and capacity.

Additional Information:

None