N.W.T. gov’t wasn’t prepared for ‘unprecedented conditions’ in 2023 wildfire season, review finds [Video]

New wildfire modelling software, more mental health support for firefighters, and better systems for combating misinformation are among the dozens of recommendations included in a new report looking at how the N.W.T. government dealt with last summer’s unprecedented and catastrophic wildfires in the territory.

The report, released Wednesday, is based on a third-party review commissioned by the territorial government last year.

Calgary-based consulting firm MNP was hired to do the review which focused on the department of Environment and Climate Change’s (ECC) preparedness and response to the 2023 wildfire season. It’s one of two reviews commissioned by the territory; the other, which looks at the government’s overall response, is expected later this year.

The territorial government opted for the third-party reviews but not a public inquiry into the 2023 wildfire response, despite MLAs voting in favour of an inquiry last winter.   

MNP’s 212-page reportis based on interviews with territorial government staff, municipal authorities and Indigenous communities, …