Check against delivery.

Check against delivery

Mr. Speaker, across the Northwest Territories, residents want better access to primary and community care that feels safe, respectful, and connected to culture and community. Indigenous residents have been clear about the harm, discrimination, and inequities they continue to experience in the health and social services system. These experiences affect trust, access, and health outcomes in ways that cannot be ignored.

The annual report on NWT Medical Travel Services is now released. This report carries updated information on medical travel costs and uses for the 2022-23 to 2024-25 reporting period.

The report shows rising demand for scheduled medical travel and continued high use of emergency travel. It also outlines how residents access health services not available in their home communities.

Key findings from 2022-23 to 2024-25 include:

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received drinking water testing results for Paul William Kaeser (PWK) High School and Joseph Burr Tyrrell School (JBT) in Fort Smith. Testing has confirmed that some water fixtures show lead levels above the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) set out in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. As a result, the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) has issued a Public Health Order for the school.

The Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) has lifted the Health Orders previously in place at École William McDonald Middle School and N.J. Macpherson School, following confirmation that lead levels in drinking water no longer exceed Health Canada guidelines.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and the NWT Council of Leaders are hosting a three-day summit in Yellowknife from January 20 to 22, 2026. The event, Following the North Star: Primary Health Care Reimagined Together, will bring together Indigenous governments, health system leaders, and national experts to share lessons and explore promising models of care.

Residents across the Northwest Territories are invited to share their perspectives on mental wellness and addictions recovery services. Your feedback will help improve access, equity, and culturally safe supports for people and families across the NWT.

The survey runs until April 24, 2026 and is open to everyone, regardless of whether you’ve accessed these services directly. Residents can respond as a direct user of these services, or on behalf of a child, dependent, or someone they support as a service provider.

Discover a new video series that celebrates Indigenous systems of care and the important role they serve in supporting children, youth, and families across the NWT.  

This series features powerful stories from Indigenous caregivers, Elders and community members, highlighting traditions such as Custom Adoption, shared caregiving and community-led support. These practices are rooted in culture and belonging which are essential to the wellbeing of children and families

The video series is intended to:

Health and Social Services providers in select primary care and community health settings across the Northwest Territories are beginning to use Mika AI Scribe, a new tool that creates draft clinical notes during patient visits. This one-year pilot, in partnership with all three Health and Social Services Authorities, is designed to help providers spend more time on patient care and less on paperwork, while maintaining strong privacy and consent protections.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for Princess Alexandra School, Diamond Jenness Secondary School, and the Diamond Jenness Trades Centre in Hay River.

Princess Alexandra School

Testing has confirmed that some water fixtures show lead levels above the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) set out in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. As a result, the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) has issued a Public Health Order for the school.