The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for Moose Kerr School (MKS) in Aklavik, Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ Regional High School (LKRHS) in Fort Simpson, the Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ Student Residences (LKSR) in Fort Simpson and Chief Paul Niditchie School (CPNS) in Tsiigehtchic.

MKS, PNS, LKRHS and the LKSR testing has confirmed that some water fixtures show lead levels above the Maximum Allowable Concentration (MAC). As a result, the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) has issued a Public Health Order for these facilities.

Legal and medical professionals can now apply to serve on the NWT Mental Health Act Review Board. The Board reviews matters involving involuntary admissions under the Mental Health Act. Members bring legal or medical expertise to support fair, timely hearings.

Check against delivery

Mr. Speaker, primary care is the first point of contact for most residents in our health system. It sets the direction for the care they receive and helps ensure people get the right care, at the right time, from the right provider.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for Elizabeth Mackenzie Elementary School in Behchokǫ̀ and École St. Joseph School in Yellowknife. 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 both schools.

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.