Lesa Semmler, Minister of Health and Social Services, issued the following statement in response to the Auditor General’s report on Child and Family Services and recent public discussion about the findings:

“Over the past several days, there has been significant public discussion about the Auditor General’s report on Child and Family Services.

I want to speak to families, frontline staff, Indigenous governments, communities, and everyone who cares about the safety and well-being of children in the Northwest Territories.

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Mr. Speaker, access to primary and community health care matters to people across the Northwest Territories. It affects whether someone can get help when they need it, how supported they feel when managing ongoing health needs, and whether care reflects who they are, where they live, and what matters to them. Most importantly, it can support residents on their health and wellness journey.

Residents have told us they want health care that is easier to access, more connected, and culturally safe.

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Mr. Speaker, oral health is an important part of overall health. Yet for too many residents of the Northwest Territories, especially in small and remote communities, getting dental care has meant long waits, cancelled clinics, or costly travel outside their home community.

Today, I am pleased to update Members on concrete steps I have taken as Minister to fix long‑standing barriers and bring dental care back into communities, where people want and deserve to receive care.

The Government of the Northwest Territories is taking steps to resume dental services in communities by improving the safety and readiness of dental equipment in health centres and confirming contracts for visiting dental service providers in several locations.

A new three-year agreement with Health Canada under the federal Oral Health Access Fund provides over $3 million to assess, repair, and replace aging dental equipment in community health centres across the territory.  The agreement took effect on April 1, 2026.

The Government of the Northwest Territories has released the Cancer Care Vision: A Living Framework for Quality and Priorities in the Northwest Territories (the Vision). It is a guide that sets shared direction for how cancer care will be planned, coordinated, and improved over time.

Cancer affects individuals, families, and communities across the NWT. Many residents share similar challenges during their cancer journey, including long travel for care, navigating complex systems, and accessing care that is respectful, culturally safe, and responsive to their needs.

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Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Office of the Auditor General of Canada tabled its report on Child and Family Services in the Northwest Territories.

The Office of the Auditor General of Canada released a report today on Child and Family Services in the Northwest Territories.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) welcomes and accepts the Auditor General’s findings and recommendations and acknowledges the importance of independent oversight of government programs and services. The GNWT’s response is included in the report.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for Mackenzie Mountain School in Norman Wells. 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 schools.

Water testing for Łutsel K’e Dene School, Łutsel K’e is complete. Testing has confirmed that all water fixtures show lead levels below the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) set out in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality.

No remediation or mitigation measures are required, and Łutsel K’e Dene School can use sinks and water fountains normally.

The deadline has been extended for legal and medical professionals to apply to serve on the NWT Mental Health Act Review Board.

The Board reviews matters involving involuntary admission under the Mental Health Act. Members bring legal or medical expertise to support fair and timely hearings.