The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services (NTHSSA) is recommending residents with non-urgent dental travel plans review their dental appointments and plan for a later date if they do not already have confirmation of accommodations for their travel. This recommendation is due to extremely limited accommodations in Yellowknife, which is a trend we are seeing more across the city, but especially common this time of year with enhanced travel and tourism.

Check against delivery

Mr. Speaker, vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect residents and communities from serious diseases. Today vaccine hesitancy and misinformation are weakening trust in science and public health. As a result, vaccination rates are declining, leaving residents,  especially Elders and children,  vulnerable to preventable diseases.

Check against delivery

Mr. Speaker, almost 30% of residents in the Northwest Territories over the age of 15 consider themselves smokers. Smoking, which includes vaping, remains one of the worst substances for your overall health and can significantly reduce a person’s life expectancy. That is why the Government of the Northwest Territories continues to find new ways to support residents in making the shift towards a smoke-free life.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is adjusting select fees within the Health and Social Services (HSS) system to reflect inflation and align with broader fiscal sustainability goals outlined in the Restoring Balance strategy.

What You Need to Know:

Check against delivery

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Health and Social Services is committed to enabling seniors to age in place with dignity as close to home as possible. With an aging population and an increase in the complexity of healthcare needs, the demand for Personal Support Workers is growing.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has released a What We Heard Report on proposed Dental Hygienist Profession Regulations. Between September 12, 2024, and October 14, 2024, dental hygienists, Indigenous governments, stakeholders, and the public shared their feedback on the proposed changes.

Health and Social Services Minister Lesa Semmler announced today that as of December 16, 2024, the NWT Health and Social Services Leadership Council will be replaced with a Public Administrator.

The increasing challenges and pressure on the health and social services system across the Northwest Territories, and in particular the operational challenges faced by the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA), highlight the need for enhanced strategic direction.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has released a What We Heard Report on proposed Pharmacy Profession Regulations. This report summarizes feedback from pharmacists, stakeholders, and the public gathered between July 29 and August 30, 2024.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has released a What We Heard Report that summarizes feedback from the public and stakeholders on proposed amendments to the Health and Social Services Professions Act (HSSPA). Between July 29 and August 30, 2024, stakeholders and the public shared their views on the proposed changes.

National Addictions Awareness Week takes place across Canada every year in the month of November. This marks an important opportunity for people to learn more about prevention and harm reduction, to talk about treatment and recovery, and to discuss solutions for change. This year’s theme of Forging Connections highlights the power of community, support, and connection on the path to overcoming addictions.