Health and Social Services Minister Lesa Semmler has released the 2021-2024 Human Resources Results Report and the 2024-2025 Bridging Plan. The Results Report showcases progress under the 2021-2024 Human Resources Plan and the Bridging Plan continues this progress and supports the development of the 2025-2028 People Strategy, planned for release in June 2025.
Media are invited to join Dr. André Corriveau, Acting NWT Chief Public Health Officer, as he receives his annual flu and COVID shots.
When: Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Centre Square Mall Vaccination Clinic
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has introduced a new tool to address the ongoing drug toxicity crisis and contaminated illicit drug supply. The Randox MultiSTAT Analyzer, now in use by Coroner Services, allows for rapid toxicology screening of substances involved in suspicious deaths, helping the Chief Coroner and Chief Public Health Officer take swift action to protect the public.
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Mr. Speaker, on September 30th, 2024, Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Government of the Northwest Territories, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Government of Canada, and Inuvialuit Qitunrariit Inuuniarnikkun Maligaksat made history by signing the Inuvialuit Coordination Agreement and Fiscal Agreement.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight our ongoing work to strengthen the recovery supports available across the Northwest Territories for those struggling with mental wellness, substance use, and addictions. In recent years, that work has evolved to offer more relevant and flexible support to residents.
Health and Social Services Minister Lesa Semmler tabled the 2023-2024 Annual Report of the Director of Child and Family Services (CFS) in the Legislative Assembly earlier today. The Annual Report provides a detailed summary of services delivered in the Northwest Territories (NWT) between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, including adoption services, family preservation, prevention supports, and protection services.
Minister of Health and Social Services, Lesa Semmler, issued the following statement today supporting the court-filed proposed plan for tobacco compensation:
“I am announcing a key step in our effort to recover money for our healthcare system from the cigarette companies that we claim misled Canadians for decades and caused increased healthcare costs. This legal process has already been long and complex, and we are pleased it may be moving toward a conclusion.
In response to the ongoing syphilis outbreak declared in 2019, and an increased rate of other sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), the Government of the Northwest Territories will open a temporary STI clinic in Yellowknife on October 1, 2024.
The clinic will offer a safe, confidential space for testing and treating Sexually Transmitted and Blood Borne Infection (STBBI). It will stay open for at least a year while there is heightened concern about the transmission of STBBIs.
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has launched a new visual dashboard to track the presence of COVID-19, Influenza (Flu) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in Behchokǫ̀, Fort Simpson, Fort Smith, Hay River, Norman Wells, and Yellowknife. This easy-to-use dashboard provides residents with clear visualizations, including graphs, to help them stay informed about viral trends in their community.
The dashboard displays key information, including:
In February 2023, the Addictions Prevention and Recovery Services Work Plan (2022-2024) was released. As of today, at the plan’s conclusion, 100% of the action items in the Work Plan have been completed.
The Work Plan contained 24 action items to strengthen addictions and wellness programs for residents of the Northwest Territories (NWT). The items in the plan responded to the Auditor General of Canada’s recommendations, delivered in 2022.
The completed action items include:
