Gender-affirming health care services continue to be available in the NWT for transgender residents, including children and youth.

In February 2023, the Addictions Prevention and Recovery Services Work Plan was released. Since the plan’s release, 50% of the action items in the Work Plan have been completed.

The Work Plan contains 24 action items for strengthening addictions and wellness programs for residents of the Northwest Territories (NWT). The items in the plan respond to the Auditor General of Canada’s recommendations, delivered in 2022.

The recently completed action items include:

The following is being redistributed on behalf of The Government of Canada.

Government of Canada signs two bilateral agreements with the Northwest Territories to improve health care - Canada.ca

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is now accepting applications for the 2024 Healthy Choices Fund. $418,000 is available to Indigenous governments in the NWT, community governing authorities, and non-government organizations to fund health promotion and prevention activities that support NWT communities and residents.  

An independent evaluation of the Child and Youth Counselling (CYC) Initiative has been completed, and a final report published, including recommendations. The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has also released its response to the report’s recommendations.

The Government of the Northwest Territories is pleased to announce that it is now accepting applications for the 2024 Anti-Poverty Fund. The annual $1.75 million fund can be used to support poverty reduction initiatives in communities across the NWT.

A survey as been released by the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) to gather feedback on current mental wellness and addictions recovery services available to NWT residents. These services include the Community Counselling Program (including Child and Youth Counsellors), Helplines, e-Mental health apps/websites, Facility-based Addictions Treatment, community-based supports, and more.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is revising the implementation date of the new Extended Health Benefits Policy to September 1, 2024.

This decision is based on a need for more time to fine-tune the administrative and implementation processes, and to ensure the information systems are in place and functioning properly.

This year, January 21-27 is National Non-Smoking Week! This annual event aims to educate and inform youth and young adults against starting to use tobacco products and helps existing tobacco consumers to quit or limit their intake.  

Quitting tobacco, cannabis, and/or vaping is essential for better health. In one cigarette puff, a smoker inhales around 7,000 harmful chemicals. Whether you smoke cigarettes, chew tobacco, or vape, there are toxic chemicals in these products that pose significant health risks.

By dialing 811, NWT residents can now access a free and confidential 24-hour phone service the provides trauma-informed support for mental wellness, addictions recovery, and tobacco cessation from a registered nurse, in addition to general health advice.

811 has merged with the NWT Helpline and Quitline, allowing callers to access all three programs through one number. Residents can also use the same three-digit line to get in touch with poison control, which will be available by pressing 4 after dialing 811.