September is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) awareness month. This time is dedicated to creating conversation about FASD, improving prevention of FASD, and supporting those living with FASD. The theme for this year’s FASD awareness month is Building Strength and Abilities. While it is important to recognize  individuals with FASD will experience challenges, it is essential to recognize and celebrate their talents, strengths, and abilities.

The Chief Public Health Officer is urging residents to get tested for syphilis. A syphilis outbreak in the NWT is growing at an alarming rate that is consistently and significantly higher than the national average.

The Government of the Northwest Territories wants to hear from residents on proposed changes to the Vital Statistics Act and Change of Name Act.

The proposed changes are intended to ensure services remain consistent with the Human Rights Act and make them more inclusive.

The proposed changes to the Vital Statistics Act include:

Certain regions of Canada are currently experiencing Monkeypox outbreaks; however there are no reported cases in the NWT. Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the Monkeypox virus.  If you are travelling outside the territory, please take precautions to protect yourself from contracting this illness.

The Minister of Health and Social Services is pleased to announce her appointment of Gerry Cheezie, of Ndilǫ, as chairperson of the Health and Social Services Leadership Council.

Mr. Cheezie will serve a three-year term. He succeeds Jim Antoine, who served as chairperson since the Leadership Council began operating six years ago. The Leadership Council also includes the chairperson of each Regional Wellness Council and the Tłįcho Community Services Agency, as well as the Deputy Minister of the Department of Health and Social Services (ex-officio and non-voting).

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) wants the public’s input on proposed changes that would qualify more NWT residents for supplementary health benefits under the GNWT’s Extended Health Benefits Policy.

Today the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) announced new incentives and operational interventions designed to help recruit and retain health care professionals.

Media are invited to attend a media briefing to provide an update on new initiatives to address recruitment and retention challenges within the health and social services system. Minister of Health and Social Services, Julie Green; Minister of Finance Caroline Wawzonek, and Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services Jo-Anne Cecchetto, will be in attendance.

Media briefing

Date: August 18, 2022

Time: 11:00am (MST)

Location: Online videoconference

A What We Heard Report including results from the Northwest Territories Nurse Retention and Recruitment Survey 2021 are being released today by the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT). The information gathered in this survey will help the GNWT understand its strengths, as well as where improvements can be made to address the current nursing shortage.

The Psychology Profession Regulations came into force today, making psychologists the second profession to be regulated under the Health and Social Services Professions Act, which that came into force in March 2022. The Act enables the government to regulate numerous professions under a single law.