The first phase of the new Dental Hygiene Profession Regulations will come into force on December 1, 2025.
The dental hygiene profession regulations will be moved under the Health and Social Services Professions Act, creating a consistent framework for health and social services professionals in the NWT.
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for Kaw Tay Whee School in Dettah. 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 school.
Effective immediately, all water fixtures and the water fountain at Kaw Tay Whee School will be out of service.
The Government of the Northwest Territories has launched new web pages designed to communicate more directly with residents about ongoing work to strengthen the health and social services system based on the needs and priorities of NWT communities and residents.
These pages provide up-to-date information on progress toward three key health system priorities:
Lesa Semmler, Minister of Health and Social Services, released a media statement announcing the approved Infrastructure projects for 2026-2027.
“As Minister of Health and Social Services, I am happy that the Government of the Northwest Territories is moving forward with a series of health infrastructure projects that will improve access to care and support wellness in communities across our territory. In 2026–2027, the GNWT will invest over $37 million in health and social services capital projects, including new construction, upgrades, and equipment replacement.
National Addictions Awareness Week is recognized across Canada each November. It offers an opportunity for NWT residents to raise awareness about substance use and addiction, promote prevention and harm reduction, and encourage open conversations about treatment and recovery. This year’s theme, “Anchoring Hope”, highlights the value of speaking openly about substance use, which can help foster connection, support healing, and lead to positive change.
Many residents in the Northwest Territories continue to face barriers to accessing health care. Services are not always timely, culturally safe, or designed in collaboration with communities. People continue to experience gaps in care and outcomes.
To help address these challenges, the Government of the Northwest Territories has released the Equitable Access Methodology Report, a key milestone in the journey to transform how care is delivered, experienced and supported across the territory.
Today the Minister of Health and Social Services tabled the 2024-2025 Annual Report of the Director of Child and Family Services (CFS) in the Legislative Assembly.
The Annual Report provides a detailed summary of services delivered in the Northwest Territories (NWT) between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. Services include adoption, family preservation, prevention supports, and protection. The report also shows trends that can help to identify opportunities for improvement and where positive and meaningful change has taken place.
Check against delivery
Mr. Speaker, today I would like to acknowledge the recent finalization of Master Service Agreements with Alberta Health Services. This is an important milestone. These agreements modernize our partnership, strengthening accountability for the essential supports and services delivered to NWT residents and funded by the GNWT.
Check against delivery
Mr. Speaker, ensuring that every person in the Northwest Territories has access to safe, reliable, and equitable health care is not just a priority for me and a goal of our health and social services system, it is a promise we are working every day to uphold.
The What We Heard Report on proposed Midwifery Profession Regulations is now out. Between May 8 and June 12, 2025, midwives, Indigenous governments, partners, and the public were invited to share their feedback on the proposed changes.
