Check against delivery

Mr. Speaker, it has been nearly two years since the first COVID-19 cases emerged in China and rapidly spread throughout the world. Throughout the course of this pandemic, we have faced many challenges, yet we have been able to adapt quickly and respond when and where needed as we continue to learn about this disease.

The Minister of Health and Social Services, Julie Green, tabled the 2020-2021 Annual Report of the Director of Child and Family Services today in the Legislative Assembly. The Annual Report provides a summary of data on the delivery of services under the NWT’s Child and Family Services Act, Adoption Act, Custom Adoption Recognition Act, and the federal government’s Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth, and families.

The Department of Health and Social Services (HSS) yesterday released a report titled Addiction Recovery Experiences Survey – Results and Analysis. The report provides feedback from individuals, and their families, who used NWT recovery services on their recovery journey.

Check against delivery

Mr. Speaker, it is becoming more common for people to be asked to prove they have been vaccinated against COVID-19. As a result, the GNWT has worked diligently to make sure that NWT residents have a safe, secure proof of vaccination document that is accepted across the country and internationally.

Minister of Health and Social Services, Julie Green has extended the territory-wide Public Health Emergency under the Northwest Territories’ Public Health Act on the advice of Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) Dr. Kami Kandola.

The latest extension continues through December 7, 2021. 

The Public Health Emergency is required to continue to decisively respond to shifts in the NWT’s own public health situation, and maintain preventative measures.

Caroline Cochrane, Premier of the Northwest Territories, and Julie Green, Minister of Health and Social Services, issued the following statement on the COVID-19 vaccine approval for children aged five to 11:

“The announcement by Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) that children aged five to 11 are now eligible to get the Comirnaty (Pfizer) COVID-19 vaccine is an important moment in our fight against the virus.

The Government of Northwest Territories is pleased to announce that it is now accepting applications for the 2022 Anti-Poverty Fund. The annual $1.75 million Fund can be used to support poverty reduction initiatives in NWT communities.

NWT Indigenous governments and community governing authorities, as well as non-government organizations who demonstrate partnership or support from an Indigenous or community governing authority, may apply for funding.

 Minister of Health and Social Services, Julie Green has extended the territory-wide Public Health Emergency under the Northwest Territories’ Public Health Act on the advice of Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) Dr. Kami Kandola.

The latest extension continues through November 23, 2021. 

The Public Health Emergency is required to continue to decisively respond to shifts in the NWT’s own public health situation, and maintain preventative measures.

Effective this week, the NWT is providing coverage for Trikafta, a life changing treatment for 90 per cent of Canadians with cystic fibrosis. Trikafta can be prescribed for residents 12 years and older who have a specific cystic fibrosis mutation. 

Residents with cystic fibrosis being prescribed Trikafta can apply for coverage under the Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) Extended and Métis Health Benefits programs. First Nations and Inuit residents can apply under the Federal NIHB program. The estimated retail price is approximately $300,000 per patient per year.