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Good afternoon and thank you for being here on such short notice for this important announcement.
As the new Minister of Health and Social Services I’ve got leadership responsibility for the well-being of all residents of the NWT. There are many issues that keep me awake and most recently, it has been how to keep the vulnerable population safe from the cold as winter approaches.
The attached is being distributed on behalf of the City of Yellowknife and the Government of the Northwest Territories.
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Madam Speaker, we know that family violence continues to be a serious issue across Canada. The Northwest Territories consistently records among the highest rates of violence against women in Canada, as reported by Statistics Canada. Two women have been murdered in the last two months. This violence is as heartbreaking as it is unacceptable. As a Territory, we need to do better.
A new campaign launched by the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is calling on everyone across the territory to mask up to protect each other as the COVID-19 risk grows across Canada.
The Most Important Thing I’m Wearing campaign encourages residents to wear non-medical masks as a way to take responsibility for protecting each other in situations where it is difficult to follow physical distancing requirements of two meters .
Julie Green, Minister of Health and Social Services announced the 2020 recipients for the $1 million Anti-Poverty Fund. The Fund helps support eligible organizations in their efforts to reduce poverty. The Anti-Poverty Advisory Committee, an external cross sector group, reviewed applications and made recommendations to the Minister for approval. This year, twenty eight grants were awarded to community, Indigenous and non-profit organizations.
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Mr. Speaker, poverty reduction is an urgent challenge that everyone needs to be aware of. Poverty levels have further increased with COVID-19, which could push more residents into poverty due to an uncertain economy, food insecurity, and high cost of living.
To support residents during the pandemic, the Government of Northwest Territories took action on several fronts. During the month of March, income assistance recipients received a one-time emergency allowance.
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Good evening and thank you for the invitation to speak to you tonight.
I first want to say that I appreciate it has been a particularly difficult time for seniors here in Yellowknife and across the Northwest Territories.
Being apart from your circle of family and friends can take its toll on the health of seniors.
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Mr. Speaker, increasing the number and variety of culturally respectful,
community-based mental health and addictions programs, including aftercare is a mandate commitment for the Government of the Northwest Territories.
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 10, 2020.
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated considerably across Canada in recent weeks as the country’s caseload surged to its highest point in the pandemic.
The Minister of Health and Social Services, Julie Green, tabled the 2019-2020 Annual Report of the Director of Child and Family Services today in the Legislative Assembly. The annual report allows the Department to examine the system and find ways to evolve our service to better meet the needs of children, youth and families in the NWT. The Department uses this data report as an opportunity to provide insight on the experience and outcomes of children and youth supported by child and family services.
