Health and Social Services

Diane Thom: COVID-19 Update

Mr. Speaker, I would like to provide Members and the public with an update on NWT efforts in containing the spread of COVID-19 and assure everyone that their health and safety is the number one priority of our government.

Currently, we have zero confirmed cases in the Northwest Territories. Our Chief Public Health Officer remains confident our residents are currently at a low risk of infection.  We also know that world-wide, roughly 80 percent of people infected get only mild symptoms.

Premier, Minister of Health Speak About COVID-19 in the Legislative Assembly

Today, Premier Caroline Cochrane and Minister of Health and Social Services, Diane Thom, made statements in the Legislative Assembly outlining the status and proactive approach the Government of the Northwest Territories is taking to protect all residents of the NWT. Both statements can be read online at: ·        Premier Caroline Cochrane, COVID-10 Preparedness: https://www.gov.nt.ca/en/newsroom/caroline-cochrane-covid-19-preparedness

Media Advisory: Government of the Northwest Territories Information on Covid-19

The top priority for the Government of the Northwest Territories  (GNWT) is the health and safety of Northwest Territories (NWT) residents, and we are taking proactive measure to be prepared to respond to COVID-19 as the situation evolves.

There are currently no cases of COVID-19 in the NWT, and the risk of acquiring the virus in the NWT and Canada remains low at this time.

Caroline Cochrane: COVID-19, Media Briefing Statement

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Good afternoon, I’m here to talk to the residents of the Northwest Territories about COVID-19.

Earlier today I was absent in the house, and session, to participate on a call from 11 o’clock to 1 o’clock with the Prime Minister and all Premiers across Canada. All Premiers are concerned about COVID-19, and we are all taking precautionary measures to limit the spread and associated impacts throughout Canada.

Diane Thom: Promoting Importance of Oral Health

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Mr. Speaker, good oral health is important to our overall health and quality of life.  Healthy mouths and teeth in children promote healthy growth, nutrition, speech development, good school performance and social well-being.

Cavities, however, are the most common chronic infectious childhood disease, and they place a substantial burden on our population.  Poor oral health contributes to a child’s inability to eat, speak, sleep and learn.  In adults, oral disease has been linked to diabetes, heart disease, pneumonia and Alzheimer’s.

NTHSSA Piloting a Paid Caregiver Project in Five Communities

In collaboration with the Department of Health and Social Services, Tlicho Community Service Agency and Hay River Health and Social Services Authority, the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) is piloting a two-year caregiver program that will provide additional supports around the home and community to elders, seniors, and persons with disabilities who have ongoing care or support needs.                                                                           

Diane Thom: Strongest Families Institute

Mr. Speaker, every year, one in five Canadians experience a mental health challenge or illness. Young people aged 15 to 24 are more likely to experience a mental illness or substance use disorder than any other age group. Research also shows that 70 percent of mental health challenges begin during childhood or adolescence. These numbers are higher in the NWT with the impacts of intergenerational trauma and the legacies of colonization and residential schools.

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