Mr. Speaker, today I would like to provide Members with an update on the draft Child and Family Services Quality Improvement Plan. The Quality Improvement Plan sets out actions that we are taking right now to address issues identified as part of internal reviews, the 2018 Auditor General’s Report, and from staff feedback.
Mr. Speaker, this Legislative Assembly has committed to support early childhood development and today I want to provide Members and the public with an update on our work to provide equitable access to a range of inclusive, culturally informed programs and services for and children under five years of age and expecting parents.
As part of the Department of Health and Social Services’ official release of the Caring for Our People: Cultural Safety Action Plan 2018-2020 today, a Declaration of Commitment was signed to embed cultural safety within the Northwest Territories’ health and social services system.
Signatories to the Declaration of Commitment included:
Mr. Speaker, the government is committed to addressing health inequities experienced by our residents. In October of last year I provided information on the Department of Health and Social Service’s plans to move forward with our cultural safety and relationship-based care approach, and today I am pleased advise that the 2018-2020 Caring for Our People: Cultural Safety Action Plan will be tabled later today.
The Minister of Health and Social Services has released the 2019 NWT Patient Experience Questionnaire. The Questionnaire is available in both print and online formats.
The Questionnaire is designed to assist the Department of Health and Social Services to understand the quality of care we are providing. Responses help the Department improve services and monitor progress over time.
Across Canada, March is Nutrition Month, and this year, dietitians are helping Canadians realize the potential for food to improve health, fuel activities, and bring people together.
Mr. Speaker, Regional Wellness Council members are a critical part of our health and social services system. They are change leaders in their communities and a voice for residents in their regions. They champion the ideas and concerns of residents and are passionate about using that information to shape and improve our health and social services.
Mr. Speaker, we know that mental health and addictions issues are top of mind for many NWT residents and they are also priority area in the mandate of this Legislative Assembly. To guide our work to address these important issues affecting our communities, the Department of Health and Social Services developed a Strategic Framework for Mental Health and Addictions Recovery in the fall of 2016.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to update Members on our government’s recent work on cannabis public education and community health engagement.
Northerners have told us that they want more evidence-based, culturally relevant information on the health effects of cannabis. In response to that call, the Department of Health and Social Services has been working in partnership with other Departments and agencies, as well as the federal government, to ensure that NWT residents have access to the information and resources they need in order to make informed choices.
The opioid crisis continues to devastate individuals, families and communities across the country. Without increased access to effective, evidence-based treatment options, people will continue to be at risk for overdose.
