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Mr. Speaker, Substance use, and addiction continue to have a big impact on people across the Northwest Territories. Addiction is closely tied to our shared history of colonization, the legacy of residential schools, and the trauma and mental health challenges that have followed. The Government of the Northwest Territories understands these deep-rooted connections and is committed to supporting Northerners on their path to recovery.

Minister of Health and Social Services, Lesa Semmler, issued the following statement today regarding the court approved plan for tobacco compensation:

"Today, I am pleased to announce a resolution in our efforts to recover money for our health care system from the tobacco companies that sold cigarettes in Canada. The Chief Justice of the Superior Court of Ontario has approved a plan that represents the largest resolution of its kind in Canadian history and the third largest ever globally.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT), in partnership with the Salvation Army and the City of Yellowknife, announces the official opening of a new transitional housing program for addiction recovery in Yellowknife. This program provides a safe, sober living environment for individuals returning from treatment, helping them rebuild stability and reintegrate into the community.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services (NTHSSA) is recommending residents with non-urgent dental travel plans review their dental appointments and plan for a later date if they do not already have confirmation of accommodations for their travel. This recommendation is due to extremely limited accommodations in Yellowknife, which is a trend we are seeing more across the city, but especially common this time of year with enhanced travel and tourism.

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Mr. Speaker, vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect residents and communities from serious diseases. Today vaccine hesitancy and misinformation are weakening trust in science and public health. As a result, vaccination rates are declining, leaving residents,  especially Elders and children,  vulnerable to preventable diseases.

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Mr. Speaker, almost 30% of residents in the Northwest Territories over the age of 15 consider themselves smokers. Smoking, which includes vaping, remains one of the worst substances for your overall health and can significantly reduce a person’s life expectancy. That is why the Government of the Northwest Territories continues to find new ways to support residents in making the shift towards a smoke-free life.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is adjusting select fees within the Health and Social Services (HSS) system to reflect inflation and align with broader fiscal sustainability goals outlined in the Restoring Balance strategy.

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Mr. Speaker, the Department of Health and Social Services is committed to enabling seniors to age in place with dignity as close to home as possible. With an aging population and an increase in the complexity of healthcare needs, the demand for Personal Support Workers is growing.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has released a What We Heard Report on proposed Dental Hygienist Profession Regulations. Between September 12, 2024, and October 14, 2024, dental hygienists, Indigenous governments, stakeholders, and the public shared their feedback on the proposed changes.

Health and Social Services Minister Lesa Semmler announced today that as of December 16, 2024, the NWT Health and Social Services Leadership Council will be replaced with a Public Administrator.

The increasing challenges and pressure on the health and social services system across the Northwest Territories, and in particular the operational challenges faced by the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA), highlight the need for enhanced strategic direction.