The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for Harry Camsell School in Hay River. Testing has confirmed that some drinking water fixtures show lead levels above the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) set out in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. As a result, the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) has issued a Public Health Order for the school.
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for Helen Kalvak School in Ulukhaktok. Testing has confirmed that some drinking water fixtures show lead levels above the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) set out in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. As a result, the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) has issued a Public Health Order for the school.
Effective immediately, affected water fixtures at Helen Kalvak School will be out of service and an alternate drinking water source will be provided.
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for Mildred Hall School in Yellowknife. Testing has confirmed that some drinking water fixtures show lead levels above the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) set out in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. As a result, the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) has issued a Public Health Order for the school.
Environmental work is advancing at six NWT airports to investigate the presence and extent of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and to inform future actions.
The first phase of the new Dental Hygiene Profession Regulations will come into force on December 1, 2025.
The dental hygiene profession regulations will be moved under the Health and Social Services Professions Act, creating a consistent framework for health and social services professionals in the NWT.
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for Kaw Tay Whee School in Dettah. Testing has confirmed that some water fixtures show lead levels above the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) set out in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. As a result, the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) has issued a Public Health Order for the school.
Effective immediately, all water fixtures and the water fountain at Kaw Tay Whee School will be out of service.
The Government of the Northwest Territories has launched new web pages designed to communicate more directly with residents about ongoing work to strengthen the health and social services system based on the needs and priorities of NWT communities and residents.
These pages provide up-to-date information on progress toward three key health system priorities:
Lesa Semmler, Minister of Health and Social Services, released a media statement announcing the approved Infrastructure projects for 2026-2027.
“As Minister of Health and Social Services, I am happy that the Government of the Northwest Territories is moving forward with a series of health infrastructure projects that will improve access to care and support wellness in communities across our territory. In 2026–2027, the GNWT will invest over $37 million in health and social services capital projects, including new construction, upgrades, and equipment replacement.
National Addictions Awareness Week is recognized across Canada each November. It offers an opportunity for NWT residents to raise awareness about substance use and addiction, promote prevention and harm reduction, and encourage open conversations about treatment and recovery. This year’s theme, “Anchoring Hope”, highlights the value of speaking openly about substance use, which can help foster connection, support healing, and lead to positive change.
Many residents in the Northwest Territories continue to face barriers to accessing health care. Services are not always timely, culturally safe, or designed in collaboration with communities. People continue to experience gaps in care and outcomes.
To help address these challenges, the Government of the Northwest Territories has released the Equitable Access Methodology Report, a key milestone in the journey to transform how care is delivered, experienced and supported across the territory.
