The Minister of Health and Social Services tabled the Annual Report of the Director of Child and Family Services 2017-2018 yesterday in the Legislative Assembly.

Check against delivery

Mr. Speaker, protecting children from abuse and neglect, and providing services aimed at keeping families healthy, safe and intact, are fundamental priorities for this government.  This is a priority for me personally as well. Since joining the Legislative Assembly in 2007 as both a regular MLA and Minister, I have worked to ensure our child and family services system is built around the philosophy that the best supports for children are strong and resilient families.

The Minister of Health and Social Services, Glen Abernethy, has appointed Mr. Brian Willows of Hay River, as the new Public Administrator for the Hay River Health and Social Services Authority (HRHSSA) effective October 5^th, 2018.

Mr. Willows replaces Mr. Maher who has served as Public Administrator since May 2009.

Mr. Willows brings a wealth of experience to the Public Administrator position including senior positions with the Northwest Territories Power Corporation that included overseeing an operating budget of $60 million annually.

The new addition to Woodland Manor officially opened on Friday, October 5 in Hay River.

The new addition and a renovation to a room in Woodland Manor replaces the ten long term care beds that were in the old H.H. Williams Memorial Hospital. Having the long term care beds in the same facility helps streamline the care provided to seniors and elders.

The new addition includes nine long term care rooms and a family room. The family room is where family members can spend the night or have quiet interactions with their loved ones.

In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommendations, Glen Abernethy, Minister of Health and Social Services, has approved a process to waive the Northwest Territories (NWT) change of name fee for Residential School Survivors and their families who wish to reclaim their name. The recommendation is to waive fees for a period of five years.

The Minister is extending this process to all Indigenous residents who wish to correct the names on their NWT birth certificates that were affected by historical errors.

The Minister of Health and Social Services, Glen Abernethy, has appointed Dr. Kami Kandola as the new Chief Public Health Officer for Northwest Territories effective October 1, 2018.

Dr. Kandola replaces Dr. Andre Corriveau, who will assume the role of the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority Acting Medical Director September 1^st, 2018 for a period of one year.