YELLOWKNIFE (April 18, 2017) – In response to Health Canada’s recent announcement that expecting mothers covered by the Federal NIHB program who have to travel outside of their home community to give birth will now be supported by one non-medical escort, the Department of Health and Social Services will extend this benefit to residents eligible under the Metis Health Benefits Policy and to non-indigenous mothers also.
YELLOWKNIFE (April 11, 2017) – Residents will be celebrating the official opening of the new Jimmy Erasmus Seniors’ Home tomorrow in Behchokǫ̀.
DETTAH (March 14, 2017) - The Department of Health and Social Services, with support from Health Canada, is hosting a pan-territorial on-the-land summit to provide an opportunity for land-based programming experts to exchange best practices and discuss opportunities and challenges.
Delivered on March 2, 2017
Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories made a commitment in its mandate to continue the integration of the health and social services system to improve care for our people. Today, I want to provide an update on our work to transform the Northwest Territories health and social services system.
YELLOWKNIFE (February 27, 2017) - Minister of Health and Social Services Glen Abernethy issued the following update regarding an external investigation into a critical incident in 2016:
“As committed in September 2016, today I am sharing the recommendations arising from the external investigation into a critical incident that was carried out in 2016. Quality improvement activities such as this review demonstrate our commitment to the residents we serve.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories has made a commitment in its mandate to continue implementing the Early Childhood Development Action Plan to improve early childhood development, and by enhancing access to early intervention services for children zero to five years of age, and supporting community wellness initiatives with early childhood development funding and subject matter expertise.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories has made a commitment in its mandate to focus on mental health and addictions, to enhance access to culturally-appropriate programs and services, address gaps in services, and enhance treatment options.
We have made progress. Last November, we tabled the strategic framework, Mind and Spirit: Promoting Mental Health and Addictions Recovery. This framework sets the foundation for improvements to mental health and addictions programs and services.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories has made a commitment in its mandate to work collaboratively to reduce poverty in the NWT by working with our partners to advance the Territorial Anti-Poverty Action Plan, funding community-based partners, supporting community priorities for wellness and developing additional options for action.
Mr. Speaker, this government made a commitment in its mandate to enhance access to culturally-appropriate programs and services.
The last government convened a Minister’s Forum on Addictions and Community Wellness to travel across the Northwest Territories and come back with recommendations that would have a real impact in dealing with addictions. The top priority identified by the Forum was more on-the-land healing programs. This is the wisdom of our communities.
YELLOWKNIFE (January 25, 2017) – The NWT Help Line has expanded its services to include Telephone group sessions and a Facebook page.
The Telephone Group Sessions will offer NWT residents group counselling supports on a variety of topics, including:
