YELLOWKNIFE (August 31, 2016) – The Department of Health and Social Services is seeking public feedback on the Northwest Territories (NWT) health care system in the form of a patient experience questionnaire.

The 10-minute questionnaire is now available online at www.hss.gov.nt.ca, or at any health care facility across the NWT until October 15, 2016.

Please take the time to submit feedback on patient services you have received and help make a difference in the NWT health care system.

The Minister of Health and Social Services, Glen Abernethy, issued the following statement regarding concerns recently expressed in local media. While the Minister cannot comment with respect to specific individuals, the Minister makes the following general comments:

YELLOWKNIFE (August 2, 2016) – On August 1^st the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) began operations. This represents a major milestone for the transformation of the NWT Health and Social Services System, and for our ability to provide the best care and outcomes to residents across the Northwest Territories.

These changes have been made to help break down systemic barriers to efficient and effective care and service delivery and build the foundation of a system with improved accountability and performance.

INUVIK (July 12, 2016) – Clients in the Beaufort-Delta Health and Social Services Authority will become the newest beneficiaries of electronic medical information systems, as the Government of the Northwest Territories continues improvements to the NWT Health and Social Services system with its roll-out of the Territorial Electronic Medical Record (EMR) project.

In collaboration with TELUS Health, authorized health professionals will have secure, instant access to the medical information of patients, which will help enhance continuity of patient care.

Mr. Speaker, the Mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories commits to improving care for our people through integration of the health and social services system. We are working towards building a unified Health and Social Services System that will deliver the best possible care for our residents. We have made significant investments in this work through our system transformation and I am pleased to announce that we are now reaching some important milestones.

YELLOWKNIFE (June 24, 2016) The appointment of Regional Wellness Council members in the Northwest Territories six regions was made today by Minister of Health and Social Services Glen Abernethy, representing a pivotal step in the transformation of the health and social services system and the creation of the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (THSSA).

YELLOWKNIFE (June 15, 2016) - The Department of Health and Social Services’ 2015-2016 Drop the Pop Campaign has concluded, and 18 winning schools from across the NWT have been chosen as winners for their campaign activities.

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Colleagues and visitors in the gallery are wearing purple to promote awareness for this important day.

Mr. Speaker, our work towards eliminating Elder abuse is done in partnership with the NWT Seniors Society and the NWT Network to Prevent Abuse of Older Adults. I would encourage all Members to read Creating Safe Communities for Older Adults: A Five Year Strategy for the Northwest Territories 2015-2020 prepared by the NWT Network to Prevent Abuse of Older Adults.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories has made a commitment in its Mandate to continue implementing the Building Stronger Families Action Plan to transform child and family services, including work around the Child and Family Services Act.

The main purpose of the Child and Family Services Act is to protect children in situations where they may have been harmed, or where there is a risk of harm. The Act serves the best interests of children by protecting them from exposure to abuse and neglect.

Mr. Speaker, in February 2015, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that certain provisions in the Criminal Code related to physician-assisted dying were unconstitutional. June 6^th is the day the Supreme Court’s ruling takes effect across the country. Medical assistance in dying is an option for eligible Canadians.