YELLOWKNIFE (June 5, 2017) – The Department of Health and Social Services has released the first of a 5-part video series to spread awareness about the dangers of opioid misuse and abuse. The videos are part of a larger campaign launched across the Northwest Territories after a string of opioid-related overdoses in November of 2016.
Delivered on June 2, 2017
Mr. Speaker, Disability Awareness Week is approaching in the NWT.
Each year we acknowledge persons with disabilities and strive to raise awareness of challenges they may face in their daily lives with accessibility and inclusion. We also recognize volunteers who work to help persons with disabilities achieve equality within their communities during the annual Disabilities Awareness Tea.
Delivered June 1, 2017
Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge that June is Seniors Citizen’s Month, June 1st is Intergenerational Day, and June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. I would like to invite all Northerners to join me in recognizing seniors across the Territory and their valuable contribution within our families and communities during this month.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Health and Social Services continues to be committed to improving the health and the lives of Northerners.
To achieve this goal, Health and Social Services, along with the Tłįchǫ Government and the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, submitted a proposal to the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to establish a Strategy for Patient Oriented Research SUPPORT unit in the NWT.
YELLOWKNIFE (April 20, 2017) – The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has begun the necessary work to prepare for the legalization of cannabis following the tabling of federal legislation in the House of Commons last week.
The GNWT established a multi-departmental cannabis working group in 2016 in response to federal plans to table legislation sometime in early 2017. The working group will now review the legislation to determine next steps to ensure the GNWT is prepared for legalization in July 2018.
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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.
