YELLOWKNIFE (February 9, 2016) – Health and Social Services minister Glen Abernethy would like to announce that Sue Cullen will accept the appointment of Chief Executive Officer for the new Territorial Health and Social Services Authority (THSSA).

“Our new health and social services authority will help us improve care across our Territory,” said Abernethy. “I am happy to welcome Sue Cullen, who brings a wealth of Northern and healthcare experience and will be a strong leader through the changes required to implement the new Authority.”

YELLOWKNIFE (February 3, 2016) – The Department of Health and Social Services in partnership with community governments and non-governmental partners will recognize World Cancer Day across the Northwest Territories (NWT) on February 4.

The primary objective of World Cancer Day, a global event led by the Union for International Cancer Control, is to spark discussion and raise awareness around the world about cancer. This year’s theme is We Can. I Can.

YELLOWKNIFE (February 2, 2016) – The NWT Health Care Card is getting a facelift. As part of the GNWT’s move towards a consistent look for its programs and services, the NWT Health Care Card will be the first to show the new visual elements of the GNWT.

“This is an opportune time to make the change,” said Glen Abernethy, Minister of Health and Social Services. “A majority of residents’ health care cards are set to expire on their birthdays in 2016.”

YELLOWKNIFE (January 25, 2016) – Premier of the Northwest Territories and Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) Bob McLeod will attend the 2016 Mineral Exploration Roundup in Vancouver, BC this week. The Premier will promote the importance of the resource development industry to the Northwest Territories economy, highlighting the need for continued infrastructure investment and completion of a made-in-the-North regulatory regime that facilitates responsible development in line with NWT priorities and values.

YELLOWKNIFE (October 23, 2015) – The Department of Health and Social Services’ annual Drop the Pop campaign will soon begin in schools across the NWT. The start of this year’s campaign is being marked by the announcement of winners from the 2014-2015 campaign

A total of 18 NWT schools are being recognized as winners for Drop the Pop activities last year. The schools promoted water as the best, most traditional drink in the North under the campaign theme of Water, Right from the Tap!

YELLOWKNIFE (October 8, 2015) – The groundbreaking ceremony for the new state-of-the-art Stanton Territorial Hospital represents the beginning of the largest infrastructure project in the Northwest Territories history that will provide health care service for future generations of residents.

Mr. Speaker, the number of new cancer cases in the Northwest Territories is expected to rise dramatically by 2030.  According to Canadian Cancer Statistics 2015, a report released by the Canadian Cancer Society earlier this year, the number of new cancer cases in all of the Territories will increase by approximately 60 per cent within the next 15 years, largely due to an anticipated increase in the seniors’ population.

YELLOWKNIFE (October 2, 2015) – Minister of Health and Social Services Glen Abernethy has named Jim Antoine as Chairperson-Designate of the proposed Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Territorial Leadership Council.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to provide an update on our plans to improve care and services for our residents by improving the Health and Social Services System.

On June 4^th, 2015, Bill 44: An Act to Amend the Hospital Insurance and Health and Social Services Administration Act, received Assent in the Legislative Assembly. With the Assent of Bill 44 we now have the legislative mechanism to bring the NWT Health and Social Services System together.

YELLOWKNIFE (September 30, 2015) – The Department of Health and Social Services is encouraging NWT residents to talk about organ and tissue donation with their families. The “Life is Sacred – Become a Donor” campaign aims to raise awareness in the NWT about organ and tissue donation.