YELLOWKNIFE (March 4, 2014) – Minister of Health and Social Services Glen Abernethy has accepted all recommendations from the Office of the Auditor General of Canada (OAG) Report on Child and Family Services. “The wellbeing of children and families is a priority for the Government of the Northwest Territories,” said Minister Abernethy.
YELLOWKNIFE (March 4, 2014) – The Government of the Northwest Territories will introduce new, more secure birth certificates on April 1, 2014.
“The new birth certificate will be highly secure and durable, similar to those issued in most provinces,” said Minister of Health and Social Services Glen Abernethy. “Creating a more secure document is an important way for the Government of the Northwest Territories to help Northwest Territories residents protect their identity.”
Mr. Speaker, we are transforming the way we use technology to deliver health care to our residents. People all over the world use secure, accessible technology for banking or to connect with their friends and family. Now we can use it to improve access to health services and provide better care to our residents.
Mr. Speaker, investing in prevention, education and awareness, and early childhood development are priorities of the 17th Legislative Assembly.
On March 4th and 5th, the Department of Health and Social Services will host the Canada Northwest Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Partnership Symposium. The theme is Sharing Voices, Inspiring Hope: FASD in Northern Communities - Finding Solutions that Work.
YELLOWKNIFE (February 13, 2014) – The Department of Health and Social Services’ annual Drop the Pop campaign has begun in schools across the NWT. This is the ninth year of the pan-territorial campaign, which is part of the Healthy Choices framework. Schools across the North that participate are eligible to be acknowledged with a cash award for their efforts to promote healthy eating and healthy lifestyles. A total of 17 NWT schools are being recognized as winners for their activities from the 2013 campaign. The theme for last year was Food for Thought.
Mr. Speaker, a key priority of this government is to make sure that NWT residents have access to the right tools and supports that they can choose from to help overcome addiction issues and poor mental health. As a government, we are committed to ensuring that our residents have as many options as possible to help them move forward on their path towards wellness.
Mr. Speaker, the 17th Legislative Assembly identified the need to enhance addictions treatment programs as a key priority. Our government is committed to making sure that NWT residents have the tools and support they need to overcome their addictions challenges.
Addictions is linked to poverty and to educational achievement. Addictions can affect parents’ ability to care for their children and meet their needs. Their impact goes well beyond the individual. Families, communities and even our economy can be affected.
YELLOWKNIFE (February 11, 2014) – The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) Anti-Poverty Action Plan, tabled yesterday in the Legislative Assembly, describes the commitments the GNWT has made to address the needs of those NWT residents most vulnerable and those at risk of falling into poverty.
Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to this Assembly’s goal of helping our residents become healthy, educated people free from poverty. A strong territory needs a strong society and all residents of the NWT should have the chance to enjoy the benefits of living in a prosperous, well-governed territory and to participate fully in a healthy, just society.
Last June, I was pleased to table the Anti-Poverty Strategic Framework: Building on the Strengths of Northerners. This important document represents input from key stakeholders and was an important first step.
Mr. Speaker, this Assembly’s vision of healthy, educated people contributing to a strong and prosperous Northern society starts in early childhood. The Departments of Education, Culture and Employment and Health and Social Services have worked collaboratively to craft a renewed Early Childhood Development Action Plan based on best practices, national and international research, and the wisdom of our Elders.
This Action Plan is the companion document to the Early Childhood Development Framework tabled in May 2013, and we will be tabling it later today.
