Mr. Speaker, in 2011, the Auditor General of Canada recommended improvements to the Department’s ability to evaluate and report on performance.  Specifically, the Auditor General recommended that we implement system-wide indicators, develop a program evaluation plan for the health and social services system, and regularly inform this Assembly about the performance of the system. Mr. Speaker, later today, I will table the first Annual Report on the Strategic Plan. 

 Mr. Speaker, November is National Adoptions Awareness Month. It’s an opportunity to recognize families in the Northwest Territories who provide a remarkable service to children.  

Mr. Speaker, I am proud that the NWT has been a world leader in recognizing aboriginal customs and culture when children need a family. Our legislation recognizes that our people take care of our children within their families, extended families and the community.

Mr. Speaker, in my travels across the Northwest Territories, meeting with communities, attending assemblies and numerous board meetings, I have heard one constant theme. Addictions are destroying our families and communities.

This government spends millions of dollars on addictions services. But our people are still drinking in large numbers.

Yellowknife (October 30, 2012) – All public influenza immunization clinics in the Northwest Territories will proceed as scheduled. The decision follows a Health Canada recommendation that flu vaccine made by the pharmaceutical firm Novartis not be used pending a review of the discovery of clumping of particles in the vaccine in Europe.

Mr. Speaker, smoking rates in the NWT are double the national average.  In 2009, 36% of NWT residents 15 and older smoked, compared to 17% nationally. Smoking contributes to chronic diseases affecting the heart and lungs, and also causes cancer.

Mr. Speaker, effective human resource management of the NWT public service relies on partnerships between the Department of Human Resources and other Government departments, boards, and agencies.

YELLOWKNIFE (September 27, 2012) -- People who assist and support those affected by family violence have come together from across the Northwest Territories to receive training and information and learn from each other.

YELLOWKNIFE (September 19, 2012) – Minister of Health and Social Services Tom Beaulieu attended the Canada Northwest Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Partnership Ministers’ Meeting on September 14 and 15 in Saskatoon.  The meeting, chaired by Saskatchewan Social Services Minister June Draude, celebrated the achievements of the Partnership and discussed its future.

YELLOWKNIFE (September 7, 2012) - September 9th, 2012 is International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day, an opportunity for communities to support prevention and intervention of FASD.

YELLOWKNIFE (July 27, 2012) -- The Departments of Health and Social Services, Public Works and Services and the Hay River Health and Social Service Authority are pleased to announce the award of the contract for the design and construction of the new Health Centre in Hay River.