Check against delivery
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight our ongoing work to strengthen the recovery supports available across the Northwest Territories for those struggling with mental wellness, substance use, and addictions. In recent years, that work has evolved to offer more relevant and flexible support to residents.
Health and Social Services Minister Lesa Semmler tabled the 2023-2024 Annual Report of the Director of Child and Family Services (CFS) in the Legislative Assembly earlier today. The Annual Report provides a detailed summary of services delivered in the Northwest Territories (NWT) between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, including adoption services, family preservation, prevention supports, and protection services.
Minister of Health and Social Services, Lesa Semmler, issued the following statement today supporting the court-filed proposed plan for tobacco compensation:
“I am announcing a key step in our effort to recover money for our healthcare system from the cigarette companies that we claim misled Canadians for decades and caused increased healthcare costs. This legal process has already been long and complex, and we are pleased it may be moving toward a conclusion.
In response to the ongoing syphilis outbreak declared in 2019, and an increased rate of other sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), the Government of the Northwest Territories will open a temporary STI clinic in Yellowknife on October 1, 2024.
The clinic will offer a safe, confidential space for testing and treating Sexually Transmitted and Blood Borne Infection (STBBI). It will stay open for at least a year while there is heightened concern about the transmission of STBBIs.
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has launched a new visual dashboard to track the presence of COVID-19, Influenza (Flu) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in Behchokǫ̀, Fort Simpson, Fort Smith, Hay River, Norman Wells, and Yellowknife. This easy-to-use dashboard provides residents with clear visualizations, including graphs, to help them stay informed about viral trends in their community.
The dashboard displays key information, including:
In February 2023, the Addictions Prevention and Recovery Services Work Plan (2022-2024) was released. As of today, at the plan’s conclusion, 100% of the action items in the Work Plan have been completed.
The Work Plan contained 24 action items to strengthen addictions and wellness programs for residents of the Northwest Territories (NWT). The items in the plan responded to the Auditor General of Canada’s recommendations, delivered in 2022.
The completed action items include:
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is seeking feedback from dental hygienists, stakeholders, and the public on proposed Dental Hygienist Profession Regulations.
Health and Social Services Minister Lesa Semmler announced today that the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA), the Hay River Health and Social Services Authority (HRHSSA), and the Tłı̨chǫ Community Services Agency (TCSA) have once again achieved system-wide accreditation status from Accreditation Canada.
System accreditation is a significant achievement for the health and social services system in the Northwest Territories. It signals that the system meets fundamental national standards of practice, policies, and programs.
In an effort to evaluate the impact that the Extended Health Benefits (EHB) Program will have on residents, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is waiving the cost-sharing requirement in the first year for income band levels 2 to 10.
As a result, residents whose income falls within those bands will not have to pay the deductible to access eligible prescription drugs, medical supplies, and equipment. Adjustments have also been made to align the low-income threshold with the Northern Market Basket Measure for 2023.
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is seeking feedback from stakeholders and the public on proposed amendments to the Health and Social Services Professions Act (HSSPA). Amendments aim to align the Northwest Territories with best practices across Canada, providing clear guidelines for both practitioners and patients.
The HSSPA seeks to bring all Department of Health and Social Services regulated professionals under one comprehensive regulatory framework.
Key proposed amendments include:
