The Minister of Health and Social Services, Julie Green, tabled the 2019-2020 Annual Report of the Director of Child and Family Services today in the Legislative Assembly. The annual report allows the Department to examine the system and find ways to evolve our service to better meet the needs of children, youth and families in the NWT.  The Department uses this data report as an opportunity to provide insight on the experience and outcomes of children and youth supported by child and family services. 

Premier Caroline Cochrane provided the following statement on mental health and well-being of NWT residents during the COVID-19 pandemic:

“It has been nearly eight months since the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 pandemic. This has been one of the most challenging times in our lives, and has put us all to the test.

Mr. Speaker, in addition to describing these times as unprecedented, the need to “pivot” business models and methods has become one of the buzz words during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Mr. Speaker, taking action to improve services and supports to reduce the number of Indigenous children and youth in the care is a priority for this government.  The 2019-2020 Annual Report of the Director of Child and Family Services that I will be tabling later today, shows a continued trend of overrepresentation of Indigenous children and youth receiving protection and prevention services under our legislation. This is a national issue, Mr.

Mr. Speaker, increasing employment in small communities is one of the priorities outlined in the priorities for the 19^th Legislative Assembly. Now more than ever, as we begin to plan for social and economic recovery from COVID-19, we need to ensure there are opportunities for meaningful employment and economic development for our people to keep our communities and territory strong.

Check against delivery 

Mr. Speaker, I wish to inform Members that the Chief Public Health Officer has released two public health advisories today.

The first indicates the two positive COVID-19 tests in Yellowknife first announced as presumptive cases on Friday have been confirmed. The individuals continue to safely isolate. We appreciate their cooperation with the investigation into contacts, and we wish them well.

A thorough contact investigation continues, initial signs are good.

Two new programs to support harvesters and families going out on the land in 2020-2021 are now taking applications.

·       The Take a Family on the Land Program provides up to $10,000 in funding to engage families in outdoor learning experiences that encompass northern perspectives, values and practices. Applications are being accepted from NWT Indigenous governments and organizations, community governments and not-for-profit associations.

Premier Cochrane's Itinerary for October 21, 2020

Issued October 20, 2020.

Public Events and Meetings

The Premier will be participating in a sitting of the Legislative Assembly.

Closed Events and Meetings

The following events are closed to the media

The Premier will be chairing a Cabinet House Strategy meeting. 

The Premier will be participating in a Financial Management Board meeting.

Internal Meetings

All meetings and events subject to change.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to update the Members on the progress we have made with our mandate commitment to reduce the municipal funding gap by $5 million in the life of this government.

We recognize the important role that community governments play in our economy and the provision of core programs and services. Community governments are essential partners in delivering programs and services to meet the need of NWT residents, and they require adequate resources for this important work.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is responsible for the implementation of the NWT Water Stewardship Strategy, including transboundary water management agreements and water monitoring throughout the Northwest Territories. Together with our partners, we track long-term trends and monitor changes in water quality, quantity and biology.