Check against delivery.

Mr. Speaker, residents across the Northwest Territories rely on laboratory and diagnostic imaging services to get timely answers about their health, and they expect their government to respond when access to those services is not meeting their needs.

I have heard clearly from residents, from Members in this House, and from healthcare providers about long wait times and barriers to accessing laboratory and diagnostic imaging services. These concerns were consistent, well-founded, and required action. As Minister of Health and Social Services, I knew change was required, and I took steps to ensure this government acted.

Mr. Speaker, demand for laboratory and diagnostic imaging services has increased significantly in recent years. More residents are living longer with chronic conditions. Chemotherapy services have expanded in the territory. Clinical practice has evolved, requiring more diagnostic testing to support safe, high-quality care. These pressures have contributed to delays in accessing testing and in receiving results. This is why improving access to laboratory and diagnostic imaging services remains a priority for me as Minister, and for this government. Through the proposed budget and targeted operational decisions, we have taken concrete action to improve access, increase capacity, and reduce wait times for residents.

As part of this work, Mr. Speaker, we have strengthened collaboration between the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority and Alberta Health Services. In September 2025, new technology was introduced to support faster and more secure sharing of diagnostic images including CT scans, ultrasounds, and X-rays. This allows physicians in the Northwest Territories to quickly consult with specialists in Alberta when needed, supporting timely clinical decisions in critical situations such as stroke, major trauma, or potential patient transfers.

We have also removed unnecessary administrative barriers for residents receiving care in Alberta. Alberta physicians can now order laboratory tests directly for Northwest Territories patients, eliminating the need for residents to return home for follow-up appointments simply to obtain lab requisitions. This change improves continuity of care, shortens wait times for results, and frees up primary care appointments for other residents.

Mr. Speaker, demand for outpatient laboratory services in Yellowknife has been a particular concern raised with me, and I am pleased to report that this is where residents are already seeing meaningful improvement as a direct result of actions taken by this government.

With additional resources put in place in January, the daily number of laboratory appointment slots in Yellowknife has increased by 47 appointments per day, bringing the total to 126 appointments daily. As a result, average wait times have dropped significantly — from approximately 40 to 45 days down to about 10 days. Walk-in appointments continue to be available each day.

The new callback request system for laboratory appointments is also delivering results. Residents who submit completed request forms now receive a call back by the end of the next business day, providing a more predictable and accessible booking process.

Mr. Speaker, there is still work to do. Demand for laboratory and diagnostic imaging services will continue to grow, and this will remain an area of focus for me as Minister. However, the changes we have made, driven by concerns raised in this House and reflected in the proposed budget, are already improving access and reducing delays for residents.

These actions demonstrate this government’s commitment to listening, taking responsibility, and delivering practical improvements that help residents get the care they need, when they need it.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.