Minister of Health and Social Services Lesa Semmler has completed a successful visit to the Sahtu Region, where she was joined by Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) Public Administrator Dan Florizone along with MLA McNeely. The visit included stops in the communities of Tulita, Fort Good Hope and Norman Wells.

While in the region, Minister Semmler and Mr. Florizone met with members of the Regional Wellness Council and front-line staff to hear directly from local representatives about health and social services priorities, opportunities, and challenges. These conversations are part of ongoing efforts to ensure that the voices of communities are reflected in service planning and delivery.

“It was important for me to sit down face-to-face with leaders and community members in the Sahtu Region,” said Minister Semmler. “These discussions help us better understand what’s working, where gaps remain, and how we can continue building culturally safe and community-led services.”

In Tulita, the Minister, Public Administrator and the MLA toured the construction site of the new Tulita Health Centre, a major capital project that will improve access to healthcare in the region. The new facility will provide expanded space, modernized infrastructure, and better support for both patients and staff. The construction project is expected to be completed by Spring 2026.

“I was encouraged to see the progress on the Tulita Health Centre,” said Minister Semmler. “This project reflects our government’s commitment to improving health infrastructure in small and remote communities.”

In Fort Good Hope, the Minister and the MLA met with Chief and Council along with representative from the Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated. She also attended a public meeting where she was able to hear from leadership and community members, answer their questions and share her priorities including Medical Travel modernization, small community model of care and the importance of Cultural Safety and Anti Racism training for all Health and Social Servies staff.

In Norman Wells, the Minister was able to tour the Health Center and Long-Term Care facility once again, and meet staff.

“Our ability to deliver high-quality, responsive care depends on strong relationships with the people we serve,” said Florizone. “Spending time in the Sahtu was a reminder of how essential it is to listen, learn, and work together to shape services that meet the unique needs of each community.

This visit also reflects the GNWT’s 20th Assembly ongoing mandate commitment to focus on increasing access to healthcare and addressing systemic inequities and inefficiencies.