YELLOWKNIFE (August 19, 2014) – The Government of the Northwest Territories is seeking input on options for ensuring the NWT health and social services system better meets the changing needs of NWT residents. The issues and plans for addressing them are outlined in Caring for our People – Improving the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services System, a discussion paper released today by Minister of Health and Social Services Glen Abernethy.

YELLOWKNIFE (August 18, 2014) – Fourteen organizations have been selected to receive Anti-Poverty funding in the NWT. The Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) Anti-Poverty Action Plan received $500,000 to provide organizations with funding for projects and initiatives to help reduce poverty at community, regional and territorial levels. Applicants submitted project proposals for review by the Anti-Poverty Action Plan Advisory Committee and approval from Minister of Health and Social Services Glen Abernethy.

YELLOWKNIFE (July 21, 2014) – National Drowning Prevention Week is July 19-27. People living in and visiting the NWT are encouraged to “be Water Smart” while enjoying activities in, on or around our rivers, lakes and oceans.

Mr. Speaker, every day, seniors across the NWT make important contributions to their families, their friends and their communities.

We don’t always give them the credit they deserve, but recognizing June as Seniors’ Month in the Northwest Territories and June 15^th as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is one way to show our appreciation to NWT seniors.

YELLOWKNIFE (June 2, 2014) – Winners of the Get Reel contest were announced on the Department of Health and Social Services website for World No Tobacco Day, May 31, 2014.

Get Reel is a contest where students in Grades 5 to 12 in all three Northern territories make their own short anti-tobacco ads. This is the second year Get Reel has run as part of the Smoke Screening program. There were 72 ads created, 15 from NWT schools.

Mr. Speaker, June 1^st is National Cancer Survivors Day. This day is an annual celebration of life and loved ones. Each year, it reminds us of the importance of speaking openly about cancer, and supporting one another in the face of such a serious disease.

On average, 111 new cases of cancer are diagnosed in the NWT every year. There is life after diagnosis. The NWT residents I know who have cancer have shown courage and strength in their individual cancer journeys.

Mr. Speaker, on March 4, 2014, this Assembly received a report on Child and Family Services from the Auditor General of Canada. The report confirmed what we already knew – that we need to do a better job of supporting children and families. It highlighted areas where our system has seriously failed. It told how some children are falling through the cracks, and how some Health and Social Services Authorities have not routinely followed up on the well-being of children placed into care. These situations are unacceptable.

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YELLOWKNIFE (May 16, 2014) – The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has issued a Request for Qualifications requesting submissions from proponents to support the Stanton Territorial Hospital Renewal Initiative. Proponents that best meet the required qualifications will be shortlisted and then asked to submit detailed proposals.

YELLOWKNIFE (May 6, 2014) – Minister of Health and Social Services Glen Abernethy today launched Mind & Spirit, a wellness magazine to raise awareness of mental health. The magazine will help inspire people to talk about mental health as it shares success stories of individuals dealing with and overcoming mental health and addiction issues. It also provides information on the services that are available to residents seeking help.

YELLOWKNIFE (March 18, 2014) – The NWT Disabilities Council will operate the Dene Ko Day Shelter in Yellowknife throughout April and May 2014.

“This gives us time to work with community partners to develop a plan for daytime services by September,” said Glen Abernethy, Minister of Health and Social Services.

The program will continue to provide drop-in daytime shelter services in the same building until May 31.