Mr. Speaker, the 17^th Legislative Assembly identified the need to enhance addictions treatment programs as a key priority. Our government is committed to making sure that NWT residents have the tools and support they need to overcome their addictions challenges.

Addictions is linked to poverty and to educational achievement. Addictions can affect parents’ ability to care for their children and meet their needs. Their impact goes well beyond the individual. Families, communities and even our economy can be affected.

YELLOWKNIFE (February 11, 2014) – The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) Anti-Poverty Action Plan, tabled yesterday in the Legislative Assembly, describes the commitments the GNWT has made to address the needs of those NWT residents most vulnerable and those at risk of falling into poverty.

Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to this Assembly’s goal of helping our residents become healthy, educated people free from poverty. A strong territory needs a strong society and all residents of the NWT should have the chance to enjoy the benefits of living in a prosperous, well-governed territory and to participate fully in a healthy, just society.

Last June, I was pleased to table the Anti-Poverty Strategic Framework: Building on the Strengths of Northerners. This important document represents input from key stakeholders and was an important first step.

Mr. Speaker, this Assembly’s vision of healthy, educated people contributing to a strong and prosperous Northern society starts in early childhood. The Departments of Education, Culture and Employment and Health and Social Services have worked collaboratively to craft a renewed Early Childhood Development Action Plan based on best practices, national and international research, and the wisdom of our Elders.

This Action Plan is the companion document to the Early Childhood Development Framework tabled in May 2013, and we will be tabling it later today.

YELLOWKNIFE (December 5, 2013) – Twenty-four delegates at the NWT Anti-Poverty Roundtable signed an Anti-Poverty Charter and committed to plans of action.

YELLOWKNIFE (November 27, 2013) – Youth in the Northwest Territories have a new weekly 30-minute radio show to celebrate their healthy choices about drugs and alcohol.

YELLOWKNIFE (November 27, 2013) – The GNWT’s collaborative approach to addressing the large number of preventable drownings has been recognized with the Award for Collaborative Excellence from the Canadian Collaborative Centres for Injury Prevention (CCCIP). The award is given every two years to recognize national leadership in injury prevention collaboration.

YELLOWKNIFE (November 22, 2013) – The Joint Leadership Council (JLC) of the Northwest Territories health and social services system has agreed on actions to improve services for NWT residents says Minister of Health and Social Services Glen Abernethy.

(October 29, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, this Assembly is committed to a goal of healthy, educated people free from poverty.  Improving the health status of the Aboriginal population in the Northwest Territories is one way the Department of Health and Social Services is accomplishing that goal.

(October 28, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, this Assembly is committed to investing in prevention to keep our health system sustainable. Vaccines are a cornerstone of preventative medicine and I would like to encourage all Northwest Territories residents to get their free flu shots this fall.