(February 22, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, it is a priority of this government that children get the best possible start in life so they can reach their full potential. It is important that we continue investment in Early Childhood Development as this is an investment in the future of our children.

In January of this year, in partnership with the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, we hosted a roundtable to identify priorities for a renewed Early Childhood Development framework. I am pleased to report that the roundtable was a success.

Yellowknife (January 25, 2013) – The Departments of Health and Social Services and the Sahtu Health and Social Services Authority have responded to an increased rate of skin infections  in Colville Lake

“I am pleased with the coordinated response from health care officials including home support, nurse practitioners and physicians and local authority staff. It is encouraging to see a team effort mobilize and respond,” said Minister of Health and Social Services, Tom Beaulieu.

YELLOWKNIFE, (January 23, 2013) – The Departments of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) and Health and Social Services (HSS) continue to gather information from experts, Aboriginal and community leaders, Elders and Northwest Territories residents as part of their work towards a renewed Early Childhood Development Framework.

Last week, the departments welcomed Elders from across the NWT to a sharing circle to discuss their opinions, thoughts and experiences raising their children.

Yellowknife (January 21, 2013) – An addictions awareness video produced as part of theGovernment of the Northwest Territories My Voice My Choice campaign received a Platinum Award at the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals 2012 MarCom Awards, an international competition recognizing excellence in marketing and communications. The video featured Aaron ‘Godson’ Hernandez and was produced by Tait Communications.

Yellowknife (January 21, 2013) – The Departments of Health and Social Services and Education, Culture and Employment are pleased to announce the return of the NWT’s youth anti-smoking campaign Don’t Be a Butthead.

“I am pleased that the Butthead campaign is back promoting the negative effects of smoking. It is important that we teach youth at a young age to never start smoking,” said Minister of Health and Social Services, Tom Beaulieu.

YELLOWKNIFE (November 29, 2012) – Media are invited to a press conference on Friday, November 30^th with Dr. Kami Kandola, Deputy Chief Public Health Officer with the Department of Health and Social Services and Dr. Terry Wuerz, Internist at Stanton Territorial Hospital to discuss newly developed resources for clinicians and the public pertaining to HIV/AIDS.

 WHEN: Friday, November 30, 2012

WHERE: large boardroom, third floor, Stanton Territorial Hospital

Yellowknife (November 27, 2012) – The Minister’s Forum on Addictions and Community Wellness begins community visits on December 3 with a four-day session in Fort McPherson.

YELLOWKNIFE (November 26, 2012) – Educators, health staff, youth workers, and counselors in twelve communities are being trained to teach NWT youth about healthy sexuality.

YELLOWKNIFE (November 14, 2012) – Certified child car seat technicians are now in place in the Northwest Territories.

Eight certified technicians from Fort Simpson, Hay River, Fort Smith, and Yellowknife were trained in car seat installation last week. Graduates applied their new training in a car seat education clinic last Friday afternoon at the Yellowknife Canadian Tire store.

Mr. Speaker, in 2001 people from around the NWT gathered on the Hay River Reserve to develop a Social Agenda for the Northwest Territories.  Addressing social issues was a priority for the Government of the Northwest Territories at that time, as it is for the 17^th Legislative Assembly today.