Check against delivery

Mr. Speaker, health systems across Canada are facing serious and complex challenges. The Northwest Territories is not alone in this. Every province and territory is working to respond to the growing impacts of addictions, mental health needs, workforce shortages, and service gaps. That is why collaboration with other Canadian Jurisdictions is essential.

I recently attended the inaugural meeting of Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery, held in Banff, Alberta. This was an important opportunity to share experiences, learn from one another, and strengthen our relationships across jurisdictions.

Ministers discussed the changing drug landscape and urgent need to build system capacity, close service gaps, and support individuals with serious substance use and mental health issues. We also committed to continue working in partnership with Indigenous governments and Indigenous-led organizations to advocate for culturally appropriate services and federal funding that reflects the realities in our communities.

Mr. Speaker, Alberta is taking a whole-of-government approach to addictions recovery. Their work presents real opportunities to learn and explore how similar approaches can benefit residents in the Northwest Territories. The Department of Health and Social Services is reviewing what was shared, and we plan to continue conversations with Alberta about how we can continue to work together. 

Mr. Speaker, beyond mental health and addictions, we know there are benefits to closer collaboration with Alberta. Just last month, the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority implemented new diagnostic imaging technology that allows physicians in the NWT to instantly share CT scans, ultrasounds, and X-rays with Alberta Health Services through a secure QR code system. This system is currently used in urgent cases, such as stroke and trauma, where timely access to imaging is critical. It supports faster consultation between jurisdictions, helping physicians make timely, informed decisions about patient care and transfers. It is a clear example of how interjurisdictional partnerships can improve outcomes for residents and strengthen our service model.

The Department and the Health Authorities have been working towards formalizing several existing arrangements and partnerships with Alberta Health Services through Master Services Agreements. I will provide an update on our significant progress on this work later in this sitting. The Department also continues to work with the BC government and Acho Dene Koe senior officials about possible reciprocity agreements to support NWT residents to access care closer to home.

Mr. Speaker, I also participated in the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Health Ministers Meeting last week in Calgary. Workforce challenges, mental health and substance use, and the importance of sustainable federal funding were key topics of discussion among Ministers. The Northwest Territories actively contributes to the national Committee on Health Workforce, which is focused on improving how internationally educated health professionals are integrated into provincial and territorial health systems. The committee is also working to streamline registration and licensing processes to enhance labour mobility for physicians and nurses across Canada. At last week’s meetings, I continued to advocate for the importance of sustainable and predictable funding that is also flexible enough to meet the unique needs of NWT residents.

With some bilateral agreements with Health Canada set to expire at the end of this fiscal year and next, and no current federal commitment for renewed funding, I joined my Ministerial colleagues in advocating to the Minister of Health Canda for a path forward that takes into account the unique circumstances of each jurisdiction. I also emphasized our readiness to collaborate further to ensure a fair and sustainable approach to this sunsetting funding.

Mr. Speaker, our participation in national tables is longstanding. Today, I have highlighted a few recent examples, and I want to emphasize that the Department of Health and Social Services continues to actively engage in federal-provincial-territorial discussions on a wide range of topics including: seniors, persons with disabilities, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Medical Assistance in Dying, nursing, emergency management, and patient safety. These forums help us stay informed on best practices, share knowledge, and identify opportunities for collaboration and partnership.

Our collaboration with other governments helps us respond to the daily challenges faced by NWT residents and our health and social services system. We remain focused and committed to building a stronger, more responsive system; one that reflects the needs of Northerners and supports healthy people and communities.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.