May 11, 2011 - Midwifery services will be temporarily suspended in Yellowknife effective May 6, 2011. The Department of Health and Social Services is conducting a program review and expansion analysis to develop options for a Territorial Midwife Program.

Family Physicians and Nurse Practitioners working for the Yellowknife Health and Social Services Authority will continue to deliver a full range of comprehensive prenatal, birthing and post-partum services.

“As Minister of Health and Social Services I value our Midwives. I was responsible for bringing Midwifery Legislation forward and will continue to champion their efforts, unfortunately at this time we need to re-consider how the Midwifery program will look for Yellowknife,”  said Minister Michael Miltenberger.

“I look forward to the results of the program review and expansion analysis and I would also like to commend our Midwife for all of her successful deliveries and accomplishments to date,” said Yellowknife Health and Social Services Board Chair Liz Wyman.

Midwifery services will continue to be offered in Fort Smith by two registered midwives.


For more information, contact:

Victoria Velez

Communications Officer
Office of the Premier/Cabinet
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 669-2302