News & Events
International FASD Awareness Day
September 7, 2012
September 9th, 2012 is International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day, an opportunity for communities to support prevention and intervention of FASD. “Some expectant mothers need support through their pregnancies,” said Tom Beaulieu, Minister of Health and Social Services... Click here to learn more
Contractor Named for New Hay River Health Centre
July 27, 2012
The Departments of Health and Social Services, Public Works and Services and the Hay River Health and Social Service Authority are pleased to announce the award of the contract for the design and construction of the new Health Centre in Hay River... Click here to learn more
Drop the Pop Winners
June 29, 2012
Seven NWT schools are receiving certificates and cash awards for producing videos that promoted healthy eating and healthy lifestyles:
- Mackenzie Mountain School, Norman Wells
- Weledeh Catholic School, Yellowknife
- Kaw Tay Whee School, Dettah
- École J.H. Sissons School, Yellowknife
- William MacDonald School, Yellowknife
- Joseph Burr Tyrrell School, Fort Smith
- Thomas Simpson School, Fort Simpson
Click here to learn more
A Shared Path Towards Wellness: The Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan, 2012-2015
June 12, 2012
Tom Beaulieu, Minister of Health and Social Services, has released A Shared Path Towards Wellness. The document is the GNWT’s 2012-2015 action plan to improve mental health and reduce addictions. It will achieve the 17th Legislative Assembly’s priorities by ensuring a fair and sustainable health system, by investing in prevention, education and awareness, and by enhancing addictions treatment programs using existing infrastructure... Click to learn more
A Shared Path Towards Wellness – Mental Health and Addictions, 2012 – 2015
June 12, 2012
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time today I will table our action plan, “A Shared Path Towards Wellness – Mental Health and Addictions, 2012 – 2015.”
The new action plan will help improve mental health and reduce addiction in the NWT. A Shared Path Towards Wellness will create a more efficient system that will allow residents to receive assessment, treatment and support services when and where they need them... Click here to learn more
Truth and Reconciliation Support
June 11, 2012
Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to rise today to express my support and appreciation for the great work accomplished by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
This initiative has been no small task. The Commission visited our communities, set up supports, and provided a forum to allow our survivors to share their pain and begin to heal. This is a significant accomplishment... Click here to learn more
Government of Northwest Territories Welcomes Changing Directions, Changing Lives: The Mental Health Strategy for Canada
June 7, 2012
Building on last month’s overwhelmingly successful release of Canada’s first-ever mental health strategy, the Mental Health Commission of Canada is in Yellowknife to launch Changing Directions, Changing Lives: The Mental Health Strategy for Canada. The Strategy was shaped and informed by the experiences and input from thousands of Canadians, including considerable engagement in Northwest Territories... Click here to learn more
Disability Awareness Week
June 4, 2012
Mr. Speaker, this Assembly has a vision of strong individuals, families and communities sharing in the benefits and responsibilities of a unified, environmentally sustainable and prosperous Northwest Territories. Our vision includes persons with disabilities... Click here to learn more
New Four-Year Contract for NWT Physicians
May 8, 2012
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and the Northwest Territories Medical Association (NWTMA) have reached agreement on a contract for physician services in the Northwest Territories. The previous contract between the GNWT and the NWTMA expired on March 31, 2012... Click here to learn more
NWT’s Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) rates decrease
April 18, 2012
Finally, the NWT is seeing a reduction in STIs. The NWT has seen a drop in the number of cases for Gonorrhea. Gonorrhea (also known as “The Clap”) is a common STI that can be cured with antibiotics. However, if not treated early, it can seriously affect your health and may cause sterility.. Click here to learn more
New long-term care facility in Behchoko
April 13, 2012
The planned construction of a new long-term care facility was announced yesterday at a ground breaking ceremony in Behchoko, Northwest Territories. The new facility will replace the Jimmy Erasmus Seniors home and will provide services to 18 NWT long-term care residents... Click here to learn more
Appointment of New Chief Public Health Officer
March 29, 2012
Dr. André Corriveau will assume responsibility as Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) for the Northwest Territories effective June 2012. He was appointed by Health and Social Services Minister Tom Beaulieu... Click here to learn more
Stanton Territorial Health Authority Introduces a 100% Tobacco Free Grounds Policy
February 14, 2012
Stanton Territorial Health Authority (STHA) is joining a growing number of hospitals and healthcare facilities across Canada that are challenging the way we think about healthcare – and the role of healthcare facilities... Click here to learn more
Prevention and Promotion
February 13, 2012
Mr. Speaker, this Assembly has talked about the importance of supporting residents to be healthy, educated and free from poverty. I think most people in our territory will agree.
We need to help our children, families and communities get to a place where they feel good, can meet their own needs and contribute in a positive way to our society... Click here to learn more
Students Get ‘Reel” with Tobacco
January 23, 2012
Students from across Nunavut, Northwest Territories and Yukon are participating in Get Reel, a video campaign to create anti-tobacco ads, as part of this year’s pan-territorial Smoke Screening initiative.
For the eighth year, the governments of Nunavut, Northwest Territories and Yukon are promoting this educational anti-tobacco program for youth, Smoke Screening 8, which exposes students to international and local northern anti-tobacco messages through film and social media... Click here to learn more
Stanton Territorial Hospital Unveils Digital Mammography Machine
November 7, 2011
Today was the digital mammography machine’s first fully operational day at the Stanton Territorial Hospital. The digital mammography machine was purchased through the funds raised by the CIBC Run for Our Lives and the Stanton Territorial Hospital Foundation... Click here to learn more
Get the Shot, Not the Flu
November 1, 2011
The Department of Health and Social Services is reminding NWT residents that the annual flu season is quickly approaching. Avoid the aches, fever and misery of influenza by getting your free flu shot and protecting yourself and those around you from that nasty bug... Click here to learn more
Stanton Receives Accreditation
October 24, 2011
On 30 Sept., 2011, Accreditation Canada advised that Stanton Territorial Health Authority has been granted Accreditation... Click here to learn more
World Breastfeeding Week October 1 to 7, 2011
September 30,2011
Oct. 1-7 is World Breastfeeding Week. In the NWT, events are being sponsored, by a number of partners, to encourage new parents to breastfeed.
In Yellowknife, the 2011 Breastfeeding Challenge will take place:
Where: Northern United Place
When: 10:00am-11:30am Oct. 1, 2011 (Saturday)
Click here to learn more
Get Active NWT Grants Offer Another Healthy Choice
September 20, 2011
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT), in partnership with the NWT Recreation and Parks Association (NWTRPA), is offering $750 Get Active NWT grants to community groups to help residents get active this year... Click here to learn more
Community Health Representatives are ‘Lifelines to a Healthy Lifestyle’
September 15, 2011
Today is National Community Health Representatives (CHR) Day – a celebration of the dedication and commitment that CHRs have towards teaching, encouraging and supporting healthy style life choices to the people within their communities. The theme for this year is “CHRs – Lifelines to a Healthy Lifestyle.”... Click here to learn more
World Suicide Prevention Day is September 10, 2011
September 7, 2011
Media are invited to attend a World Suicide Prevention Day display at Centre Square Mall on September 9, 2011. The suicide rate in the Northwest Territories is twice the national average.
This year, the NWT theme for World Suicide Prevention Day is Building Suicide Safer Communities... Click here to learn more
International FASD Awareness Day
September 7, 2011
On Friday, September 9, 2011 the Government of the Northwest Territories, regional Health and Social Services Authorities and Non-Government Agencies will celebrate International FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) Awareness Day.
This day brings community groups together in a shared voice to educate Northerners about preventing FASD through alcohol-free pregnancy. Alcohol-free pregnancy is another healthy choice promoted by the Government of the Northwest Territories through www.choosenwt.ca... Click here to learn more
Territorial Premiers Welcome Extension of Territorial Health System Sustainability Initiative (THSSI)
August 25, 2011
Canada’s Northern Premiers are welcoming today’s announcement by Prime Minister Stephen Harper to extend Territorial Health System Sustainability Initiative (THSSI) funding until March 31, 2014.
Northern Premiers acknowledged the Prime Minister’s ongoing commitment to addressing the unique challenges of the North – noting that the extension of THSSI funding reflects the recognition that Canada’s territorial governments face added costs and challenges in the delivery of all programs and services – and especially in the areas of health care... Click here to learn more
Health Status Report
August 22, 2011
The Health Status Report has been released by Health and Social Services Minister J. Michael Miltenberger. The report provides an insight into the health and well-being of the Northwest Territories population... Click here to learn more
GNWT Encourages Smokers to Live a Smoke Free Life
August 12, 2011
To support residents in the stop smoking challenge, Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT’s) will be available to all NWT smokers and smoking cessation prescription drugs will be covered under NWT health care benefits, Health and Social Services (HSS) Minister Miltenberger announced today... Click here to learn more
Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services Resigns
August 10, 2011
Premier Floyd K. Roland has accepted the resignation of Ms. Paddy Meade from her position as Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services effective September 23, 2011.
The Premier, along with Minister of Health and Social Services Michael Miltenberger thanked Ms. Meade for her efforts to make long-term improvements to the NWT health and social services system... Click here to learn more
Update on Elective Surgeries – Stanton Territorial Hospital
August 2, 2011
Stanton Territorial Hospital is targeting August 12, 2011 to resume elective surgeries. This target date is based on current sterilization equipment showing consistent safety results.
“Safety of patients is our priority,” said Minister of Health and Social Services J. Michael Miltenberger. “Only when Stanton Territorial Health Authority is satisfied that consistent results can be achieved, will we resume our normal business.”... Click here to learn more
Yellowknife Health and Social Services - Same Day Services
July 28, 2011
The Yellowknife Health and Social Services Authority (YHSSA) has initiated “Same Day Services” at the Yellowknife Primary Care Centre and Frame Lake Community Health Clinic in response to suggestions from clients and staff in an operational review conducted in April.
Same Day Services will replace “Walk-In” services formerly delivered at these sites. Same Day Services allow clients to schedule appointments with a Nurse Practitioner, Nurse or Physician, on the day that they call for the appointment... Click here to learn more
Health and Social Services Introduces YouTube Channel
July 25, 2011
The Department of Health and Social Services (HSS) is broadcasting its messages to Northwest Territories (NWT) Residents on its new YouTube Channel.
HSS has launched its official YouTube Channel, http://www.youtube.com/user/HSSCommunications. The channel has informational videos on public health, environmental health, social services, addictions and seniors programming... Click here to learn more
Celebrating Home Support Workers – June 28, 2011
June 27,2011
Home Support Workers support daily living activities and provide health services to NWT residents in their own homes and communities. Their services enable residents to enjoy the independence and comfort of their own home as long as possible before entering a hospital or long term care facility which may not be located in their community... Click here to learn more
Together We Can Stop Elder Abuse – World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15th, 2011
June 14, 2011
June 15th, 2011 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and the Department of Health and Social Services wants residents of the NWT to be aware that abuse against older adults can come in the form of financial, emotional or physical.
Through its ongoing campaign, Together We Can Stop Elder Abuse, the Department is encouraging residents to speak up about abuse. The campaign is intended to raise awareness and provide information on elder abuse in the NWT... Click here to learn more
Appointment of Chief Public Health Officer
May 16, 2011
Dr. Lorne Clearsky will assume responsibility as Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) for the Northwest Territories. He was appointed by Health and Social Services Minister Michael Miltenberger today... Click here to learn more
Midwifery Services in Yellowknife
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... Click here to learn more
“Nursing – The Health of Our Nation” – celebrating National Nursing Week May 9 - 15, 2011
May 9, 2011
National Nursing Week May 9 to 15, 2011 celebrates the quality health care services nurses provide in the Northwest Territories and across Canada.
This years’ theme for celebrating nursing in Canada is Nursing - The Health of Our Nation. Together, Licensed Practical Nurses, Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners provide health services to the residents of the NWT... Click here to learn more
Grand Opening of the Hay River Territorial Supported Living Campus Day Program
April 26, 2011
The Hay River Territorial Supported Living Campus’ day program centre is celebrating its grand opening this Thursday. The day program centre will offer programs for moderate to severe cognitively disabled adult residents and clients.
“One of the priorities in the A Foundation for Change action plan is to work with partners and stakeholders to improve the quality of life for Northerners with disabilities,” said the Minister of Health and Social Services, J. Michael Miltenberger. “The new center will provide residents and clients with an opportunity for personal growth, life skills, peer and social supports in their own community.”... Click here to learn more
Immunization Awareness Week: April 23 - 30, 2011
April 26, 2011
This year’s theme for National Immunization Week, April 23 - 30, is: Immunization Protects Everyone.
In the last 50 years, immunization has saved more lives in Canada than any other health intervention which is why the Government of the Northwest Territories is urging residents to ensure their immunization records, and their children’s, are kept up-to-date... Click here to learn more
Minister of Health and Social Services Resigns
March 28, 2011
Minister of Health and Social Services Sandy Lee tendered her resignation to the Premier on Saturday.
Premier Floyd K. Roland thanks Ms. Lee for her hard work and strong leadership as a Member the 16th Legislative Assembly’s Executive Council... Click here to learn more
World Tuberculosis Day – March 24, 2011
March 23, 2011
World Tuberculosis Day, March 24, increases public awareness that tuberculosis remains an epidemic in much of the world.
The rate of TB in the NWT is four to five times the national average – with about 30 per cent of NWT residents who have latent TB infections in their bodies which usually remains inactive and not a risk to the public. TB rates are highest among the Aboriginal population... Click here to learn more
Health and Social Services Department Accepts OAG Report
March 1, 2011
The Department of Health and Social Services has accepted all recommendations from the Office of the Auditor General of Canada.
The final report, which was tabled in the Legislative Assembly today, indicates the Department, through A Foundation for Change, has set clear direction, priorities and actions... Click here to learn more