Northwest Territories News

Mr. Speaker, last May we presented Our Elders: Our Communities, a Strategic Framework outlining the Government’s commitment to support Elders and Seniors who wish to live in their own homes and communities for as long as possible, and ensure that services are available when this option is no longer viable.

As the backbone of our communities, Elders and Seniors should be supported and given the best care possible. Seniors are the fastest growing population in the Northwest Territories. Over the past decade, the Seniors’ demographic has grown at a rate of more than five per cent per year, and this trend will continue. Meeting the health care and social needs of Elders and Seniors is a high priority for our government.

Our Elders: Our Communities gives us a framework to identify gaps in our system, and where we need to take action.  Priority areas include: home and community care services; integrated and coordinated service delivery; caregiver supports; Elder-responsive communities; accessible and current information; and sustainable best practices.

The guiding principles within Our Elders, Our Communities strengthen the development of programs, services and supports to Seniors and Elders.  There are seven key principles:

Choice, means knowing that seniors can make or be an active participant in making ones’ own choices.

Respect and dignity, means that we treat Elders in a manner that imparts value, importance and self-worth.

Equity, acknowledges and celebrates the unique characteristics of Elders.

Awareness, promotes community, regional and territorial programs and services aimed at keeping Elders in their communities

Access, ensures Elders have access to culturally appropriate services and support, and access to information that allows individuals to be knowledgeable and to make informed decisions about healthy options available.

Safety, stresses safe, supportive and secure environments free of fear, exploitation and violence.

Finally, Empowerment, which refers to providing opportunities for Elders to continue to reach their full potential, with access to educational, cultural, spiritual and recreational resources, and to continue to make a positive contribution in their communities.

These principles align with the Rights set out in the Northwest Territories Seniors Charter and, together with our priority areas, provide a roadmap for the development of programs and services to support healthy and active aging within Elder-responsive communities across the Northwest Territories.

By taking action in areas identified in the Framework, we will help Elders and Seniors remain in their communities as long as possible.  The Department of Health and Social Services continues to engage the Health and Social Services Authorities and Avens – A Community for Seniors, to advance shared work in areas such as training in palliative care and approaches to care that focus on the needs of the Elder, and developing policies to support the implementation of new Continuing Care Standards. We’re also planning for new long-term care beds across the Northwest Territories, including Avens in Yellowknife.

The Department is also working with the Health and Social Services Authorities to enhance home care services.  Currently, home support is available in most NWT communities and home care is available in communities with nursing staff. Elders’ day programs are available in several communities, which provide an opportunity for Elders to socialize and have a nutritious meal, as well as participate in Elders in Motion, an active living program offered by the NWT Parks and Recreation Association.  Keeping healthy, active, and connected to each other is critical to wellbeing and programs like these play an important role in Elders’ lives.

I am pleased to report that new facilities are being built and resources are being developed to help Seniors achieve a high quality of life. The Department of Health and Social Services is working with the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation to address independent housing needs in our communities, and incorporate space for home care and Elders’ day programs into the designs for new Seniors’ housing units.

Any improvements to our programs are not possible without partnerships.  The Department of Health and Social Services has also been working with the NWT Seniors Society and the Departments of Justice, Municipal and Community Affairs, Education, Culture and Employment, and the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation to update the Seniors’ Information Handbook.  We are also developing a companion booklet for caregivers.

The Seniors’ Information Handbook provides a comprehensive list of government programs and services that seniors and their caregivers can access to help them make informed decisions and remain independent and active in their home communities.

The companion Caregiver Booklet will provide information to assist families caring for their loved ones. The plan is to release these documents this spring.

Another example of collaboration is the Aurora Research Institute’s recently released report titled “Influences on Quality of Life of the Older Adult” in the Northwest Territories. Working directly with the NWT Seniors’ Society and communities, Aurora College faculty and students gathered valuable, current information on the quality of life of Seniors and Elders across the Northwest Territories that can help support informed decision-making and direction for leadership, advocacy, education and research.  Later today I will table this report.

Taking action in priority areas to improve the programs and services for Elders will not be a short-term undertaking, Mr. Speaker.  The Department’s work is ongoing and will continue through transition.  We have established numerous partnerships to help ensure Seniors receive the support they need. As we move forward, we will continue engagement with Aboriginal governments, non-governmental organizations and community members to ensure our programs and services are delivered in the best way possible.

Together, we are working toward our vision of aging in place, and Best Health, Best Care and a Better Future for residents of the Northwest Territories.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

YELLOWKNIFE (March 5, 2015) – The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) continues to support community government projects that promote public safety by increasing response capability of local fire and ambulance services through the Ground Ambulance and Highway Rescue Funding Program. In 2014/15, the GNWT provided $400,000 in funding to communities through this program, an increase of $200,000 from previous years. Additional improvements to the program include raising the maximum amount of funding per community to $50,000, including minor capital infrastructure projects as eligible expenses and allowing multi-year projects.

“Providing resources to community governments so they can improve their local fire and ambulance services is an important part of improving public safety in the Northwest Territories,” said Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs Robert C. McLeod. “Expanding the funding available under this program and also providing more options for how recipients can use the funds helps community governments address their unique  needs. ”

Since 2007, this program has provided over $1.5 million to community governments for initiatives such as new ground ambulance or highway rescue vehicles, emergency medical responder training, casualty trauma kit supplies, off-site crash kit supplies and more.

“The ground ambulance and highway rescue funding, in conjunction with the basic training that the volunteers have received, will provide us with the necessary skills, transportation and equipment to treat, mobilize and transport patients in a safe manner,” said Patrick Simon, Deputy Mayor of the Hamlet of Fort Resolution.

“The City of Yellowknife appreciates the additional funding used towards emergency response capabilities along NWT Highways near our community.  These additional resources help Yellowknife play a stronger role in the region in the area of emergency support services,” said Mark Heyck, Mayor of the City of Yellowknife.

In 2014-15, the GNWT has allocated $400,000 to support the following community government projects:

• Yellowknife – Rescue vehicle and equipment
• Hay River – Ambulance
• Fort Smith – Rescue equipment
• Fort Simpson – Highway rescue vehicle
• Fort Resolution – Highway rescue vehicle
• Fort McPherson – Ambulance and equipment
• Inuvik – Rescue equipment
• Behchoko – Training and communications equipment

An Interdepartmental Advisory Committee composed of the Departments of Municipal and Community Affairs, Justice, Transportation and Health and Social Services was established in 2011 to implement the GNWT’s Ground Ambulance, Highway and Remote Medical Rescue Services Strategy to support and strengthen delivery of community-based ground ambulance, highway rescue and medical remote rescue services in the NWT.

The Ground Ambulance and Highway Rescue Funding Program helps build response capacity in communities and contributes to sustainable, vibrant, and safe communities as outlined in the 17th Legislative Assembly’s vision of Believing in People and Building on the Strengths of Northerners.

Media inquiries:

David Maguire
Communications and Website Advisor
Municipal and Community Affairs
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 920-3092
Email: david_maguire@gov.nt.ca

Mr. Speaker, each year we celebrate March as National Social Work Month. Social work is a profession for those with a passion to help improve people’s lives. Social Workers help individuals, families and communities by providing support and resources and working through challenging and complex circumstances.

Social Workers can work directly with individuals to provide counselling services or other supports. They also contribute to the broader improvement of our Territory through policy development and helping to improve the way services are provided and delivered at the community level.

Social Workers have an ethical obligation to advocate for broad social change to address social inequalities that will benefit the marginalized members of our communities, and ultimately, all of us.

When families are in crisis, Social Workers are there to help people get back on their feet. Social Workers show outstanding dedication and professionalism to help people achieve success and realize their best selves. The hours are tough, as help is required around the clock.

Social Work requires determination, devotion and a sense of purpose to make a real difference for people in need, and I have seen many positive outcomes as a result of Social Workers’ efforts.

For these reasons and many more, Social Work is being celebrated this year as a Profession of Choice. As the Minister of Health and Social Services, I want to express how much the Government of the Northwest Territories appreciates professional social work not just during Social Work Month, but every day.

I am pleased to have this extra opportunity to celebrate these outstanding professionals and express the Government of the Northwest Territories’ recognition and thanks for all their hard work on behalf of the people of the Northwest Territories.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, it makes me very proud to share an important milestone with this Legislative Assembly. At the Truth and Reconciliation Commission event in Inuvik in 2011, I committed our government to educating students and teachers in the Northwest Territories about the history and legacy of the residential schools.

For the year following that TRC event, Education, Culture and Employment staff worked closely with the Nunavut Government, the Legacy of Hope Foundation, and in particular, former residential school students, to complete a resource package of teaching and learning materials.
In October of 2012, all NWT Northern Studies teachers were introduced to the new teacher’s guide. At this in-service, many survivors shared their experiences with our teachers. The experiences shared during this in-service helped the teachers not only in their delivery of Northern Studies, but in their understanding of their students and the communities they are working in.

Since this initial launch, I committed our government to train not just the Northern Studies teachers, but all K-12 teachers in the NWT on the history and legacy of residential schools. It has taken us over a year to accomplish this goal and as of February 19th every NWT teacher has participated in an in-service. We will now be offering this in-service to all new teachers arriving to the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, this is an important accomplishment, and I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank several groups. I want to thank the principals and teachers who listened respectfully to the difficult truths.

I want to thank the Vision of Hope and Health Canada for supporting the process through their counselling services and attending every in-service. They also provided follow-up support for those who needed it. I want to thank Maxine Lacorne who is an intergenerational survivor and also travelled to many communities and provided hope through sharing her experiences and journey of healing. Most importantly, I want to acknowledge and thank the many former residential school students all over the NWT who graciously shared their experiences with open hearts.

In June, I will be hosting meetings with my counterparts from across the country, the Council for Ministers of Education Canada. At these meetings, we will be discussing how to make it a requirement in every province and territory across Canada for all teachers to be familiar with the issues related to the history and legacy of residential schools, regardless of where they study or where they teach. Together, we are understanding the past and seeking reconciliation to build hope for tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories can be very proud of the leadership role we have played right across this country in assuring that never again will another generation be able to say ‘I didn’t know.’

Masi, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, three years ago, the 17th Legislative Assembly made it a priority to establish sustainable, vibrant, safe communities. Today, I want to speak about some of the work being done by the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs to help reach that goal by strengthening community emergency preparedness and fire protection.

In the past 12 months, NWT communities have experienced some extreme events that have tested their ability to respond to natural disasters and community fire incidents. These events can occur at any time and in any place, with or without warning. Effective response requires a continual planning and capacity building.

Mr. Speaker, emergency preparedness and community fire protection are critical. Our collective efforts need to focus on helping communities reach a suitable level of readiness. To this end, MACA is committed to several important goals that will help create and sustain a foundation with which to support and strengthen community preparedness and response.

MACA continues its efforts to help community governments improve community emergency management capacity. This includes the delivery of community planning workshops and table top exercises. Since 2011, 20 communities have updated their existing emergency response plans or created new ones. Last year, MACA launched a new table top exercise in Whati, which is now available to communities to help validate emergency plans.

Mr. Speaker, work continues at the territorial level as well. Recently, MACA began a review of the government’s civil emergency response efforts from last summer. The review will identify gaps and deficiencies in last summer’s operations and allow us to improve procedures and plans. It will also inform work to update the territorial emergency response plan that will commence in the spring.

MACA is also coordinating the GNWT’s participation in Operation NANOOK 2015, which provides a great opportunity to practice and evaluate components of the NWT’s emergency measures regime. This annual Canadian Forces live exercise is scheduled to take place in August and will involve working with key partners to respond to a simulated wildfire event in the vicinity of Fort Smith.

Last summer, the Department completed a territorial hazard identification risk assessment which provides communities guidance concerning risks that pose the greatest threat to people, property, environment and the economy. This tool can be used to update community emergency plans, develop municipal disaster risk mitigation plans, and guide development of emergency response exercises.

MACA also started work on modernizing the Civil Emergency Measures Act to ensure it provides the GNWT and community governments with effective tools to respond to our current hazard environment. Work is well underway and it is hoped that we can pass in the 17th Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, not all emergency events occur from natural disasters. Many originate in our own homes and have a profound impact on families. According to the National Fire Protection Association, households can expect a home fire every 15 years. While most will be small fires resulting in little or no damage, some will be greater. This means effective community fire protection needs to remain a high priority for the Department and community governments.

In 2014, MACA continued implementation of an NWT Community Fire Protection Plan, focused on key priorities identified by fire protection stakeholders. The Department recently worked with partners to implement a territorial-wide carbon monoxide awareness campaign and a volunteer fire fighter recruitment and retention toolkit for community governments. These efforts combine to help improve the efforts of smaller communities with limited equipment, capacity and volunteers. Future efforts will continue to build on local capacity by providing templates and tools that can be implemented by fire departments in communities across the NWT.

To help ensure adequate first aid skills, MACA is delivering first responder training to community volunteers and staff. Since June 2014, six communities have received training, with several more sessions planned for the remainder of the year. This effort has been combined with a unique opportunity to increase public access to Automated External Defibrillators. Working with the Heart and Stroke Foundation, we are combining efforts to place more than 60 defibrillators in recreation and public facilities throughout the North, and to deliver user training to volunteers.

Central to this goal are our continued efforts to help community government staff and volunteers achieve certification and accreditation as fire fighters. In 2014, eighteen Individuals were certified as fire instructors and eight individuals as fire investigators.

Mr. Speaker, improvements in community fire protection require a sustained effort and effective collaboration on behalf of all stakeholders. It also requires an effective foundation with which to ensure adequate oversight and authority for all levels of government. To this end, MACA is making good progress towards an updated Fire Prevention Act that will reflect our true operating environment. A draft bill is expected early in the 18th Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to commend community governments for their continued efforts in this important area and to thank our partners for their ongoing support.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, Aboriginal Languages Month is an opportune time to reflect on past successes and the work that lies ahead in continuing to promote, revitalize and preserve our nine official Aboriginal languages. We are all burdened by the truth that some of our Aboriginal languages are struggling, not because we are not doing enough to support them, but because the challenges they face are complex.

Residential school and colonialism have left some deep scars behind and are largely responsible for Aboriginal people struggling to keep their languages alive. Adding to this reality is the fact that English has taken over as the predominant language of our society. This history can never be forgotten nor can its impact be reversed quickly.

Mr. Speaker, the good news is, however, that the Government of the Northwest Territories is partnering with Aboriginal governments, schools and the federal government to make a difference and reverse this trend. This collaboration is vital as success can only be achieved by working together, each doing our part. That is not about duplicating efforts and creating bureaucracy. It is about sharing in the responsibility and helping build one another’s capacity.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the NWT invests 15 million dollars each year to support and promote Aboriginal languages through:

• Building the capacity of Aboriginal governments to implement their 5-year regional language plans;
• Funding culture and language programs in schools;
• Funding language nest programs in daycares;
• Supporting Aboriginal broadcasting;
• Funding programs that increase the number of Aboriginal language instructors;
• Developing Aboriginal language terminology;
• Supporting specific Aboriginal language initiatives; and
• Providing government services in Aboriginal languages where possible.

Mr. Speaker, these are the highlights of our actions, providing evidence that we are firing on all cylinders. Key to all of our efforts, however, is parents speaking their Aboriginal language at home with their children, and children embracing the learning of that language. Without that key ingredient our efforts can only go so far.

Mr. Speaker, administering support for Aboriginal languages is complex. To simplify our approach and provide the funding in the most straightforward way, as of April 1st, 2014, all Aboriginal governments now have the control and flexibility to decide where best to allocate their funding. They have done their homework and have developed very rich regional language plans. Our job is now to support them in their efforts to implement them and give them time to assess what has worked best and where improvements can be made.

We are helping them in developing monitoring and evaluation plans for their accountability and measuring their efforts.

Mr. Speaker, we have listened to the advice of the Aboriginal governments and our Elders; they are the ones on the ground in the communities. They see the decline happening before their eyes. But they also see pockets of progress – there are the children working with Elders to create a dictionary; there are youth teaching others what they’ve learned, there are children sitting with community Elders and learning from them, and there are communities rallying from the youngest to the oldest to ensure that everyone on the ground is reaching beyond their communities to share their languages with the world.

Masi, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, regulated electronics recycling programs are in place or under development in all Canadian provinces and the Yukon Territory and we are making good progress on an electronics recycling program in the Northwest Territories.

Recycling electronics helps prevent harmful materials from leaching into the environment when disposed in landfills, burned or left on the land. Recycling old electronics into new products also minimizes environmental impacts related to extracting raw materials through mining and other activities.

In a survey conducted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in 2008, residents identified electronics recycling as one of the top three priorities for the territorial waste reduction and recovery program.

ENR began an electronics recycling pilot project in September 2013, which has collected over 20 tonnes of electronics at bottle depots in Fort McPherson, Norman Wells, Fort Smith and Fort Providence.

Through a competitive process, e-waste collected under the NWT’s program will be sent to a recycler in Alberta on a three year contract. Recyclers will be required to be registered under the Government of Alberta electronics recycling program. This will ensure important environmental standards and employee health and safety standards are met, and will make sure no electronics are sent to countries where minimum standards are not in place to protect the environment and employee health and safety.

There is a cost to recycling the e-waste but these will be covered through the environmental handling fees charged on each new electronics product purchased in the NWT or purchased online. These fees range from $3 for a portable computer to $100 for large industrial printers.

ENR is currently drafting new Electronics Recycling Regulations under the Waste Reduction and Recovery Act.

The program has been designed to ensure a level playing field for retailers. Proposed fees are comparable to program start-up fees in other jurisdictions and are no higher than the top end of fees in other Canadian jurisdictions. Measures will also be put in place to make sure all electronics suppliers are compliant with the Regulations, including online electronics distributers.

From January 6 to February 16, 2015 stakeholders were invited to provide feedback on the proposed NWT Electronics Recycling Program. These included industry associations representing electronics suppliers, NWT and local Chamber of Commerce offices, Arctic Co-op, Northwest Company, NWT Association of Communities, mines, Government of the Northwest Territories, Public Works and Services and the waste management service industry.

Most of the feedback received was from national and multinational electronics manufacturers, distributers and retailers. There was generally support for the program and no feedback was received expressing broad opposition to an electronics recycling program in NWT.

Comments from stakeholders included ensuring that environmental handling fees are set appropriately, delaying the program launch to avoid busy times for retailers, engaging industry in refining the product list and harmonizing the NWT program with other jurisdictions as much as possible.

The program will be funded by environmental handling fees charged to electronic suppliers on all new designated electronics sold in or into the NWT. Refunds will not be provided for electronics returned for recycling.

The draft Regulations will be complete in spring 2015 and a territory-wide electronics recycling program is targeted to launch in fall 2015. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

YELLOWKNIFE (March 3, 2015) – The Minister of Justice has accepted all recommendations from the Office of the Auditor General of Canada (OAG) Report on NWT Corrections Service.

“We welcome this examination of our procedures and processes as supportive of improvements and change in the Corrections system,” said Minister of Justice David Ramsay. “We have an obligation to provide strong programs for rehabilitation as well as to prepare inmates for their reintegration to the community and we don’t take this obligation lightly. We are committed to public safety.” 

The OAG undertook a review of the Corrections Service in the Northwest Territories. The OAG Audit was to determine whether the Department of Justice is meeting key responsibilities in corrections facilities.

Fourteen recommendations were made by the Auditor General which will assist in the ongoing efforts to improve management policies and procedures as well as the department’s ability to adequately monitor and report.

As a first step, the Minister has instructed the Department of Justice to take immediate action in a number of areas identified by the audit.

The Minister also said that change is necessary in the way the Corrections Service conducts business. “I hope to meet with the Standing Committee on Social Programs to present a work plan that responds to the Auditor General’s recommendations and, more importantly, to discuss how we move forward together. I have no doubt the professional and dedicated staff of the Corrections Service will be able to work for the change we need to make improvements.”

Media inquiries:
Sue Glowach
Senior Communication Advisor
Department of Justice
Tel: 867-920-3130
Email: sue_glowach@gov.nt.ca

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment has approved five traditional Aboriginal names for the Mackenzie River under the NWT Geographical and Community Names Policy.

As the Department responsible for community and geographical names in the Northwest Territories, we place a special emphasis on traditional Aboriginal geographical names as they are important to the culture, history, and languages of the people of the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, the Mackenzie River is the largest and longest river system in Canada and continues to serve as a transportation corridor. It provides key support to communities along its length, while serving to foster economic development.  In this way, like a strand of sinew, it ties the Northwest Territories together.   The Mackenzie River is one of our most important geographical features and helps to define the Northwest Territories’ place in Canada. 

In 1984, the Geographical Names Board of Canada declared the Mackenzie River a geographical feature of Pan-Canadian Significance in recognition of its historical importance and prominent place in the Canadian landscape.  With that decision, both the French and English names for the Mackenzie River became official. Previously, only the English place name was an official name.

Through the NWT’s Geographical and Community Names Policy, we have the ability to also make the traditional names for geographical features official to assure their cultural continuity. In accordance with this, the five Aboriginal names for the Mackenzie River are now approved and join the English and French versions as official names.

The Aboriginal names are:

Kuukpak, the Inuvialuktun name,

Nagwichoonjik, the Gwich’in name,

Deho, the North Slavey name,

Dehcho, the South Slavey name, and

Grande Rivière, the Michif name.

All of the Aboriginal names translate as a variation of ‘big’ or ‘great’ river, underscoring its importance as a geographical feature.

Mr. Speaker, now that the Aboriginal names for the Mackenzie River have been recognized, an Elder from any community along its length can stand on its bank and tell his or her grandchildren that their name for the river is known by all.

Masi, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Health & Social Services is pursuing the 17th Legislative Assembly’s goal of healthy, educated people by investing in prevention, education awareness, and early childhood development. By working in partnership with community and Aboriginal governments, non-governmental organizations, health professionals and other stakeholders we can achieve our vision of Best Health, Best Care, for a Better Future.

To help all partners align their efforts, we are holding a Territorial Wellness Gathering from March 3rd to 5th at the Explorer Hotel in Yellowknife.  We are partnering with the NWT Association of Communities to host this event, and I would like to thank the Association for their assistance.

Community leaders, Elders, and youth from all 33 communities will come together, along with representatives of Aboriginal governments and non-governmental organizations, staff from the Health and Social Services Authorities, the Government of the Northwest Territories and Health Canada, to take part in the Gathering.  

Participants will learn about how social determinants and economic factors influence people’s health, and explore how we can work together to improve the overall well-being of our residents. The Gathering will focus on three themes: Closing the Gap; Healthy People and Communities; and Building Stronger Families.

It will be informative and inspirational, with compelling presentations from prominent experts. It will provide opportunities for participants to actively engage on the three themes and share ideas on how they can improve residents’ quality of life. It offers individuals and organizations a venue to learn from each other, share their wisdom, and exchange knowledge on best practices that enhance the well-being of our communities.

The sessions will also be available through live webcast so that all residents have the opportunity to hear these presentations.

A number of key speakers from across Canada will be attending the Gathering, along with our own local experts and residents. They will share their wisdom and stories and will be a valuable resource that participants can learn from.

I look forward to hearing from respected professors, researchers, and physicians such as Dr. Janet Smylie, one of the first Metis doctors in Canada, and Dr. Cindy Blackstock, Executive Director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada.

Mr. Speaker, there are many factors that negatively influence the health and well-being of our residents. These include struggles with income, education, early childhood development, food insecurity, and housing. Other issues include mental health, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, diabetes and even the impacts of climate change.

The Gathering will offer participants an opportunity for open and honest dialogue about these issues and help foster awareness and understanding, and will give participants ideas for addressing issues in their communities. It will also provide information and real life experiences from Northerners on successful efforts to improve the well-being of our residents.

Aboriginal people in the Northwest Territories have an increased burden of chronic disease and the trends will continue to worsen unless we intervene. We know that better promotion of healthy lifestyles is one of the keys to improving this situation.

Because so many NWT residents are Aboriginal, especially in the smaller communities, improving the health status of the Aboriginal population is one way the Department of Health and Social Services is working to accomplish our goals.

We continue to develop effective, culturally-appropriate prevention and promotion programs and work with our health centres to create a welcoming environment where Aboriginal people feel respected and supported. The Northwest Territories has an opportunity to become a leader in culturally-sensitive approaches to care.

Improving the health of all NWT residents will require the cooperation and effort of many groups and organizations, Mr. Speaker. We need to continue to develop strong partnerships with community and Aboriginal governments, non-governmental organizations and health and social service providers to form an integrated approach in order to have a collective impact.

This is why having events like the Territorial Wellness Gathering is important. We hope that from the Gathering we can collectively develop solutions that give residents greater opportunity to enjoy the benefits of healthy lifestyles.

Mr. Speaker, exchanging information and finding new, innovative ways to address the social and economic factors that negatively influence our residents’ well-being will help us achieve our goal of having sustainable, vibrant, safe communities.

This Gathering also moves towards achieving our commitments in the GNWT Anti-Poverty Action Plan, Early Childhood Development Action Plan and Pathways to Wellness: An Updated Action Plan for Addictions and Mental Health.

By strengthening our partnerships and weaving together our collective wisdom, we will realize our vision of Best Health, Best Care, for a Better Future. I look forward to sharing the findings from the Gathering with my colleagues in this Assembly.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to advise Members of the Legislative Assembly that the Honourable George Tuccaro, Commissioner of the Northwest Territories has been reappointed to his position for another one-year term. The appointment was announced by the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada the Honourable Bernard Valcourt last week. Commissioner Tuccaro’s second term will begin on May 11, 2015 and end on May 10, 2016.

The role and relationship of the Commissioner’s Office and the Government of the Northwest Territories has always been a close one. Only 30 years ago, the Commissioner would have been directly involved in the day-to-day running of government and would have had many of the same responsibilities the Premier now has.

As our people and territory have evolved, so has our political system. Today, elected representatives serving the people of the Northwest Territories have the responsibility for the daily direction and control of the government.

At the same time, the role of the Commissioner has evolved into a more ceremonial and symbolic office similar to that of a provincial lieutenant governor. In this role, the Commissioner symbolizes and expresses the values and aspirations of all residents of the Northwest Territories. In representing the interests we all share, the Commissioner is a powerful symbol of the things that unite us as Northerners.

The Commissioner is also an important symbol of our belief in our democratic institutions of government, both in Canada and the Northwest Territories. Through his relationship with the Governor General, Lieutenant Governors and other Commissioners, the Commissioner symbolizes our participation in the Canadian federation.

The demands of being Commissioner require a person with unique characteristics. To represent and reflect their interests, the Commissioner needs to know and be in touch with people all across the Northwest Territories. A Commissioner needs dignity and tact to help foster respect for the institutions of government, despite political controversy and human error. Also a Commissioner needs selflessness to rise above personal interest and represent the interests of all Northwest Territories residents.

I think everyone will agree that Mr. George Tuccaro has demonstrated all those characteristics in private life and in his term as Commissioner. Mr. Tuccaro is well known across the North, both as a broadcaster and through his travels. His support for Northern arts and culture is well known. He has served on the NWT Arts Council, promoted Aboriginal language programming at CBC North, served on the Legislative Assembly’s Cultural Enhancement Committee and been involved in many cultural events throughout the years. His more recent work before becoming Commissioner involving issues like healthy lifestyles, drug and alcohol abuse prevention and residential schools, proved that he is still in touch with the issues that affect so many Northerners today.

Mr. Speaker, it has been an honour to have worked with Mr. Tuccaro during his term as Commissioner. He is traveling in the Mackenzie Delta this week promoting the anniversary of the Canadian flag, but I would like to invite all Members to join me in congratulating him for his reappointment.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, developing our employees and ensuring the public service is prepared to provide sustainable, quality programs and effective services to our residents in the future are a priority of this government.  In 2009, we started a 10-year journey to develop excellence in the public service through 20/20: A Brilliant North, the NWT Public Service Strategic Plan.  We are mid-way through the implementation of 20/20, and now is a good time to review some of our successes.

Our ability to provide sustainable, quality programs and services is strongly linked to recruiting and retaining talented staff who are committed to their professions, their communities, and the people they serve.   Employee surveys tell us the Government of the Northwest Territories is an inclusive workplace that recognizes and embraces diversity.  They tell us we have good programs to support recruitment and the development of Northerners.  They also tell us employees see real advantages to working for the GNWT, with its unlimited range and diversity of work and opportunities for career growth, development and advancement. 

Mr. Speaker, we have seen good results in developing future senior managers through the leadership, management and Aboriginal development training programs. We have started implementing competency-based performance management to ensure successful performance in our jobs.  We have implemented policies and programs to ensure our employees are treated with fairness, dignity and respect. We have partnered with Aboriginal and community government’s to develop and sustain the public sector at all levels across the NWT.

The Government is focusing on strengthening its occupational health and safety culture. The Department of Human Resources is providing strategic advice on Occupational Health and Safety or OHS activities across the GNWT.  Twenty-nine Departments and agencies have developed or are in the process of developing their OHS Programs and have OHS Coordinators in place.

However, we recognize there is more we can do to achieve our goals. It is also important that the public service focus on service delivery outcomes. We can achieve this by providing managers a strong framework for human resource management decision-making.

The Department of Human Resources is preparing an HR Management Accountability Framework to align the GNWT with modern best practices in human resource management.  The Framework will establish the supporting structure to set clear roles and responsibilities and reasonable performance expectations based on legislation, policy and regulations for sound human resource management decisions.

Mr. Speaker, we can improve our ability to acquire and retain talent by modernizing the workforce and workplace.  Modernization means offering efficient and effective recruitment programs substantiated by cost-benefit analysis and sound return on investment.  The Regional Recruitment Program is assisting with increasing regional employment opportunities by linking residents with local jobs.  Nine trainees are in positions learning new skills through on-the-job training and providing service to people in their communities of Inuvik, Fort Simpson, Fort Providence and Fort Smith.  Two more positions are in the processing of being filled.  Work is underway to improve the program so that it is a proactive tool for hiring managers looking to fill positions.

Mr. Speaker, our vacancy numbers have improved, dropping by 188 positions between last April and October.  The GNWT is continuing its focus on training the Northern labour force and marketing itself and the jobs available throughout Canada using streamlined recruitment to bring qualified and skilled people into the North to fill hard-to-recruit positions. We will continue to use direct appointments and or recruitment to attract affirmative action candidates to the GNWT and fill our critical vacant jobs.

We continue to invest in our youth by making jobs available through the Summer Student and Internship Programs.  While we are making opportunities available to post-secondary students and graduates, they also have a role to play.  My advice to them as new job seekers is to be proactive in their search for employment.  Research GNWT departments and agencies to find work units related to your field of study.  Approach managers in these units to let them know you are interested in working for their Department.  Apply now.  Hiring is based on the needs of departments and agencies.  Managers will contact students directly if an opportunity arises.

Mr. Speaker, implementing a HR Accountability Framework and improving our HR programs continues to move the GNWT towards the goals and objectives of the NWT Public Service Strategic Plan.  With these modernization efforts, we ensure a diverse, competent and sustainable workforce, capable of, and committed to, delivering high quality services to the people of the Northwest Territories.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I have often talked about the Education Renewal Initiative in this House and have updated Members a number of times as to its progress.  In our discussions last year, Members said that unless children actually go to school it does not matter what programs and supports are provided. Members encouraged us to create a school attendance advertising campaign, and, Mr. Speaker, we have acted upon that advice.

Mr. Speaker, our school attendance rates are not where we want them to be.  Students must strive for a hundred percent attendance in order to give themselves the best chance to learn.  A student who has 80% attendance is missing two full years of school by the time they reach Grade 10.  In 2014 the average attendance in our small communities was 77% compared to 82% in the regions and 90% in Yellowknife.  71% of Northwest Territories Grade 10 students had less than 80% attendance.  We must work to improve these statistics.

Ensuring students go to school is everyone’s responsibility.  Many people can affect a student’s attendance.  It is the role of the school to provide thought-provoking classes, and a safe and warm environment.  Parents and caregivers can help their children get out of bed on time to provide a healthy breakfast and a quiet place to do homework.  Leaders can speak to the importance of education and can motivate and incent students by showing them how a good education can improve their lives  and government can provide information and resources to help students become the best they can be, provide leadership to District Education Councils and Authorities and support parents. 

Following on the advice of Members, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment is undertaking a student attendance campaign that takes our message directly to youth in ways they understand.  We are using innovative and modern graphics and “teen-speak”.  We have created an infographic which not only poses questions about attendance but offers youth places to go if they need help.

We will be providing these resources to Members for their constituency offices and will be displaying information about attendance, helpline contacts and quick facts in every community in the Northwest Territories. Our goal is to ensure youth make good decisions for themselves and their futures and to make sure they know where to seek help if they need it.

Mr. Speaker, this campaign was, in part, created by youth.  They advised us on the look and feel of the campaign, the right wording to use to reach their peers and where to place our messages.  I firmly believe that because of their participation in this campaign, we will reach out in the most effective manner to a wider youth audience and will be more successful because of it.

But, Mr. Speaker, this is not all we are doing to increase attendance in schools.  Through the Education Renewal Initiative there are several projects underway to improve schools as learning environments.  One of the reasons some students do not attend regularly is because they are being bullied. We are addressing this through our Safe and Caring Schools legislation, regulations, School Codes of Conduct and Safe Schools Plans.

Another reason some students attend irregularly is because they are hungry.  This issue is being addressed, in part, through the Healthy Food in Schools initiative which is underway this year.  Some students do not attend school because the courses they are interested in are not offered.  We are addressing this issue through the expanded commitment to distance learning that ERI is supporting this year.

Mr. Speaker, we share a vision of a strong and prosperous NWT.  Our youth need to be healthy and educated if they are going to participate in, and fully enjoy the benefits of a growing economy.  Education renewal is helping prepare them for a successful future. We recognize that attendance is of paramount importance as we move forward with the Education Renewal Initiative and we are working hard in this area on many fronts.  These are some of the ways that our renewal of education is tackling the issue of student attendance in the NWT.

I want to thank Members for their advice and guidance on this issue and for their continued support as we work with youth to help them achieve their dreams.

Masi, Mr. Speaker.

Bobbi Hamilton (centre) receives award from Steve Versteeg (left), Manager of Community Justice and Policing and Colin White (right), Manager Community Policing Programs

HAY RIVER (March 2, 2015) – The 2015 Ministerial Restorative Justice Award has been presented to Bobbi Hamilton of Hay River for her significant contributions to the people of her community.  Ms. Hamilton has demonstrated peaceful ways of resolving conflict and promoted healing between offenders, victims, families and communities.

“The work that Community Justice Coordinators like Bobbi Hamilton do for their communities and the changes that result from it can never be underestimated,” said Minister of Justice David Ramsay. “She has worked with hundreds of youth over the past seven years to help them make better choices in their lives and  for the future. The majority of youth assisted through this alternative to the courts go on to change their lives and live crime-free.” 

The Ministerial Restorative Justice Award was established in 2014.  It recognizes the significant contributions of individuals who demonstrate leadership and model the restorative justice principles in the service of peace through their work, lifestyle and ways of transforming human relationships by encouraging communication and healing between people in conflict.

“I do what I do because I like to help people make positive changes,” said Bobbi Hamilton. “When I see those results, it’s rewarding; to be recognized for this is a further bonus.”

The Restorative Justice process contributes to achieving the 17th Legislative Assembly’s goal of sustainable, vibrant, safe communities by providing an alternative to the traditional court system for individuals who are ready to make changes in their lives, accept responsibility for their actions and to start to repair the harm they have done to their victim and the community.

Media inquiries:
Sue Glowach
Senior Communications Advisor
Department of Justice
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: 867-920-3130
Email: Sue_glowach@gov.nt.ca

Bobbi Hamilton
Coordinator, HR Community Justice Committee
102 – 31 Capital Drive (Greenway Building)
Hay River
Phone:  867- 874-3993

YELLOWKNIFE (March 2, 2015) – Experience the stories, culture and heritage of the Northwest Territories through the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre’s dynamic new website.

On February 1st, the Northern Heritage Centre launched a redeveloped site that includes innovative technologies, expanding the museum’s virtual presence.

The new site allows visitors to engage with the Heritage Centre’s programs, objects and archives, essentially becoming an on-line library of the territory’s rich cultural offerings.  

Some of the new features include:

• Revolving Objects Showcase highlighting the  NWT Collections
• Expanded NWT Archives database with savable search functions
• New virtual interactive exhibit:  Yamǫ́rıa The One Who Travels
• More  than 20 virtual exhibits only available on-line
• NWT cultural places interactive maps
• Video gallery featuring documentary footage
• NWT language map

The new website offers opportunities for interacting with the exhibits, collections and archives, and provides up to date information on current and upcoming programming.

“We are proud to share and create easier access to the rich culture and heritage of our territory through this new interactive site,” said Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Jackson Lafferty. “It feels like we’ve just expanded the walls of the museum and grown.”

Media inquiries:
Jacqueline McKinnon
Department of Education, Culture and Employment
Tel: 867- 920-6222
Email:  jacqueline_mckinnon@gov.nt.ca

YELLOWKNIFE  (March 2, 2015) – Minister of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) Jackson Lafferty congratulates the first NWT students awarded a $5,000 Right from the Start Early Childhood Development (ECD) Scholarship to support their full-time studies in Early Childhood Development.

“High quality early childhood programs require knowledgeable and professional early childhood educators,” said Minister Lafferty. “Well-trained practitioners have a direct and lifelong impact on the lives of the children with whom they work. Supporting those seeking an education in the field is one way our government can invest in Northerners to meet our goal of healthy, educated people.” 

The recipients of the 2014-2015 Right from the Start Early Childhood Development Scholarship are:

• Brittinee Lafferty from Hay River
• Jordan Shortt from Yellowknife
• Kirsten Sangris from Ndilo
• Marilou Dela Cruz from Yellowknife
• Robyn Anderson from Yellowknife
• Shaina Sabourin from Fort Providence
• Stephanie Hansen from Inuvik
• Teale MacIntosh from Yellowknife
• Teegan Rendell from Yellowknife
• Ts’iwa Apples from Gameti

The scholarships will be available on an annual basis for the first 10 eligible applicants and will help NWT students completing diploma or degree programs in early childhood development. The scholarships were developed with the goal of increasing the number of qualified ECD professionals in licensed NWT early childhood programs.

This scholarship is part of the ongoing work by the departments of Health and Social Services and Education, Culture and Employment to implement the Right from the Start Early Childhood Development Framework and Action Plan. Applications are now being accepted for the 2015-2016 school year. For more information visit rightfromthestart.ca or visit the Facebook page.

Media inquiries:
Jacqueline McKinnon
Education, Culture and Employment
Tel:  867-920-6222
Email: jacqueline_mckinnon@gov.nt.ca

YELLOWKNIFE (February 27, 2015) – Former  Justice Thomas Berger will be visiting the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre to officially open the Thunder in our Voices exhibit currently on display until April 30, 2015.

Between 1975 and 1977, Justice Thomas Berger visited thirty communities in the NWT and the Yukon to hold hearings into the proposed Mackenzie Valley Pipeline. The Berger Inquiry broke with tradition by considering perspectives offered by community members in their own languages. This year marks the fortieth anniversary of this process in which residents of the Mackenzie Valley were able to tell their stories in their own words as part of regulatory decision making on the proposed project.

“The exhibit at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre is full of familiar faces that participated in this process,” said Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Jackson Lafferty. “The museum is an important caretaker of our culture and heritage, and the collaboratively-created travelling multimedia exhibit contributes to our understanding of the NWT’s history through community photographs video, and personal stories.”

In 1975, freelance journalist Drew Ann Wake traveled to the Northwest Territories to cover the Berger Inquiry. Five years ago, Wake dug out her original sound recordings and photographs from that time. Along with photographer Linda MacCannell, Wake visited local schools in twenty-five villages across the Mackenzie River over several summers. Families looked at the archives together, and youth interviewed their parents and grandparents about their experiences with the Inquiry.  The exhibit combines the memories of original participants as well as a new generation of youth reflecting on the legacy of the Berger Inquiry, all of whom helped create the exhibit.

Mr. Berger will be working with students throughout the day on Tuesday, March 3 and will be in attendance to do a public presentation and officially open the exhibit in the evening.

The Northern Heritage Centre maintains an online resource of Berger materials including recordings, photographs and video from the Inquiry.

Media inquiries:
Jacqueline McKinnon
Department of Education, Culture and Employment
Tel: 867-920-6222
Email: jacqueline_mckinnon@gov.nt.ca

Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Ms. Lea Lamoureux, Principal of Kaw Tay Whee School in Dettah, on being recognized as one of Canada’s Outstanding Principals for 2015.

She is the most recent in a long list of Northwest Territories recipients, who have been recognized for their dedication and passion for teaching our students in the Northwest Territories.

The Learning Partnership recently announced Ms. Lamoureux as one of 40 exceptional educators from across Canada. Through her leadership, Kaw Tay Whee School is now a vibrant learning environment, connecting families and the community of Dettah.

Ms. Lamoureux and her staff have built an active, inclusive environment in their school, where everyone strives to do their best. Ms. Lamoureux’s leadership, with the dedicated support of her staff and community, has resulted in library and classroom resources to support a balanced literacy program, and a new computer lab to help students develop reading, inquiry and writing skills, with 80 percent of students now reading at or above grade level.

They have brought a community Elder into the school to work with students in the Weledeh language and to teach skills in traditional activities like beading, sewing, working with hide and drying fish. They established an Aboriginal Role Model Program that brings in authors, singers, naturopathic doctors and other professionals to promote career pathways and the importance of education. With her guidance, her students created a story in clay and turned it into a book called “Walking in Dettah”, in English and Weledeh. You can find this book at the Yellowknife Book Cellar.

She has gone beyond the walls of her school and reached out to her students’ families, and every family now has alarm clocks to support the ‘On Time by 9’ initiative. There is a Family Literacy initiative in place, and every family with children under 12 has a family library based on the children’s ages, interests and reading levels.

She also reached out to the community and forged key partnerships, which raised over $400,000 for resources and programming that focus on literacy, science and technology, active living and nutrition programming. She and her staff were successful in securing funding for a community playground.

Mr. Speaker, I visited Ms. Lamoureux’s school this past October. I saw a passionate educator, engaged students, and an environment full of activity and energy. Lea Lamoureux personifies everything we are working on in the Education Renewal initiative. Through this initiative, principals have critical roles in creating inspirational and healthy learning environments and they are key connections in the school-community relationship. Ms. Lamoureux intuitively understands that this is the way to create the best school and learning experiences for her students.

Ms. Lamoureux now has the opportunity to attend a five-day Executive Leadership Training Program delivered by the internationally renowned Rotman School of Management later this month. Once complete, she will join some 500 exceptional educators that comprise the National Academy of Canada’s Outstanding Principals.

Please join me in congratulating Ms. Lea Lamoureux and her dedication to her students, community, and excellence in education.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

YELLOWKNIFE (February 26, 2015) – Minister of Health and Social Services Glen Abernethy announced the launch of a new service to help health care practitioners better meet the medical needs of residents in all NWT communities today. Called Med-Response, the service provides a single phone number practitioners can call to coordinate and triage air ambulance flights and immediately access the clinical expertise they need; whether that is a Nurse Practitioner, ER physician, NWT specialist, or specialist from Alberta.

”Med-Response gives health care workers across the NWT improved and timely access to air ambulance services and clinical support, which allows them to focus on providing the best care for Northerners,” stated Minister Abernethy.

The Med-Response system is breaking new ground in Canada. While other jurisdictions have separate call centres for air ambulance dispatch or for clinical consultation, the NWT is the first to combine these functions into one centre. The single phone number works in all regions and Med-Response staff are available 24/7.

Dr. Anna Reid, STHA Medical Director, explained, “In an emergency situation, Med-Response is designed to meet two needs: it reduces the amount of time health care practitioners in every community spend arranging air ambulance transport; and it ensures that they have fast, consistent, and reliable access to clinical support when they require it. This collaborative service allows them to focus their time and efforts on their patients.”

Dr. Reid noted that Med-Response is not a public help line or 911 service, but is an internal service designed to support health care practitioners as part of a system-wide approach to meet the medical needs of all NWT residents.

For a backgrounder on Med-Response click here.
Media inquiries:
Umesh Sutendra
Communications
Policy, Legislation, Communications
NWT Department of Health & Social Services
Tel: 867-920-3368
E-mail: umesh_sutendra@gov.nt.ca
Website: www.hss.gov.nt.ca

Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to announce the official launch of the Med-Response call centre. Members of the Standing Committee on Social Programs joined me earlier today at Stanton Territorial Hospital to celebrate this milestone.

The Government of the Northwest Territories is breaking new ground in Canada with this single window approach to clinical consultation, and air ambulance triage and dispatch. Med-Response will improve access to services and quality of care for people across the Northwest Territories, by providing immediate clinical support to health care practitioners in all communities via a simple toll-free number.

Med-Response is not a service directly available to the public, Mr. Speaker, but our patients and their families will experience immediate benefit. Previously, when faced with a potentially critical situation, a Community Health Nurse had to make multiple calls to access physician advice, order an air ambulance, provide updates and coordinate information flow. He or she would do this while trying to support and stabilize an ill or injured patient, and assess whether an air ambulance was required.

From now on, one phone call to Med-Response will give our community health care providers access to all the clinical support they need. The call centre, located in Yellowknife is manned by Emergency Medical Dispatchers and Emergency Medical Coordinators who are registered nurses. They are on the line immediately with the community health practitioner, allowing several things to happen at once: the Dispatcher can immediately contact our Air Ambulance provider, while the Coordinator can assess the situation and get the appropriate physician or specialist on the line. Coordinating the whole process on one multi-party phone line, replaces numerous calls, repeating the same information to various parties.

Reducing the time a community health practitioner has to spend on the phone allows them to focus on the patient. In urgent situations, an air ambulance can be dispatched earlier and eliminate situations when medevac flights are delayed because of telephone reception issues in remote locations.

In addition to improved communication, faster response times and a reduced risk of error, all calls to Med-Response are recorded, providing a higher level of quality assurance.

Mr. Speaker, although the call centre officially opened today, staff have been testing scenarios and introducing the service since November 2014. While cost savings is not the primary goal of Med-Response, we are already seeing potential for efficiencies. In some situations, immediate access to physician support has confirmed an air ambulance was not required. In other situations, the call centre has been able to deploy air ambulance flights that are already en route to pick up another patient, thereby reducing the number of flights and turnaround time.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Health and Social Services and Stanton Territorial Hospital have put in place an evaluation framework so that we can monitor how Med-Response is improving the system and our services. In the future, we see potential for broader application of this service. For example, the call centre may play a key role in supporting first responders or health practitioners in communities without resident nurses.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to conclude with a quote from a Community Health Nurse who has already had the opportunity to use the Med-Response service. She says:

“When it’s after hours and you’re all by yourself, Med-Response gives you more time to focus on the patient instead of stopping all the time to pick up the phone. It’s pretty efficient. You feel like the team is right there for you.”

I am proud of the work that has been done to make Med-Response a reality, and of the exceptional service the team at Stanton is already providing. Med-Response is one example of how working as a single system across the territory can help realize our vision of Best Health, Best Care, for a Better Future.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.