Thank you, Mr. Speaker, honourable colleagues. Mr. Speaker,
- During the past year, the Department of Health and Social Services issued updated guidelines for breast cancer screening.
- The Inuvik Regional Health and Social Services Board is developing a women's health program, funded through the Strategic Initiatives Fund, that will include mammography services being offered in the region.
- Health and Social Services Boards in Hay River, Fort Smith and the Deh Cho are working to establish ongoing links with mobile screening programs from Alberta or BC to facilitate and improve access for women who require this service.
- The working group on breast cancer screening will continue to monitor access to breast cancer screening and provide advice to the department and the health and social services boards for improving program delivery.
- In the coming months, the Department of Health and Social Services will be working in collaboration with the Status of Women Council and supporting the boards to better identify and meet information needs of NWT women related to breast cancer.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Health and Social Services, regional health and social services boards, women's groups, health care professionals and survivors with their families throughout the NWT are continuing to work together to combat breast cancer and its devastating effects. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--Applause