Ottawa and Northwest Territories sign $36-million health care deal

YELLOWKNIFE — The Northwest Territories has signed deals with the federal government that earmark $36 million for the territory’s health system.

Federal Health Minister Mark Holland says one deal will see $24 million over three years go toward recruiting doctors and nurses and boosting addiction and mental health services, including programs to fight suicide.

A second deal is to bring $12 million over five years to the territory to improve its long-term care and aging supports.

Lesa Semmler, the N.W.T. health and social services minister, says the deal was worked out in partnership with the territory’s Indigenous governments.