Minister Lesa Semmler announces approved health infrastructure projects for 2026-2027

Press Release

November 17, 2025

Lesa Semmler, Minister of Health and Social Services, released a media statement announcing the approved Infrastructure projects for 2026-2027.

“As Minister of Health and Social Services, I am happy that the Government of the Northwest Territories is moving forward with a series of health infrastructure projects that will improve access to care and support wellness in communities across our territory. In 2026–2027, the GNWT will invest over $37 million in health and social services capital projects, including new construction, upgrades, and equipment replacement.

Each year, the Department of Health and Social Services uses a 20-Year Needs Assessment to identify and prioritize infrastructure projects. These proposals are reviewed by an interdepartmental committee and approved through the GNWT’s Infrastructure Acquisition Plan. Feedback from Indigenous governments and community stakeholders helps shape projects to reflect local needs and perspectives.
Our government is committed to ensuring that every resident of the Northwest Territories has access to safe, modern, and culturally sound health care facilities. These investments are a direct response to what we’ve heard from communities, and they represent a significant step toward building healthy people and communities in the North.

Approved projects include:

• Hay River Long Term Care Facility (34 beds): Currently in design, this territorial facility will help meet growing demand for long-term care as our population ages.
• Tulita Health and Social Services Centre: Under construction, this Level B Health Centre is designed to serve communities with a population between 250 and 2,000 residents, offering 24/7 emergency care, primary health services, mental health and addictions support, home care, and access to visiting specialists.
• Wellness and Recovery Centre in Yellowknife: Also under construction, this centre will deliver programs currently offered through the Sobering Centre and Day Shelter. It will accommodate up to 99 people, including 30 beds in the Recovery Centre and 59 seats in the Day Shelter. The design incorporates Indigenous cultural elements, including space for gatherings, traditional healing, and community activities.
• Paulatuk Health and Social Services Centre: Critical upgrades to electrical, mechanical, and interior systems will improve safety and functionality.
• Jean Marie River, Kakisa, and Tsiigehtchic Health and Social Services Centres: Planning studies are underway to support future replacement and service improvements.
• Medical Equipment Evergreening: Territorial replacement of aging biomedical equipment will support safe, modern care.
• Small capital improvements: Renovations, lease upgrades, and equipment purchases are planned in Yellowknife, Délı̨nę, Hay River, Inuvik, Fort Smith, Fort Providence, and other communities.

These investments are part of the GNWT’s Infrastructure Acquisition Plan, which includes $218.65 million in large capital and $4.6 million in small capital investments across departments. Over the past 11 years, the GNWT has invested $618 million in health and social services infrastructure.

“Canada continues to invest in the Arctic, recognizing the unique challenges faced by health infrastructure in remote Northern communities. During the federal ministers’ visit to the Beaufort-Delta Region earlier this year, I had constructive discussions with my counterparts and strongly advocated for increased support to address these needs. The 2025 federal budget provides a significant opportunity for the Northwest Territories to advance our healthcare infrastructure goals. The Build Communities Strong Fund is a 51-billion-dollar commitment over ten years to revitalize infrastructure across Canada. Within this, a dedicated $5-billion Health Infrastructure Fund aims to upgrade hospitals, emergency rooms, and urgent care facilities nationwide. Territories can leverage these investments to upgrade aging healthcare systems, reduce patient transfer costs, and improve access to care in remote communities. Additionally, cost-sharing arrangements allow the territory to maximize federal contributions and accelerate critical projects.

Through long-term planning and community engagement, we are renewing and expanding spaces that reflect local priorities and provide culturally safe care. These projects are about more than buildings, they are about creating spaces where people can access the care they need, in the communities where they live. They are about creating spaces where people feel safe, respected, and supported. By investing in health infrastructure today, we are building a foundation for healthier communities tomorrow.”

For media requests, please contact:
Cabinet Communications
Government of Northwest Territories
Presssecretary@gov.nt.ca

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