The Government of the Northwest Territories has signed a new two-year Non-Insured Health Benefits agreement with Indigenous Services Canada to ensure short-term funding stability for these benefits.
NIHB is a federal program that provides First Nations and Inuit residents who qualify with coverage for benefits that aren’t covered by provincial or territorial healthcare.
In the GNWT the territorial government administers parts of the program, including medical travel and dental care, on behalf of Canada.
“NIHB is a federal program, and the federal government needs to fund it in a way that reflects what it actually costs to deliver care in the Northwest Territories,” said Minister Lesa Semmler.
This agreement includes nearly $40 million in funding for the 2025-2026 fiscal year but does not confirm a comparable amount for the 2026-2027 year, with Indigenous Services Canada awaiting the results of the Northern and Arctic Health Assessment before confirming any allotments.
The GNWT warns that while this agreement provides short-term stability, it does not meet the full costs of administering the program.
“The GNWT will continue doing its part to ensure the availability of services for residents, but we cannot continue to carry costs for a federal program that is not being fully funded by the Government of Canda,” said Semmler.
The GNWT says they will continue to work with Indigenous governments and Indigenous Services Canada to advocate for fair, sustainable funding for the NIHB program.
