Communiqué
(Yellowknife, December 10, 2024) - The Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Leadership Council (the Council) held a Leadership Council meeting in Yellowknife last week. At the 2-day meeting, in addition to regular business conducted, a motion was passed that calls on leaders from across the Northwest Territories to come together to address the illicit drug epidemic facing our territory. There was also discussion about comments made in the Legislative Assembly targeting NTHSSA leadership that the Council believes warrant a formal statement. It was also during this meeting that the Council was notified that a Public Administrator will be appointed in place of the NWT Health and Social Services Leadership Council, effective December 16th, 2024.
Leadership Council Meeting
During the Leadership Council meeting, which included a 1-day meeting open to the public to foster transparency in governance, feedback reports were presented from each Regional Wellness Council (RWC). Several common themes on issues that continue to persist were raised, including:
- Medical Travel: This remains a challenge throughout the territory. Updates were provided on the initiatives being undertaken by the NTHSSA to improve the administration of this service. Additionally, clarification was given regarding the various medical travel programs available to NWT residents. During discussions, the Council also recommended exploring the option of transferring responsibility for the administration of medical travel by the NTHSSA on behalf of the GNWT to the federal government, as the cost of delivery currently outweighs the benefits.
- The Impact of Drugs in the Northwest Territories: The infiltration of illicit drugs into communities has worsened, with increasing consequences. Representatives from all regions shared their concerns, and following these discussions, a formal call to action and motion was passed urging swift and coordinated efforts to address this growing issue (details of motion below).
- Housing for Health and Social Services Employees: The need for more housing, particularly in smaller communities, was also a focal point. The Council emphasized the importance of providing more housing options and encouraged partnerships with Indigenous governments. Such collaborations could lead to capacity building in communities with the construction and maintenance of housing and provide stable and consistent housing for health and social services employees.
Motion – Addressing the Drug Epidemic
During the Leadership Council meeting, the following motion was passed:
MOTION – The Leadership Council of the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) requests that the Minister of Health and Social Services work with the Premier of the Northwest Territories (NWT) to convene a two-day roundtable. This roundtable should include Northern leaders and all relevant stakeholders, with the goal of identifying concrete actions to address the drug epidemic and the crisis affecting NWT communities.
Despite recent announcements about changes to the governance structure of the NTHSSA, the Leadership Council strongly encourages the incoming Public Administrator and the Minister of Health and Social Services to ensure that this motion is actioned, for the benefit of the people of the territory and future generations.
Statement in Response to Comments Made Targeting NTHSSA Management
During the Leadership Council meeting, the Council discussed comments made during the most recent sitting of the 20th Legislative Assembly, questioning the competence and qualifications of NTHSSA management. The Council feels that these comments were both unwarranted and inaccurate.
Criticizing employees and management in organizations, particularly in sectors such as health and social services where recruitment and retention are already a challenge, can have harmful effects. These types of statements can damage organizational culture, undermine trust, and lower morale. Irresponsibly undermining the leadership of public agencies may discourage individuals from joining or staying in the organization. It is crucial for those in positions of authority and public trust to maintain professionalism and address concerns in a constructive and productive manner. Lateral violence such as this should not be tolerated, and the Council hopes to see improvements in this area.
The Council reiterated in their meeting that it is important to remember that the NTHSSA is a relatively young organization, having been established in 2016. Since then, it has faced significant challenges, including a global pandemic and facility evacuations, but through it all the employees and leadership have demonstrated immense value and a strong work ethic. As the current governing body of the NTHSSA, the Council is proud of their contributions and commitment to improving care across the territory.
Governance Structure Changes
During the Leadership Council meeting in an in-camera session, the Council was made aware of changes to the governance structure of the organization by the Minister of Health and Social Services. The Minister relayed that this change to allow for a single point of contact approach offered by the appointment of a Public Administrator will support advancement of solutions for the health and social services system and NTHSSA more rapidly.
The Leadership Council is disappointed that these changes were implemented without prior consultation, however they acknowledge the authority of the Minister to take this step and will work to support a smooth transition. As the governing body entrusted with providing leadership and supporting the organization’s mandate, the Council remains committed to this important work and hopeful that these changes will provide an opportunity for the issues raised by the Council over the years with the Minister, to be addressed and acted upon. As the current Regional Wellness Councils will continue to serve in their advisory function, most current members of the Leadership Council will remain involved in shaping the future direction of the Health and Social Services system and will endeavour to ensure the Council’s priorities continue to be represented.
The health and social services system has been the topic of considerable debate over the years because this work and the services provided are important and contribute to the foundation for healthy and prosperous communities. Over the years, the NTHSSA and Leadership Council have made progress on considerable matters of importance. These are too numerous to list, but some notable achievements include:
- Establishment of the Office of Client Experience and Indigenous Patient Advocate program.
- Implementation of the first HSS system Quality Assurance Framework to ensure that quality and patient/client safety are paramount and continuously contributing to system improvement.
- Achievement of system-wide accreditation through Accreditation Canada, which signals that NTHSSA meets fundamental national standards of practice, policies, and programs.
- Implemented a Deficit Reduction Plan in early 2023 that in it’s first year (2023-24) resulted in a year end deficit that was lower than budgeted for the first time since the establishment of NTHSSA in 2016, clearly demonstrating the Council’s strong commitment to our fiscal stewardship mandate.
The Council wants to ensure regions understand that there will be no changes to the function of Regional Wellness Councils (RWCs). RWC Chairs will continue to ensure regional voices remain central to the governance of the NTHSSA and share information to the Public Administrator and Minister of Health and Social Services. Residents are encouraged to keep leadership accountable, to ask questions, do research, and continue providing feedback whenever possible.
QUOTE:
“As Chair of the Leadership Council, I have witnessed firsthand the unwavering dedication and relentless efforts of the NTHSSA in delivering essential health and social services across the Northwest Territories. The organization consistently upholds a commitment to culturally safe, collaborative services that prioritize continuous improvement. Change is always challenging, and though I may have hoped for a different outcome with recent transitions, I am immensely proud of the pivotal role the Leadership Council has played in advancing the NTHSSA's goals over the years. I have complete confidence that, despite any obstacles, the NTHSSA will continue to thrive and excel under this new governance structure"
- Mr. Gerry Cheezie, Chair, Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Leadership Council
Media Information:
Gerry Cheezie, current Chair of the Leadership Council is available to speak with media as Chair of the Leadership Council, until such time as the appointment of the Public Administrator is effective.
To coordinate an interview please contact:
NTHSSA Communications