September 10, 2026 – On September 3rd, 2026, the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) Public Administrator (PA) and Regional Wellness Council (RWC) Chairs gathered virtually to discuss current priority items. Also in attendance were leaders from the NTHSSA, the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), and the Hay River Health and Social Services Authority (HRHSSA).

These meetings remain a valuable opportunity to come together to discuss current priorities and work underway across the organization.

Throughout the summer, the Public Administrator (PA) kept RWC Chairs informed through regular updates, which are also available online. This meeting allowed for more focused discussion, questions and input from RWC members on several key areas, including the recently released NTHSSA Annual Report, progress on the NTHSSA 2026-27 Operating Plan and other organizational priorities.

Leadership Reports

The CEO provided an update on work underway across the NTHSSA and reflected on the significant efforts of regional and territorial teams throughout the summer, including responding to evacuations in the Dehcho and the critical incident in Fort Smith that required the NTHSSA to activate a Code Orange response.

The CEO also reflected on the NTHSSA’s 10-year anniversary, highlighting the significant growth and change the organization has experienced over the past decade and recognizing the staff who have contributed to this milestone.

The Deputy Minister for DHSS also provided an overview of work taking place in the Department, including work underway to support a review of small community service delivery, the recent change to have medical travel benefits for eligible NWT residents administered through the Extended Health Benefits (EHB) Program, and an update on the resumption of dental services in communities.

RWC Chairs expressed appreciation for the efforts across NTHSSA and DHSS throughout an exceptionally busy and challenging summer.

Annual Report and Financial Position

There was discussion about the operating surplus reported in this year’s Annual Report. The CEO explained that last year’s surplus was largely due to one-time funding and lower expenses during the operating year, primarily related to vacant positions. It is the goal of the organization to work toward ensuring sustainable funding that would allow for a balanced budget at a full staffing complement.

Building a Culture of Continuous Improvement

Members also received a presentation on how the NTHSSA is continuing to build on the successful ‘52 in 52’ initiative and strengthen a culture of continuous improvement across the organization centred on patients and clients.  The discussion focused on finding practical ways to improve how we work, including reducing unnecessary administrative processes. The goal is simple: where we can reduce time spent on unnecessary administration, we can return that time to work that directly supports patients, clients and the delivery of programs and services.

More details on this initiative will be rolled out across the organization in the coming months.

Dehcho Critical Incident Review

The meeting ended with a presentation on the NTHSSA Response to Motion 50 -20(1)– Dehcho Critical Incident Review, including the recommendations arising from the review and the work required to move them forward. Although much of this work has already been completed, s a next step, the NTHSSA will establish a formal working group to support implementation and follow-up on the remaining recommendations, which were tabled in the Legislative Assembly in June 2026. The first meeting for this working group will take place mid-September.

Other Discussion:

The group also discussed staffing challenges, particularly in positions that are difficult to recruit and retain in the regions. RWC Chairs spoke about the impact ongoing vacancies can have on equitable access to health and social services across the NWT. They emphasized the importance of considering these regional realities as the NTHSSA plans for future recruitment, succession and leadership needs.

The NTHSSA recognizes these concerns and shared that retention remains a key organizational priority, and work continues to identify ways to strengthen staffing and a representative workforce and support more equitable access to care across the territory.

Overall, the meeting gave RWC Chairs an opportunity to ask questions, discuss organizational priorities, and hear directly about work underway across the NTHSSA and HSS system, while also recognizing the significant efforts of staff across the territory throughout the summer.

The next quarterly meeting will take place in December 2026. If residents wish to offer input, they are encouraged to attend local RWC meetings or reach out to the RWC Chairs, who will bring forward ideas, considerations, or concerns. 

Quote:

“This summer was both busy and challenging across the regions, and I am incredibly proud of how our staff responded and continued to support residents and communities. These meetings are an important opportunity to hear directly from Regional Wellness Council leaders, who bring valuable perspectives from the communities and residents we serve. We have made progress on a number of priorities during the first half of the year, but we know there is still much work ahead. As we move into the fall, we remain focused on that work, and I look forward to continuing these important conversations when we meet again in December. – Dan Florizone, Public Administrator  

BACKGROUNDER

Overview

RWCs serve as advisory bodies to the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services System, providing insights to improve the delivery of programs and services. By actively listening to residents in communities, representatives can offer both local and regional perspectives to the health and social services system. RWC Chairs meet regularly with the Public Administrators of the NTHSSA and the HRHSSA, along with the TCSA Chairperson. This structure ensures that improvement recommendations are heard and acted upon. It also establishes a formal mechanism for reporting and tracking HSS system improvement initiatives, strengthening accountability across the HSS system.

RWC Chairs encourage all residents to participate in their local meetings. RWC meetings are open to the public and serve as the primary venue for community engagement and feedback on health and social services. RWC Chairs ensure resident and community voices are heard during quarterly meetings with the Public Administrator, influencing NTHSSA organizational priorities and direction. Watch for posters and social media/email notifications in your community about when these meetings are held or contact your local RWC Chair.

For more information, visit https://www.nthssa.ca/en/governance.

Meeting Format:

The Public Administrator hosts quarterly meetings with Regional Wellness Council Chairs. These meetings are closed, allowing open dialogue on challenges, progress, recommendations, and ongoing work essential to advancing health and social services programs and the services that matter most to regions and communities. Communication following each meeting is issued as a communiqué, which can be found on the NTHSSA newsroom webpage.

Media Requests

For media requests related to the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority, including Regional Wellness Council Chairs or the Public Administrator, please contact nthssacomms@gov.nt.ca.