GNWT Releases “Foundation for Change” Health Strategy

YELLOWKNIFE (November 3, 2009): “A Foundation For Change – Building a Healthy Future for the NWT 2009-2012” has been released by the Honourable Sandy Lee, Minister of Health and Social Services. The plan sets out changes that need to occur in the next three years to ensure wellness of Northerners, accessibility and sustainability of the NWT health and Social Services system.‘A Foundation for Change’ will continue to emphasize the importance of building a future for the Northwest Territories through promotion of healthy choices and wellness, one of the strategic priorities of the Government of the Northwest Territories.

The Government of the Northwest Territories has budgeted $313 million for health and social services in 2009-2010. This plan does not call for a reduction in spending, but does target priorities and actions that will allow for more efficiency and a ‘bend in the trend’ of health and social services spending in the NWT.

The document includes a vision statement around the health and social services system in the Northwest Territories, and priorities and actions within the three key goals of wellness, accessibility and sustainability.

“’A Foundation for Change’ is about sustainability,” said Minister Lee. “We need to make changes to our health and social services system now, to ensure our communities and our children continue to have access to affordable, quality health care and social services in the future.”

Full copies of the plan will be available at www.foundationforchange.ca and at local Health and Social Services Authorities across the NWT.

For more information, please contact:

Shawn McCann
Coordinator, Consultation and Communication
Reform and Innovation
Health and Social Services
(867) 920-6300

Secondary Contact:
Damien Healy
Manager, Planning and Communication
Department of Health and Social Services
(867) 920-8927
Damien_Healy[at]gov.nt.ca