GNWT Releases NTHSSA Public Administrator’s Work Plan

Press Release

Earlier today, Mr. Dan Florizone, Public Administrator of the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA), presented the Public Administrator Work Plan to the Standing Committee on Social Development. This work plan outlines a strategic direction to improve access to health and social services, enhance system sustainability, and strengthen governance structures to ensure long-term success for the health and social services system across the Northwest Territories (NWT).

The work plan, set to be implemented by Mr. Florizone, sets clear priorities to guide the organization through a period of transition and transformation. The plan emphasizes building relationships with communities, stakeholders, and NTHSSA leadership to ensure the health and social services system meets the needs of NWT residents in a fiscally sustainable manner.

The work plan identifies four key priorities, which include:

• Improved Access to Health and Social Services: Actions to enhance care pathways, support small community access to services, and improve primary care across the territory.
• System Sustainability: Measures to ensure the long-term stability of the NTHSSA, including workforce development, financial assessments, and partnerships to reduce expenditures and increase efficiencies.
• Governance: Strengthening accountability and transparency through regular reporting, recommendations on updates to governance structures, and addressing statutory requirements.
• Streamlined Administrative Processes: Identifying areas to improve operational efficiency and reduce corporate expenditures and red tape.

Throughout the year, Mr. Florizone will continue to engage with communities, Regional Wellness Councils, Indigenous leadership, and employees to ensure that these priorities are addressed in a meaningful way.

The work plan will be updated at the beginning of 2026 to reflect progress and allow for adjustments as the system continues to evolve.

Quotes

“The release of the Public Administrator’s Work Plan marks an important step in strengthening our health and social services system in the Northwest Territories. This work plan reflects our ongoing commitment to enhancing access to care, improving system sustainability, and fostering strong leadership within the NTHSSA. I look forward to the continued collaboration between Mr. Florizone, NTHSSA and DHSS leadership, and communities to ensure that our health and social services meet the needs of all NWT residents.”

– Lesa Semmler, Minister of Health and Social Services

“It is a privilege to serve the NWT, to engage community members, the Regional Wellness Council members and the teams of dedicated staff and physicians who serve the public every day. It is a deep honor to return to my place of birth, to participate in improving care, restoring delivery of care as close to home as possible, and contributing to health system sustainability.”

– Dan Florizone, Public Administrator of the NTHSSA

Quick facts

• The Public Administrator was appointed by the Minister on a 1-year term, beginning on December 16, 2024
• The Minister and Public Administrator will be meeting with Regional Wellness Council Chairs on June 12, 2025.

Related links

• Public Administrator Work Plan
• Mandate of the 20th Legislative Assembly of the Government of the Northwest Territories
• Minister of Health and Social Services Mandate Letter

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

IHT4