Minister Semmler and Regional Health and Social Services Leaders Meet to Discuss Shared Priorities for 2025
Press Release
June 24, 2025
The Minister of Health and Social Services, Lesa Semmler, met with the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) Public Administrator and health system leadership in Yellowknife to discuss progress and shared priorities for the year ahead.
The meeting brought together Regional Wellness Council (RWC) Chairs and representatives from the NTHSSA, Hay River Health and Social Services Authority (HRHSSA), Tłı̨chǫ Community Services Agency (TCSA), and the Department of Health and Social Services. The meeting provided a forum to strengthen collaboration across the system and ensure alignment on territory-wide health and social services priorities.
Discussions focused on continued efforts to address key areas such as medical travel and mental health and addictions. Minister Semmler provided updates on discussions with her recent meetings with Federal counterparts in Ottawa regarding recruitment and retention challenges not just in the NWT but in all of Canada, and updates on the work on Non-Insured Health Benefits.
The NTHSSA Public Administrator provided updates on the work plan and the upcoming Sahtu community tours. RWC Chairs highlighted ongoing regional challenges and priorities.
The Minister reaffirmed the GNWT’s commitment to advancing work that supports community health and well-being in line with the priorities of the 20th Legislative Assembly.
The Minister will meet with the Regional Wellness Council chairs during their quarterly scheduled meetings and will also plan to host the Regional Wellness Council chairs twice a year.
Quotes:
“These meetings are an important opportunity to listen, reflect, and act on what matters most to our communities. I want to thank our Regional Wellness Council Chairs and system leaders for their ongoing commitment. By focusing our efforts on patient experience, inclusive communication, and culturally safe care, we are laying the foundation for long-term improvements in health and social services.”
– Lesa Semmler, Minister of Health and Social Services
“We identified three priorities: (i) mapping the patient journey to identify opportunities to improve access, (ii) creating a safer and more welcoming health and social services system for indigenous people, and (iii) communicating progress and achievements made through our engagement of patients, clients, staff, physicians and communities. We know the challenges are real, but we also know that progress is possible when we work together. These priorities give us a clear path forward, grounded in community experience, collaboration, and a focus on delivering care that is accessible, culturally safe, and responsive to the people we serve.”
– Dan Florizone, Public Administrator of the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA).
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Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
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