The Dene Nation has grave concerns over the dissolution dismissal of the NWT’s Health and Social Services (NTHSSA) Leadership Council, in favour of a single public administrator, as it could hurt overall effectiveness of health service delivery.
Health and Social Services Minister Lesa Semmler in the Assembly recently. (Image courtesy of Assembly livestream)
“We are in a crisis state regarding medical travel, child/family services and the recruitment and retention of health care providers,” stated Dene National Chief George Mackenzie in a release. “Dene, Inuit and Métis leadership must be included in all decisions that affect health and social services administered to our people.
“The GNWT has failed our citizens time and again with deaths, and failing grades in health and social services noted in reports by the 2014 and 2018 Auditor General Reports. It is time for Dene to determine our own ways of caring for our people as the GNWT has shown its lack of care, consideration and respect for our people.”
Health and Social Services Minister Lesa Semmler stated in a release that a single point of contact approach could speed up solutions for the health and social services and health systems.
The outgoing Leadership Council was blindsided by the Minister’s decision, but noted current Regional Wellness Councils will continue to serve in their advisory function.
Former Smith’s Landing First Nation Chief Gerry Cheezie was appointed chair of the Leadership Council by the previous Assembly.
“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”
Gerry Cheezie prepares to speak at the Dene National Assembly last summer in Dettah. (James O’Connor/CKLB)
The Leadership Council included the chairperson of each Regional Wellness Council and the Tłįcho Community Services Agency.
The change is effective Monday, December 16th.
Other matters addressed at the recent two-day Leadership Council meeting in Yellowknife:
- 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.
- Medical travel: This remains a challenge throughout the territory. The Council recommended exploring the option of transferring responsibility for the administration of medical travel to the federal government, as the cost of delivery currently outweighs the benefits.
- Housing for employees: The need for more housing options was noted and partnerships encouraged with Indigenous governments for potential construction and maintenance of housing.
The Council also discussed comments made during the most recent sitting of the 20th Legislative Assembly, questioning the competence and qualifications of NTHSSA management.
These comments by some Regular MLAs mostly concerned the wild cost overruns of the Stanton Territorial Hospital Renewal project.
“The Council feels that these comments were both unwarranted and inaccurate,” stated a release. “Lateral violence such as this should not be tolerated, and the Council hopes to see improvements in this area.”
