Today in the Legislative Assembly, Premier Caroline Cochrane tabled a report summarizing the Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) review of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The purpose of the review was to gather information and feedback to present policy advice and recommendations to improve preparedness for future public health emergencies. The review considered four aspects of the GNWT response:
- emergency measures coordination;
- the implementation and coordination of public health measures, including the establishment of the COVID-19 Coordinating Secretariat;
- the policy and legislative framework for public health emergencies; and
- compliance and enforcement measures.
The report summarizes feedback received from the public, Indigenous governments, community governments, Members of the Legislative Assembly and GNWT officials directly involved in the pandemic response. Responses provided important insights into how the GNWT can improve its pandemic response and be better prepared for future emergencies of this magnitude and duration.
The review includes 23 recommendations that if implemented, will help the GNWT to better coordinate measures, improve accountability and better serve the public, and support employees in responding effectively to an emergency.
Quote(s)
“The pandemic impacted society on a fundamental level, and its effects on the GNWT were profound. The government’s response involved all departments and agencies, providing many employees with a crash course in crisis management at an unprecedented level. Lessons learned from the experience will inform the GNWT’s preparedness for future emergencies, including where our response was successful and target areas where we must improve. I want to thank everyone who participated in this review, which has given us valuable insight into our pandemic response.”
- Caroline Cochrane, Premier of the Northwest Territories
Quick facts
- The COVID-19 Coordinating Secretariat (COVID Secretariat) was established on September 3, 2020, as a single agency to coordinate the GNWT’s response to the pandemic and manage the implementation of the CPHO’s public health orders and recommendations for the duration of the Public Health Emergency. The COVID Secretariat consolidated pandemic services and was responsible for services needed to support implementation of the CPHO’s orders.
- Public engagement regarding the GNWT’s response to COVID-19 was completed between July 11 and August 15, 2022. Targeted engagement with Indigenous governments, community governments and internal partners was also completed.
Related links
For media requests, please contact:
Todd Sasaki
Manager, Communications & Public Affairs
Department of Finance
Government of the Northwest Territories
(867) 767-9168 ext. 15015