In support of the Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) commitment to ongoing and continuous improvement of health and social services programs, the GNWT is sharing the results of the recent compliance audit on French language primary care services.

The third-party compliance audit reviewed French language primary care services over the course of 2024. The audit assessed compliance with the GNWT Strategic Plan on French Language Communications and Services 2023–2028 and the GNWT Standards for French Language Communications and Services.

The scope of the audit was developed in collaboration with the Fédération franco-ténoise as part of ongoing engagement with the NWT Francophone community. Interviews were conducted with NWT residents and Health and Social Services system staff.

Focused on primary care facilities in Yellowknife, Hay River and Fort Smith, the auditors identified four recommendations related to workforce capacity, clarity of service delivery, feedback mechanisms, and frontline training. In response to the recommendations, the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA), the Hay River Health and Social Services Authority (HRHSSA), and the Francophone Affairs Secretariat will take several actions including:

• Strengthening recruitment strategies for French-speaking health professionals through targeted partnerships and job advertising.
• Launching a communications campaign, led by the Francophone Affairs Secretariat, to improve public understanding of active offer and effective delivery of French language health services.
• Improving frontline staff training, protocols, and tools to support French language service delivery in a variety of scenarios.

Some recommendations identified in the report have already been actioned, including:

• Health and Social Services is participating in national conversations to improve mobility of the health workforce and is committed to supporting streamlined processes for licensing of the professions it regulates, within the limits of legislation.
• NTHSSA uses audit results and active offer feedback for continuous improvement and accountability.
• DHSS is working with the NTHSSA and Francophone Affairs Secretariat to find ways to support additional investments and capacity in French-speaking frontline staff.

By acting on the audit findings and continuing to work closely with Francophone partners, we are strengthening access to French language health services and better supporting the needs of Francophone residents across the Northwest Territories.

Quotes

“French language services are an important part of delivering inclusive, accessible government services across the Northwest Territories. This audit gives us a clear, practical path forward. By working closely with our Franco-Ténois partners and acting on these recommendations, we are strengthening how services are offered and delivered, improving access, and ensuring the system continues to respond to the needs of Francophone residents.”

 - Caitlin Cleveland, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment

“Accessing care in the language you are most comfortable using matters for understanding and quality of care. This audit helps us identify where Francophone patients face barriers and guides practical improvements to how French language primary care services are delivered across the Northwest Territories.”

 - Lesa Semmler, Minister of Health and Social Services

Quick facts

• The active offer is a way of greeting the public which informs them that they are welcome to communicate with the GNWT in another official language when seeking information or a service. An active offer can be a sign, a personal greeting or a message. A service can be delivered in various ways, such as direct service, referral service and interpretation or language facilitation.
• This audit, conducted by Prairie Research Associates, is the first of two compliance audits planned during the 2023–2028 Strategic Plan period and supports the GNWT’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement of French language communications and services. The next audit will be scheduled for the 2026-27 fiscal year, and its subject has not yet been determined.
• Compliance audits will be determined in collaboration with the Francophone community, or in accordance with suggestions advanced by the French Language Services Coordinating Committee as per the GNWT Strategic Plan on French Language Communications and Services.

Related Links:

• GNWT Strategic Plan on French Language Communications and Services 2023–2028
• GNWT Standards for French Language Communications and Services
• Formal response to audit

For media requests, please contact:

Agata Gutkowska
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Department of Education, Culture and Employment
Government of the Northwest Territories
agata_gutkowska@gov.nt.ca
867-767-9082 ext. 31166