Health and Social Services Minister Lesa Semmler announced today that as of December 16, 2024, the NWT Health and Social Services Leadership Council will be replaced with a Public Administrator.

The increasing challenges and pressure on the health and social services system across the Northwest Territories, and in particular the operational challenges faced by the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA), highlight the need for enhanced strategic direction.

The role and structure of the Leadership Council as the board of management of the NTHSSA has not proven to fit the rapidly evolving and challenging needs of the current health and social services system, nor within the broader context of the GNWT. The goal in appointing a Public Administrator is to enable a more nimble approach and support efforts to find and implement solutions.

Mr. Dan Florizone, who will be appointed to the position of Public Administrator, will be well positioned within the structures of the NTHSSA to support this need. Mr. Florizone is a former senior executive, having served over 30 years in Saskatchewan as President/CEO of multiple health regions, Assistant Deputy Minister of Health, Deputy Minister of Health, and Deputy Minister of Education. Most recently, he served as Deputy Minister of Health for the Government of Nunavut and President and CEO of the Saskatoon Health Region.

He has experience leading large-scale change across the Saskatchewan health sector, the Saskatchewan education sector, and throughout the Government of Saskatchewan. He has  dedicated his career to patient-centered, student-centered, high-quality, safe, effective, efficient, and evidence-informed system change.

This new reporting structure means that Mr. Florizone, in consultation with the Minister, is responsible for exercising all powers and performing all duties and functions of the Leadership Council. His work with the NTHSSA will be informed by his extensive background in healthcare management and experience working in a Northern context.

The Regional Wellness Councils (RWC) will continue their important work of ensuring regional voices are reflected in the work of the NTHSSA and doing what they can to support and advance system improvements. The RWCs will now provide their feedback and advice directly to the Public Administrator and the Minister.

The appointment of a Public Administrator is not unprecedented in the NWT Health and Social Services System. The Hay River Health and Social Services Authority is currently governed by a Public Administrator. The Tłıchǫ Community Services Agency continues to be governed by a board.

Quote

“This decision was not made without significant consideration and deliberation and does not reflect any failings on the part of the Leadership Council or the NTHSSA. Appointing a Public Administrator provides the dedicated, full-time leadership needed to tackle the significant challenges in our health and social services system and deliver real, lasting improvements for all Northerners. I want to thank Leadership Council Chair Gerry Cheezie, and Council members, for their unwavering dedication and valuable contributions to strengthening health and social services in the Northwest Territories.

“This is an important step toward fostering healthy people and communities across the territory. By establishing strong, focused leadership, we aim to address longstanding challenges within the system and lay a more resilient foundation for the future. I trust that Mr. Florizone’s extensive expertise, proven leadership, and in-depth understanding of the unique needs of the North will help deliver meaningful, practical solutions that will improve outcomes for individuals and families while positioning our system for long-term success and sustainability.”

• Lesa Semmler, Minister of Health and Social Services

Quick Facts

• The Leadership Council was made up of nine (9) members; a chair, as appointed by the Minister, the chair of each Regional Wellness Council (6), the chair of the Tłįcho Community Services Agency; and the Deputy Minister of the Department of Health and Social Services. Its function was to direct the affairs of the NTHSSA and provide advice to the Minister of Health and Social Services on strategic direction and programs.  
• Each Regional Wellness Council (RWC) is composed of members who are residents of one of the geographic regions of the Northwest Territories. These members are appointed by the Minister based on nominations from residents.

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