Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to speak to the issue of board reform from the health and social services perspective. As Minister of Health and Social Services I have heard concerns on what this board reform means to the NWT health and social services system. As my Cabinet colleagues have mentioned and I have stated all along, nothing is set in stone and we are looking for feedback on how to proceed.
In health and social services, we are always looking to improve service delivery for our clients while at the same time making sure our system is financially sustainable. The Board Reform Initiative is attempting to streamline those services and potentially reduce administrative costs. Coordinating services such as school counsellors, child youth workers and social workers will help better serve the needs of our clients. Integrated regional service boards will allow for better case management and help clients receive services in a one-stop approach.
Along with the Tlicho Community Services Agency, there are seven other health and social services authorities in the Northwest Territories. Two Authorities, Stanton Territorial Health Authority and Hay River Health and Social Services Authority, are managed by a public administrator, the other six have a board of trustees. Chairs of these boards sit on a committee called the Joint Leadership Council, which I chair as the Minister. All Members of this council find this to be an effective forum for identifying issues common to all boards, and provide strategic system-wide direction, which shows us how we can work together to manage a complex system.
I have called two meetings with the Joint Leadership Council on the issue of board reform and listened to some of their initial thoughts. Some good ideas were exchanged and suggestions on ideas we need to consider were offered. We have put these into our deliberations. I have also travelled to communities and regions at their invitations to have a dialogue and seek their input into this process. I have committed to meeting with the Joint Leadership Council throughout the consultation process. Similarly the deputy minister of Health and Social Services meets regularly with the Joint Senior Management Council, which includes CEOs from each authority. These initial information exchanges have and will continue to help build the foundation for future board reform consultation.
Mr. Speaker, to be clear, we are not looking at reducing the level of care we offer to residents of the Northwest Territories. In fact it is the opposite, our goal is to create a more effective and efficient system that ensures sustainability and to better meet the needs of NWT residents by integrating services and creating efficiencies where reasonable. This supports goals of the 16th Legislative Assembly, of “an effective and efficient government and sustainable, vibrant and safe communities”.
I would encourage everyone to read the supporting documents and partake in the consultation efforts with good will and open minds. Feedback from everyone will enable us to reach our goal. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Ms. Lee. The honourable Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation, Mr. Michael McLeod.
