Madam Speaker, in 2016, the GNWT created the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority. The NTHSSA was created to provide efficiencies and streamline administrative services for the regional health authorities. It was thought at the time that one agency to manage procurement and administration could save money, provide consistency, and manage the ongoing deficits from the regional boards.
Unfortunately what happened, Madam Speaker, is that the NTHSSA now takes procurement and decisionmaking away from the regions while the health deficit continues to grow.
NTHSSA's annual operating deficit costs have exceeded budgeted expenses in each of the five past fiscal years. NTHSSA's latest annual report released in September demonstrates that the combined operating deficit, that started at $50.8 million in 20152016, has now grown to $193.7 million. The report cites numerous reasons for the deficit which include:
cost of overtime due to staffing shortages;
underfunded locum costs;
unfunded or underfunded programs;
unfunded growth in healthcare positions; and,
underfunded COVID19 costs.
The report notes in most cases increases were primarily due to unbudgeted COVID19 expenses and unbudgeted overtime, standby, callback, and shift premiums.
Madam Speaker, growth in the deficit from health and social services authorities is ballooning. Action is needed to curb this debt. The report shows that some programs, like community social programs or community health program budgets, are also running over budget. What action is the department taking today to address this very concerning debt trend of the health authorities, Madam Speaker?
With an aging population, we will only see increases to the number of people with chronic conditions, the need for more chronic care coordination, and the demand for longterm care. I will have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services at the appropriate time. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Thank you, Member. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North.
