Health and Social Services Minister Lesa Semmler has decided to replace the NWT Health and Social Services Authority's (NTHSSA) leadership council with a public administrator, citing a need for enhanced strategic direction.
The decision was made public on Tuesday afternoon.
"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," a news release from the GNWT explains. "The goal in appointing a Public Administrator is to enable a more nimble approach and support efforts to find and implement solutions."
The council was made up of nine members including a chair appointed by the minister, the chair of each of the six Regional Wellness Councils, the chair of the Tlicho Community Services Agency; and the deputy minister of the Department of Health and Social Services.
The new public administrator is Dan Florizone, who comes from Saskatchewan and who's a former senior executive of multiple health regions, the release states. His responsibilities will include exercising all powers and performing all duties and functions of the previous council.
The GNWT also recognized it did not hire local.
"NWT-based options were considered for the role of public administrator. However, we could not identify a candidate who met the requirements and was willing to take on the role," the release added.
The release also stated that the regional councils 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," added the release. "The RWCs will now provide their feedback and advice directly to the Public Administrator and the Minister."
The decision will reportedly have no impact on the Hay River Health and Social Services Authority, nor will it impact the Tlicho Community Services Agency, the GNWT states. A public administrator already looks after the board in Hay River, while a board governs the Tlicho agency.
The leadership council issued a news release later on Tuesday expressing its disappointment that these changes "were implemented without prior consultation, however they acknowledge the authority of the minister to take this step and will work to support a smooth transition."
"As the current regional wellness councils will continue to serve in their advisory function, most current members of the leadership council will remain involved in shaping the future direction of the Health and Social Services system and will endeavour to ensure the council’s priorities continue to be represented," the council's statement reads.
Gerry Cheezie, the council's chair, said, "Change is always challenging, and though I may have hoped for a different outcome with recent transitions, I am immensely proud of the pivotal role the leadership council has played in advancing the NTHSSA's goals over the years. I have complete confidence that, despite any obstacles, the NTHSSA will continue to thrive and excel under this new governance structure."
