Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Leadership Council and Regional Wellness Council Appointments Announced

YELLOWKNIFE (June 24, 2016) The appointment of Regional Wellness Council members in the Northwest Territories six regions was made today by Minister of Health and Social Services Glen Abernethy, representing a pivotal step in the transformation of the health and social services system and the creation of the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (THSSA).

These advisory councils will play a key role in the new system ensuring that local and regional priorities are addressed and supporting the delivery of culturally appropriate care and services.

Each council is composed of six members and one chair, for a total of seven members. The chair of each council will sit on the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Leadership Council, and be instrumental in providing advice and input to the THSSA.  All council members were nominated by the public or local/regional governing organizations for their skills, knowledge and leadership. Members were selected by Minister Abernethy to ensure that they are representative of the region they are serving.

Councils have been formed to represent six regions: Beaufort Delta, Dehcho, Sahtu, Hay River, Fort Smith, and Yellowknife.

It is essential that the concerns and advice of the public are used to inform the delivery of health and social services. The creation of Regional Wellness Councils is a major step towards ensuring that vision becomes a reality in the THSSA.

See backgrounder for members list.

Quotes

“It is an ongoing priority of the 18^th legislative assembly to improve accountability, transparency and collaboration in the north.  Creation of Regional Wellness Councils that are truly representative of the people and culture of the NWT is a major step towards that goal. I look forward the first meeting of the Leadership Council in early August.”
– Glen Abernethy, Minister of Health and Social Services

Quick Facts

• There are 6 Regional Wellness Councils (RWCs), each with 6 members and 1 chair.

• Represented regions include: Beaufort Delta, Dehcho, Sahtu, Hay River, Fort Smith, and Yellowknife.
• Council composition was determined as part of extensive consultations completed in fall 2014 to be representative of each region.
• The chair of each RWC sits on the NWT Health and Social Services Leadership Council, which is the new board of management of the Territorial Health and Social Services Authority (THSSA).
• Minister Abernethy has previously announced that Mr. Jim Antoine will be appointed as the Chair of the NWT Health and Social Services Leadership Council.
• The chair of the Tlicho Community Services Agency (TCSA) will also sit on the Leadership Council.
• Council members are appointed for a maximum of 3 years, with each appointment length determined by the minister at the time of appointment.

Backgrounder
Backgrounder – Wellness Council
Members (French and English)

Media Inquiries

Damien Healy
Manager, Communications
Department of Health and Social Services
Tel: (867) 767-9052 ext. 49034
Email: damien_healy@gov.nt.ca

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