(YELLOWKNIFE) Tuesday, June 2, 2026 – Today the Standing Committee on Social Development (the Committee) tabled its Report on Healthcare Accountability and Sustainability.
The Committee performed a study into the current structure of the NWT’s healthcare system to identify ways to make the system more accountable and sustainable. The study took place from October 2024 to March 2026 and included presentations from 8 witnesses and subject matter experts.
This report provides the Government of the Northwest Territories with 28 recommendations to improve access to adequate healthcare for residents of the NWT.
The Committee examined the effects of increased challenges of an aging and growing population, a reduction in healthcare workers, and administrative workload on healthcare workers. The study resulted in recommendations and observations regarding Healthcare Recruitment and Retention, expanding Mental Health Service Models, Primary Health Reform, Modernizing Medical Travel, Fiscal Responsibility, Leadership and Governance, and Licensing and Regulations. The Government of the Northwest Territories will have 120 days to respond to the report’s recommendations.
“The healthcare system is in dire need of change. Our people need change. This report dives into the issues with the system we found through our research, and it suggests targeted ways to address those gaps.” - Jane Weyallon Armstrong, Chair, Standing Committee on Social Development