Health Minister releases 2021-2024 Human Resources Plan Results Report and 2024-2025 Bridging Plan

Press Release

November 13, 2024

Health and Social Services Minister Lesa Semmler has released the 2021-2024 Human Resources Results Report and the 2024-2025 Bridging Plan. The Results Report showcases progress under the 2021-2024 Human Resources Plan and the Bridging Plan continues this progress and supports the development of the 2025-2028 People Strategy, planned for release in June 2025.

The 2021-2024 Human Resources Plan brought together the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority, Hay River Health and Social Services Authority, Tłı̨chǫ Community Services Agency, and the Department of Health and Social Services to build a supportive and representative health and social services workforce committed to cultural safety, anti-racism, and relationship-based care.

Over the past three years, the plan implemented foundational initiatives, including entry and exit surveys, the Health and Social Services Learning Management System, the Specialized Nursing Transition Program, and the Community Health Nurse Competency Development Program, all of which have helped strengthen the health and social services workforce.

Key Highlights:

Each year, the Professional Development Initiative supported over 200 health and social services employees.
The Targeted Academic Support Program supported more than 40 Northwest Territories’ (NWT) health and social services system staff to advance their education within the field.
The Health and Social Services Employment Strategy, currently in development with input from staff surveys and an open feedback period, aims to build a supportive environment where employees feel valued and trusted. It will equip employees with the tools, resources, and opportunities needed to provide care.
The Clinical Observership, Job Shadowing, and Health and Social Services Bursary programs encouraged NWT youth to pursue health and social services careers.
The Specialized Nursing Transition Program helped staff develop critical skills for key roles, improving stability in healthcare services.

The 2024-2025 Bridging Plan builds on these accomplishments and establishes a strong foundation for the upcoming 2025-2028 People Strategy, which will focus on supporting employee retention, enhancing productivity, improving organizational agility, implementing effective marketing strategies, and ensuring sustainable growth across the NWT health and social services system.

Quote

“We are committed to building a stable, skilled, and representative workforce so that all residents have access to high-quality and culturally-safe care. The 2021-2024 Human Resources Plan laid a strong foundation for improving work conditions and retention. Now, with the Bridging Plan, we are advancing these achievements as we develop the 2025-2028 People Strategy.”

Lesa Semmler, Minister of Health and Social Services

Quick Facts

PracticeNWT expanded its online presence in 2023-2024, reaching nearly 41,000 unique website visitors – a 17% increase from the previous year – and growing its social media following to over 4,000 across Facebook, X, Instagram, and Threads.
In the 2023 GNWT employee satisfaction survey, the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority saw improved scores on 3 of 7 metrics, showing overall improvement from 2021 results.