Amalgamation of N.W.T. and Hay River health authorities expected to take at least 3 years

The N.W.T. government says it's working to bring the Hay River Health and Social Services Authority (HRHSSA) into the territorial authority. 

The Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) was established in 2016, but Hay River's health authority remained separate. 

In June, Minister of Health and Social Services Lesa Semmler received her mandate from the premier which included developing a cost plan for amalgamating the Hay River and N.W.T. health authorities.

Departmet of Health spokesperson Umesh Sutendra told CBC in an email that combining both the organizations will offer administrative and service delivery benefits for the public.

When the N.W.T. Health and Social Services Authority was established in 2016, the employees in Hay River were not part of the N.W.T. public service and integrating them raised several considerations, including pension matters, Sutendra said. 

"However, Bill 44 to amend the legislation — the Hospital Insurance and Health and Social Services Administration Act, to create the territorial authority in 2016, included provisions for HRHSSA to be brought into the NTHSSA when the G.N.W.T. is ready," Sutendra said.

Sutendra also said the N.W.T. needs to bring together representatives from the HRHSSA and the NTHSSA to scope out the work and timelines. 

"Developing a plan for that work, which will include a plan for the costing exercise, will take at least a few months. While the delivery of the cost plan is expected to take at least three years and would include the work with regulatory and pension providers, negotiations with the United Northern Workers and overall transitioning."

Sutendra also said it is too early to predict the impact on jobs.

Service reduction issues in Hay River

Concerns about service reductions at the hospital Hay River arose from a June public notice that was later cancelled.

Prior to that, Hay River experienced several instances of staff shortages, which led to cuts in health services.

N.W.T.'s health department said that these issues are due to overall challenges in recruiting and retaining health professionals across Canada, and not due to Hay River not being part of its authority.

CBC attempted to contact the Hay River Health and Social Services Authority but did not receive a response.