Overall Status: In Progress

Timeline: Fall 2024 – Fall 2027

What we are doing

We are working with all three Health and Social Services Authorities to redesign how care is delivered in small and remote communities.

This work is not part of Primary Health Care Reform, but it is closely aligned. The goal is to:

• Find flexible and sustainable ways to deliver health services when Community Health Nurses (CHNs) are in short supply.
• Strengthen supports for CHNs, who are the backbone of care in small communities, providing 24/7 primary, public health, and emergency care.
• Reduce the dependence on a single staff type by safely integrating other professionals, such as Licensed Practical Nurses and Paramedics.
• Lay the groundwork for a stronger, more resilient model that ensures access to care across the NWT.

How we will do it

• Analyze how Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Paramedics are currently used and supported
• Identify ways to safely expand their roles with additional training
• Transition NWT Community Health Nursing Administrative Policies and Guidelines into standards with monitoring
• Assess options for further investment in education, training, and staff supports
• Continue work to recruit and retain CHNs
• Coordinate changes across all Health and Social Services Authorities

Progress to date

Review How Care Is Delivered in Small Communities

Status: Complete
Timeline: Fall 2024 – Summer 2025
Notes:

The system-wide review was completed in Summer 2024 to assess how care is delivered in small and remote communities. It included a jurisdictional scan, literature review, gap analysis, and engagement with staff. The findings informed five approved recommendations and a workplan will ensure momentum and completion within the life of this government.

 Work completed or underway:

• Finalized the Small Community Model findings report (completed – Summer 2025)
• Presented findings to GNWT senior leadership and MLAs (completed – Summer 2025)
• Shared findings with the Committee on Small and Remote Communities (completed – Fall 2025)
• Align with broader Primary Health Care Reform milestones (ongoing)

Develop and Execute a System-wide Workplan

Status: In progress
Timeline: Fall 2025 - 2028
Notes:

A detailed workplan is guiding implementation of five approved recommendations. This includes foundational work on staffing models, administrative standards, and retention strategies for small communities.

Work completed or underway:

• In-depth analysis of how LPNs and Paramedics are used, funded, trained, and supported (in progress – target: March 2026)
• Identification of programs and services LPNs and Paramedics can support (planned)
• Exploration of training opportunities to safely expand roles (planned)
• Transition of NWT Community Health Nursing Administrative Policies and Guidelines into standards (in progress – Winter 2027)
• Development of monitoring and reporting framework (planned)
• Assessment of further investments to support the CHN model of care (planned)
• Identification of strategies to support CHN competency and support in expanded practice including but not limited to: education and on-boarding supports, fatigue-reduction, and retention strategies (planned)