The THIF funding for 2021-2023 focused on Primary Health Care Reform Initiative and Demonstration Projects and Health and Social Services System Sustainability Plan as well as funds to off-set Medical Travel costs. 

Primary Health Care Reform (PHCR) in the Northwest Territories (NWT) is the NWT health and social services system’s approach to embed social determinants of health, cultural safety, community development, and public participation within the overall delivery of care for NWT residents.

PHCR encompasses a portfolio of projects driven by community priorities and health system data. It is focused on person-, family-, and community-centered care, and aims to enhance access, quality, and healthcare outcomes grounded in the principles of cultural safety and relationship-based care. PHCR is advanced using an iterative, inclusive approach which brings those impacted by change into the planning process shaped by the collectively established Vision, Principles, and Priorities.

The System Sustainability Plan (SSP) was developed to guide action and establish options for efficiency, quality improvement (eg. enhanced access to services via virtual care) and service scope adjustments. The initial focus of the SSP is to determine how to continue to deliver current services better and more efficiently; looking  at ways to respond to the increased demand for services while becoming more efficient with the available resources and also enhancing those resources through technological supports. 

The SSP is based on an approach that is practical and evidence-based and with direct involvement of the whole of the HSS system. There is a commitment to creating a culture of continuous improvement in quality, productivity, and results in the health and social services sector. Fostering and supporting innovation is necessary in order to improve the performance of the system.