Community-Centred Health Reform in Northern Canada: Workforce and Service Delivery Reforms in Nunavut between 2021...

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Indigenous Health Policy
• Northern Health Systems

Background:

• Nunavut faces persistent health system challenges due to remoteness, workforce instability, and historical inequities.
• Reforms prioritize community knowledge and Inuit priorities to stabilize the workforce, enhance cultural safety, and improve access to care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze converging policy initiatives aimed at health system reform in Nunavut between 2017 and 2028.
• To assess the alignment of federal investments with territorial health priorities.

Main Methods:

• Examination of policy initiatives including the Canada-Nunavut Health Partnership Agreement, Roadmap to Strengthen the Nunavut Nursing Workforce, Virtual Care Action Plan, Aging with Dignity Agreement, and Territorial Health Investment Fund.
• Analysis of early evidence on workforce stabilization, cultural safety, and access to care.

Main Results:

• Emerging improvements in workforce stabilization, evidenced by reduced vacancy rates and fewer health centre closures.
• Enhanced cultural safety, local responsiveness, and continuity of care through investments in digital health, elder care, and Inuit-led education.
• Strengthened professional development and mentorship opportunities for the health workforce.

Conclusions:

• Nunavut's community-centered approach demonstrates that aligned federal funding can advance equity, cultural safety, and sustainability in remote health systems.
• The experience offers insights for other jurisdictions implementing context-specific health system reforms.
• Sustained effort is crucial for full health system transformation.