The Legislative Assembly approved the budget for fiscal year 2024–25, recommending a $2.2 billion allocation for the Government of the Northwest Territories’ programs and services. Finance Minister Caroline Wawzonek has committed an additional $13.3 million, including the reinstatement of two midwifery program positions and $331,000 ongoing. The $331,000 is for the salary and benefits for the two positions, and their associated training and supplies costs.
The NTHSSA Territorial Midwifery Manager and the DHSS Senior Midwifery Consultant are being reinstated to support the design and development of the territorial midwifery program and are based in Yellowknife. The positions were submitted for reduction as part of the GNWT Restoring Balance exercise, and without approval, they will remain unaffected.
The full-time NTHSSA Territorial Midwifery Manager position is currently open. In line with the NWT Midwifery Profession Act and regulatory framework, the manager, who is an independent primary care provider with hospital privileges, will provide full prenatal, intrapartum, postpartum, and neonatal care to residents of the NWT. This includes health assessments, diagnoses, interventions, and follow-up care. Currently, registered midwife, Tracy Hydeman, holds the position of DHSS Senior Midwifery Consultant.
