NTHSSA reports first budget surplus in 10 years, largely due to staffing vacancies

Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
Date: 2026-08-28 12:38:57.0
Tags: [National, Healthcare, Finance, Social Services]

The Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) reported its first budget surplus in 10 years, recording a $4.7 million operating surplus for the 2025/26 fiscal year due to persistent staffing vacancies and one-time federal funding. This surplus reduced the organization's accumulated deficit from $300.8 million down to $296.1 million. The fiscal result was driven by $30 million in additional funding from the Government of the Northwest Territories, $23 million in medical travel recoveries, and federal allotments, even as medical travel costs increased by $21 million. Chief Executive Officer Kim Riles noted that while vacancies contributed to the financial surplus, they drive up costs elsewhere through reliance on casuals, agency staff, and overtime.