Nunavut Launches Information Sessions for New Mental Health Law

In-person information sessions about Nunavut’s new Mental Health Act are currently being held across the territory from August 18 to October 9, 2023. The law, which will take effect in early 2026, emphasizes family involvement during mental health crises, the right to appoint a tikkuaqtaujug (representative) for decision-making, and introduces new language rights.

The Government of Nunavut’s Department of Health has outlined several key features of the legislation. According to the department, specific positions, such as rights advocates and community-assisted treatment coordinators, will be established to facilitate the Act’s implementation. Additionally, the law incorporates traditional knowledge wellness programming and aims to develop a new addiction strategy, as part of Inuusivut Anninaqtuq (United for Life), Nunavut’s third suicide prevention action plan.

Nunavut has the highest suicide rate in Canada, which is more than triple that of the Northwest Territories and nearly ten times greater than Ontario’s rate. The new Mental Health Act will establish an independent Mental Health Review Board and strengthen regulations surrounding community treatment orders, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Another aspect of the government’s commitment to mental health is the ongoing construction of the Inuit-designed addictions and trauma treatment centre in Iqaluit, known as Aqqusariaq, formerly the Nunavut Recovery Centre. The facility, which has a budget of $83.7 million, broke ground in 2023 and is expected to open by December 2023.

The information sessions aim to educate communities about the changes in the Mental Health Act and what to expect when the new legislation takes effect. Each of Nunavut’s 25 communities has the opportunity to participate in a live presentation, followed by a question-and-answer session with government mental health officials and local staff. The Department of Health emphasized the importance of these sessions, stating, “The sessions are to provide information and education to the community about the changes that have been made to the Act.”

The new Mental Health Act, which replaces legislation that dates back to 1988, was passed by the legislature in 2021. The existing law was inherited from the Northwest Territories prior to Nunavut’s establishment as a territory and has undergone nine amendments since the formation of its separate legislature.

The information sessions have already taken place in various communities, including Cambridge Bay on August 18, Kugluktuk on August 19, Kugaaruk on August 20, and Gjoa Haven on August 21. Upcoming sessions are scheduled as follows:

– Arviat – August 25
– Whale Cove – August 26
– Rankin Inlet – August 27
– Chesterfield Inlet – August 28
– Resolute Bay – September 2
– Grise Fiord – September 3
– Arctic Bay – September 4
– Pond Inlet – September 8
– Kimmirut – September 9
– Pangnirtung – September 10
– Sanikiluaq – September 15
– Kinngait – September 22
– Coral Harbour – September 23
– Baker Lake – September 24
– Naujaat – September 25
– Qikiqtarjuaq – October 1
– Clyde River – October 2
– Taloyoak – October 6
– Iglulik – October 7
– Sanirajak – October 8
– Iqaluit – October 9

These sessions signify a crucial step towards enhancing mental health support in Nunavut, addressing longstanding issues, and fostering community involvement in mental health care.