Call for Members – Nunavut Mental Health Review Board

Press Release

02 November 2023

The Department of Health is seeking individuals interested in serving on the new Mental Health Review Board (MHRB). The MHRB is a result of the new Mental Health Act. The Government of Nunavut (GN) is in the process of bringing the MHRB provisions into force.

The new legislation seeks to improve the mental wellness of Nunavummiut and address Inuit-specific mental wellness needs, while targeting a small segment of the population with severe mental illness in need of treatment.

The MHRB is comprised of:

1 chairperson (lawyer or health professional)
a minimum of 3 lawyers
a minimum of 6 health professionals (psychiatrists, physicians, nurse practitioners, and registered nurses), including minimum 3 psychiatrists
a minimum of 3 community members
a minimum of 3 Inuit cultural advisors

Successful candidates will be appointed and trained before the new MHA takes effect.

The MHRB will have the authority to establish review panels to conduct hearings on various matters. If there are immediate concerns for those experiencing mental health crises that require medical intervention, individuals may be held involuntarily to ensure their continued health and safety. Under the new legislation, individuals who are being held involuntarily, those acting on their behalf, and others can appeal certain decisions to the MHRB.

Please see application form for eligibility criteria for the chairperson, lawyer, and health professional positions. Knowledge of Inuit societal values, Inuit languages, and Nunavut is an asset. If applicable, preference will be given to Inuit and residents of Nunavut.

For those interested in the chairperson, lawyer, and health professional positions, please submit your resume and application by email to Kim Paradis at kparadis@gov.nu.ca by Friday, December 15, 2023, 5:00 p.m. EST.

As per section 64 on the new MHA, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. is responsible for the nomination of community members and Inuit cultural advisors. For more information on these positions and the nomination process, please contact Opal McInnis at omcinnis@tunngavik.com or 867-975-7577.

For more information on the MHRB, contact Kim Paradis at kparadis@gov.nu.ca or 867-975-5970.

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Media Contact:

Pierre Essoh
Communications Specialist
Department of Health
867-975-5712
pessoh@gov.nu.ca

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