Minister of Health Announces More Support for Child and Youth Mental Health Research in Nunavut

Iqaluit, Nunavut – Feb. 4, 2011 – The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, today announced $2.4 million of funding over five years for a research, intervention and community advocacy project to improve the mental health of children and youth in Nunavut.

“I understand it can be difficult to receive mental health services in remote communities,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “That’s why we’re pleased to support projects that enhance mental health among children, youth and families.”The Child and Youth Mental Health Wellness Research, Intervention and Community Advocacy project will help Nunavut communities to promote positive mental health among children and youth. The project will raise awareness of mental health and wellness among children and youth, provide youth perspectives on mental health issues and support parents in raising healthy children.

“As a Northerner, I have seen first-hand how difficult it can be for communities to deal with mental health issues. Young people need the resources to help them become the best they can be, no matter where they live. This investment in the Qaujigiartiit Health Research Centre in Iqaluit will provide valuable support to young people and families in Nunavut,” said Minister Aglukkaq.

This community project is conducted by Northerners and employs both traditional Inuit knowledge and current science to create healthy environments and improve the health of Aboriginal children and youth. Knowledge gained from this project will also be shared with other communities across Canada.

“I congratulate the Qaujigiartiit Health Research Centre on receiving funding to carry out this innovative project to improve the mental health of Nunavummiut,” said Nunavut’s Minister of Health and Social Services, Tagak Curley.

Through the Declaration on Prevention and Promotion, Canada’s Ministers of Health have agreed to make health promotion a priority for action. The Government of Canada is committed to working with partners—within and outside the health sector—to design and implement new approaches to promote the health and well-being of Canada’s children and youth.

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For more information, please contact

Public Health Agency of Canada
Media Relations
613-941-8189
or

Office of Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health
Jenny VanAlstyne
613-957-0200