Second call for members – Nunavut Mental Health Review Board

Press Release

March 25, 2024

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 (MHA).

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, registered nurses, and registered psychiatric 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 the 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 Monday, April 22, 2024, 5:00 p.m. EST. Those who have already applied during the 2023 call out don’t need to re-apply. Successful applicants from both the first and second call out will be contacted at the same time.

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

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

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