Nunavut MLAs adopt new Mental Health Act – Nunatsiaq News

Updated law calls for early intervention, more family involvement in treatment and supports closer to home

Early intervention, Inuit approaches to healing and more local supports are part of Nunavut’s new Mental Health Act.

Nunavut Commissioner Eva Qamaniq Aariak gave assent to Bill 36, the Mental Health Act, in the legislative assembly on Tuesday, making it official.

When the bill was being considered by committee of the whole on May 31, Health Minister Lorne Kusugak said the old act “does not accurately reflect the needs or realities of Nunavummiut,” as some parts were created in the 1960s.

“The new act will bring about major changes and improve Nunavut’s mental health system in many ways,” he said.

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