Nunavut justice department to issue will kits: Shewchuk

Because too many Nunavummiut die without leaving a will, the Nunavut justice department will soon distribute “will kits” to help people better prepare for their passing, Justice Minister Dan Shewchuk said March 7 in the legislative assembly’s committee of the whole.

Iqaluit East MLA Monica Ell asked Shewchuk about the issue during discussions of the justice department’s budget.

“We are all on the road towards eventual death. Most people are not prepared in the case of their death especially when it comes to a will. Am I being truthful when I state that many Nunavummiut do not write up their wills?” Ell asked.

Shewchuk responded by saying the GN has prepared a “will kit” for distribution to Nunavut residents.

“The only thing we are waiting on is translation of the kit to happen and it will be distributed as soon as that is done,” Shewchuk said.

A will is a legal document that provides instructions on what to do with a person’s money and property after they are deceased.

When a person dies without a will, the Nunavut Public Trustee, an office of the territorial government, must often spend many months sorting out who should receive the deceased person’s property.

Low-cost commercial will kits — in English or French — are available on the Internet or at stationery shops.

But consumer advocates have criticized some of these products on the grounds that they don’t always cover all the legal issues that might arise after a loved one’s death.

Ell also asked Shewchuk about what help the government offers to people at income tax time, after their loved ones have passed away.

“Now they are starting to receiving forms. When and if those widowers receive T4s or tax slips, who would they go to?” Ell said.

Shewchuk said the Public Trustee would likely help in such cases.