Nunavut Premier praises Arctic Council’s focus on mental health

Nunavut Premier Eva Aariak praised the May 15 Kiruna Declaration for its mention of improving mental health in Arctic communities. (FILE PHOTO)

During the Northern Premiers Forum held May 9 and May 10,Canada’s three northern premiers expressed support for the Arctic Council and any support the council can provide towards improving the mental wellbeing of Arctic residents, Nunavut premier Eva Aariak said May 15 in the legislative assembly.

“I very much hope that this will be a focus of Canada’s chairmanship of the Arctic Council,” Aariak said, in response to a question from Baker Lake MLA Moses Aupaluktuq about mental wellness.

Aariak participated in the northern premiers’ meeting over the telephone.

“Together, northern premiers approached the Government of Canada about prioritizing suicide prevention during Canada’s chairmanship of the Arctic Council and the government of Canada responded positively,” she said.

The Kiruna Declaration, released May 15 by the Arctic Council, acknowledges that working towards better mental health is a priority for the Arctic, she said.

“Arctic peoples are experiencing challenges associated with rapid socio-economic and environmental changes, note the previous work of the Arctic Council to promote mental health in Arctic communities, and decide to undertake further work to improve and develop mental wellness promotion strategies,” Aariak said, quoting the declaration.

“So I’m happy to say that there are entities out there who are in support of what we are trying to achieve,” she said.

Aupaluktuq wanted to know how Canada’s territories will work also together to get more from the federal government for mental wellness programs.

“We will be working on this issue, and I’m very much encouraged the Government of Canada through the Arctic Council will also be involved in that,” she said.

Aupaluktuq said he would like to be updated on how the federal government deals with Nunavut’s mental health issues, and any specific programs which come out of meetings.