Mental Health Review Board

Function

The Mental Health Review Board was created to help protect the rights of individuals under the Mental Health Act. Any person held involuntarily who wishes to appeal a decision made by their doctor can apply to the Board for a hearing. Others can also apply to the Board on the patient’s behalf.

Jurisdiction

Government of the Northwest Territories

Department Responsible

Department of Health & Social Services

Authority

Mental Health Act (NWT)

Board Composition

The Minister of Health and Social Services appoints all Board members. The Board consists of at least seven members including: a) the Chairperson who is a lawyer eligible to practice law in the Northwest Territories b) at least two medical practitioners who are eligible to practice psychiatry or medicine in Canada c) at least two lawyers who are able to practice law in the Northwest Territories d) at least two public representatives. The Board composition endeavors to reflect the diversity and gender balance of the Northwest Territories.

Alternate Members

There are no alternate members.

Chairperson

The Chairperson is a lawyer entitled to practice law in the Northwest Territories who is appointed by the Minister of Health and Social Services.

Vice-Chairperson

Legislation does not provide for a Vice-Chairperson.

Quorum

Quorum is one medical practitioner, one lawyer and one public representative.

Appointment Instrument

Members are appointed by the Minister of Health and Social Services under Section 2 of the Mental Health Act Review Board Regulations.

Term Duration

A member holds office for a term of up to two years. The Chairperson holds office for a term of up to three years.

Time and Travel Requirements

The Board meets at least four times per year. Review panels composed of three board members meet when necessary to hear appeals.

Remuneration

The Board members and chairperson receive remuneration in accordance with contracts established with each member. Category – Advisory Chairperson – up to $2063 per day Member (Lawyer) – up to $2000 per day Member (Medical Practitioner) – up to $1100 per day Member (Public Representative) – up to $880 per day 50% per half day (i.e. 4 hours or less), for work on board business.

Other Considerations

Members are required to submit a satisfactory vulnerable sector check prior to appointment. Members that are medical practitioners or lawyers must provide proof of registration in their province or territory of practice.

Current Membership

1. Chair Paul Falvo 2023-02-06 2026-02-05 2nd term
2. Member Billi Wun 2023-09-01 2025-08-31 1st term
3. Member Dr. Rajiv Bhatla 2024-09-01 2026-08-31 2nd term
4. Member Jane Arychuk 2024-09-01 2026-08-31 1st term
5. Member Sue McKinney 2024-09-01 2026-08-31 4th term
6. Member Paul Parker 2023-09-01 2025-08-31 4th term
7. Member Jacques Roberge 2024-09-01 2026-08-31 4th term
8. Member Jane McCrudden 2024-09-01 2026-08-31 4th term
9. Member Doug Watson 2024-09-01 2026-08-31 4th term
10. Member Lynda Baillargeon 2024-09-01 2026-08-31 1st term
11. Member Lydia Bardak 2024-09-01 2025-08-31 4th term
12. Member Doreen Cleary 2024-09-01 2026-08-31 1st term
13. Member (Vacant - 2 year term)      
14. Member (Vacant - 2 year term)      
15. Member (Vacant - 2 year term)      
16. Member Tanya Snowshoe 2023-09-01 2025-08-31 4th term

(Board details as of Oct 09, 2024)