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)