Nunavut MP Lori Idlout is lighting the way for digital mental health in indigenous communities in northern Canada.
Nunavut, a vast northern Canadian territory spanning 2 million sq km, is home to just 40,000 residents. With such a small population, accessing mental healthcare and staying connected with communities can be a real struggle. That’s where digital mental health comes in as a crucial tool to ensure residents, no matter how remote their location, can receive the support they need to maintain their well-being.
Lori Idlout, a Member of Parliament from Nunavut in the House of Commons of Canada, recently sat down with the eMental Health International Collaborative (eMHIC) delegation to discuss the potential of digital technology to build meaningful connections and improve access to mental healthcare. The delegation included Anil Thapliyal, Executive Director of eMHIC, Michel Rodrigue, MBA, CPA,CMA, eMHIC Board Chair, and Andrew Greenshaw, eMHIC Global Leadership Council Member.
Lori’s inspiring passion and conviction for the well-being of her constituents was palpable during the meeting. The conversation centered around the transformative role of digital technologies in improving timely access to mental health and addiction care. Lori eloquently tabled the specific needs of Inuit, Metis, First Nations and other Indigenous communities, embodying the kind of leadership that drives positive change.
eMHIC is thrilled to collaborate with Lori and Nunavut on this promising journey towards a better future for mental health care. Together, we can build a brighter tomorrow for the residents of Nunavut and beyond.
