Elder Protection and Safety

If you suspect that an elder is being abused, mistreated, or neglected (this could be financial abuse, physical or emotional abuse, or neglect of basic needs), it’s important to report it.

In an emergency (if an elder is in immediate danger):
Call the RCMP emergency line at 867‑979‑1111 in Iqaluit.
(Nunavut does not have 911 service – you must use this number for police, fire, or ambulance.)

For non-emergencies:
You can also use 867‑979‑1111 to report concerns to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Iqaluit detachment. Ask to speak with an officer who has training in elder abuse or domestic violence.

You can also contact Social Services in Iqaluit (Family Services office) at 867‑975‑4850 to report neglect or to discuss concerns. Social workers can investigate and provide support or protection plans for the elder.

This is a toll-free line dedicated to Inuit elders who may need someone to talk to. It provides peer-to-peer counseling in Inuktitut for elders who might be feeling lonely, depressed, or troubled. Elders can speak with trained fellow elders who understand their language and culture.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (noon) – if you call outside these hours you can leave a message to be called back.

Contact: 1-866-684-5056 (toll-free). All calls are confidential. Family members can also encourage an elder to use this line if they need emotional support or just a friendly conversation.

f an elder has been the victim of a crime or abuse, Nunavut Victim Services can provide assistance and guidance. They offer emotional support, help victims understand their rights, and can assist with things like writing a victim impact statement or navigating the court process if charges are laid. They also run the Victim Care Program which may help coordinate counseling or community supports for victims, and the Victim Travel Support Program (NVTSP) which can help family members travel to support an elder victim during court proceedings for serious crimes.

How to access: In Iqaluit, you can contact the Victim Services Coordinator at 867-975-6336. There is also a territory-wide toll-free Victim Services line at 1-866-456-5216. Even if you do not want to involve police, Victim Services can confidentially discuss options and connect elders or families to resources.

For elders experiencing violence or abuse at home (often this can be spousal abuse or abuse by a family member), local shelters can provide a safe haven. In Iqaluit, the Qimaavik Women’s Shelter is available for women (including senior women) and their children who need to escape domestic violence. It operates 24/7. While there is not a dedicated men’s shelter in Iqaluit, male elders in crisis can still reach out to RCMP or Social Services who will find emergency accommodations (such as the men’s homeless shelter or safe house arrangements).

How to access:

Qimaavik Shelter – phone 867-979-4566; 24-hour crisis line 867-979-4500. They can provide immediate shelter, basic necessities, and help in safety planning. For male victims, contact the RCMP or Social Services for help; they will coordinate with community resources for a temporary safe place.

Nunavut has legislation such as the Family Abuse Intervention Act (FAIA) that can offer protective orders for victims of family violence, including elders. Under FAIA, an elder (or someone on their behalf) can apply for an Emergency Protection Order to legally keep an abuser away from them. Also, elders can set up Powers of Attorney or Guardianship arrangements while they are well, to designate trusted individuals to make decisions if they become unable – this can prevent abuse or misuse of their finances later.

How to access: For protective orders, the RCMP or Victim Services can assist in the application process (available 24/7 via a JP). For powers of attorney or guardianship, consider speaking with a lawyer or the Office of the Public Trustee for advice. The Public Guardian (through the Department of Family Services) can also be appointed by the court if an elder is incapacitated with no one to help – Social Services can provide information on that process if needed.

The Department of Health and Family Services can conduct home safety assessments for elders. If you’re concerned about an elder living alone (e.g., risk of falls, whether they have smoke alarms, etc.), you can ask Community Health Representatives or Home Care to do a check. The Fire Department in Iqaluit can also install smoke detectors for free and advise on fire safety for seniors’ homes – contact Iqaluit Fire at 867-979-5650 for fire safety checks.