Legal Aid and Advocacy

A legal aid service that provides free or low-cost legal advice and representation to Nunavut residents who cannot afford a private lawyer. This includes assistance with criminal matters, family law, and civil issues. For elders, Maliiganik can help with things like drafting a will, dealing with public trustee issues, or handling elder abuse concerns legally.

Eligibility: Services are income-tested, but many seniors on fixed income will qualify. Certain services (like basic legal advice or help with wills) may be available to all elders.

How to access: The Maliiganik Tukisiiniakvik office is located in Iqaluit. To inquire or apply for assistance, call 867-979-5377. They can set up an intake appointment to assess your legal needs and financial eligibility.

There is also a Family Law Advice Line available at 1-866-606-9400 that anyone (including elders or their family members) can call for free legal information on family matters.

The Public Trustee is a division of the Department of Justice that helps manage financial and legal affairs for certain individuals. This office can administer the estates of deceased persons who have no executor, manage the finances of minor children who inherit money, and assist dependent adults who are unable to manage their own finances (and who have no one else able to do so). For elders, the Public Trustee can step in to handle financial matters if an elder is deemed mentally incapable and there is no family member or power of attorney to take over, ensuring the elder’s bills are paid and assets protected.

Eligibility: Generally invoked by court order or referral when an adult is incapacitated or when someone dies without a will or executor. It’s not something one “applies” for as a benefit, but families of an ailing elder can contact the office for guidance if they anticipate needing a trustee.

How to access: You or a family member can contact the Office of the Public Trustee for information or assistance. The Nunavut Public Trustee’s toll-free line is 1-866-294-2127. They will advise on the process (which may involve legal steps) to appoint the Public Trustee as a committee or trustee for an elder’s affairs if necessary.

Elders and their families may also seek help from public legal education organizations. The Legal Services Board of Nunavut provides public legal education – they can offer information on writing wills, understanding power of attorney, or elder rights. While not a direct service provider, they publish materials and can point you to resources.

How to access: For legal information, you can ask at Maliiganik or check if the Legal Services Board has brochures. Additionally, the Nunavut Lawyer Referral Service (through the Law Society) can offer a free initial consultation with a lawyer for a short time at no cost – call the Law Society of Nunavut to get a referral if you have a specific legal question not covered by legal aid.