Child and Family Services Act

This Act protects children in Nunavut. This includes their safety, culture, identity, and well-being. It includes a “duty to report,” which means anyone who believes a child may need protection must tell a child protection worker or the authorities. The Act focuses on prevention, with child apprehension used only as a last resort. Guided by Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) principles, it ensures decisions are made in a way that respects Inuit culture and community. It also explains the role and responsibilities of child protection workers.

View the Act

Children’s Law Act

This Act covers family law matters related to children, such as child support, custody, access, and guardianship.

Family Law Act

This Act helps guide family law issues in Nunavut, such as child custody, property division, and spousal support. It encourages people to find solutions outside of court whenever possible through dispute resolution options like mediation.

Divorce Act

This federal Act applies in Nunavut and deals with the legal end of a marriage. It focuses on the breakdown of the relationship, not on blame or misconduct.

A divorce can be granted if:

• You have lived apart for at least one year,
• Your spouse has been physically or mentally cruel, or
• Your spouse has committed adultery (cheated on you).

Family Abuse Intervention Act (Nunavut)

This Act provides tools and support for both victims and offenders. It focuses on community values and IQ principles to find peaceful solutions to violence.

It allows for Emergency Protection Orders (EPOs) and Community Intervention Orders (CIOs), which can include counselling or support from people the applicant trusts (like Elders or family members).

What is Family Abuse?

Under the Family Abuse Intervention Act, family abuse is not just physical violence. It can include many types of harm from someone you are in a close relationship with (like a spouse, partner, or family member).

Examples of family abuse can include:

• Causing or attempting to cause you physical harm
• Threatening you, your children, or other family members
• Forcing you into sexual activity
• Damaging your property
• Controlling your money, where you go, or who you talk to (this is often called coercive control)
• Following or harassing you and your family

How to Get an Emergency Protection Order or Community Intervention Order

• You can apply for an EPO or a CIO if you are experiencing family abuse.
• You may apply yourself, or someone you trust. This could be a family member, friend, Elder, lawyer, or RCMP officer.
• If you are unable to give consent because of age, mental capacity, or vulnerability, the law assumes you would agree if it protects your safety.
• Applications must include the required information and be submitted in the proper form.
• The person applying for you is not part of the court case unless the judge says otherwise.
• You must tell the judge about any other court orders or agreements you already have with the person involved (such as custody, peace bonds, or protection orders).