Service Review of Naja Isabelle Home

The Honourable Margaret Nakashuk, Minister of Family Services, today made the following statement in response to critical incidents at the Naja Isabelle Home in Chesterfield Inlet, Nunavut.

“The Department of Family Services is investigating the provision of care at Naja Isabelle Home, a group home in Chesterfield Inlet for children and adults with specialized medical needs. The home is operated by the Pimakslirvik Corporation.

“Following the department’s initial investigation into critical incidents, which resulted in hospitalization of three clients and the subsequent deaths in hospital of two of these clients, the department informed the Representative for Children and Youth, and retained a third-party firm to further investigate the quality of care being provided at the facility. The RCMP are also investigating.

“The families have been informed of the incidents, and they are receiving support from the Department of Family Services. Family Services is actively exploring alternative placements for clients who currently remain at the facility. While these clients remain in Chesterfield Inlet, they are safe and receiving enhanced support from the Government of Nunavut. 

“I am deeply saddened by the deaths of the clients in care. We took immediate steps to intervene in the care being provided at the facility and launched an internal investigation, followed by a third-party review that will conduct an unbiased and comprehensive review of operations at the facility. Senior officials also contacted the RCMP.

“Investigators will scrutinize the care provided for all clients at the facility, highlighting any areas of concern. This process ensures a meticulous examination of the practices and protocols employed to guarantee the well-being of residents.

“The department’s top priority remains the well-being and safety of those clients in its care. As the matter is under investigation, the department will not comment further.”