The Department of Health and Social Services invites interested members of the public to submit an application to serve as a representative on the Mental Wellness and Addictions Recovery (MWAR) Advisory Group.

The MWAR Advisory Group is made up of one group lead and up to eight regular members. The lead member is appointed to a two-year term, while regular members are appointed to one-year terms. Both with the option for renewal.

Applications must be received by July 22, 2026.

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Background

The Mental Wellness and Addictions Recovery Advisory Group was established to provide knowledge and advice to the Department of Health and Social Services that is rooted in lived/living experience with mental wellness and substance use, or addictions recovery.  

The Advisory Group supports the Department by sharing perspectives that help inform projects, policy, programming and other departmental activities related to mental wellness and addictions recovery in the Territory.

While the group does not replace other public engagement activities, it provides an ongoing way for voices of NWT residents to meaningfully inform departmental work.

The Group works in close partnership with the Department while remaining independent. Members receive honoraria in recognition of their time and contributions, in accordance with established GNWT rates.   

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Interpersonal skills and the ability to work respectfully as a group
• Strong listening and communication skills
• Knowledge of and experience with mental health and addictions challenges (personally or as a caregiver/career)
• Well-developed analytical and decision-making skills, exercising objectivity and sound judgment

Requirements

Lived/living experience with mental wellness and/or addictions recovery, including one or more of the following:

• Lived/living experience with a mental health concern and experience with mental health services; and or  
• Lived/living experience with substance use and experience with substance use services; and or   
• Lived/living experience supporting a family member or friend experiencing mental health concerns and or substance use

Additional requirements:

• Resident of the Northwest Territories
• Willingness to participate in meetings held primarily by teleconference or videoconference

Membership aims to reflect a broad range of lived and living experiences, including diversity in culture, gender identity including LGBTQ2+, age, and communities across the Northwest Territories.

Assets

• Familiarity with mental wellness and addictions recovery services in the Northwest Territories.
• Experience participating in groups, boards, or committees.

Apply now

Prepare your application

Prepare the following:

• A resume
• The names and contact information for two references
• Evidence of lived or living experience with mental wellness and/or addictions recovery

Clearly mark your application as:

“Mental Wellness and Addictions Recovery Advisory Group – Expression of Interest”

Submit your application

Send your completed application to:

Department of Health and Social Services
Mental Wellness and Addictions Recovery
6th Floor, Tatsaotį̀ne Building
5015-49 Street
PO Box 1320
Yellowknife, NT X1A 2L9
Email: mha@gov.nt.ca
Phone: 867-767-9061

Applications must be received by July 22, 2026.

If you have questions about the application process, contact the Mental Wellness and Addictions Recovery office by email or phone.

Selection Process

• Applications are reviewed by the Mental Wellness and Addictions Recovery Division staff.
• You may be contacted if more information is required.
• Applicants receive either a letter of offer or a letter of regret from the Assistant Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services.
• Submitting an Expression of Interest does not guarantee selection.