Problems and disputes in Nunavut: consumer complaints, small claims, workplace injury and legal aid

Who to contact in Nunavut for a problem with a business, an unpaid debt, a workplace injury or when you cannot afford a lawyer.

What to do and who to contact when something goes wrong in Nunavut. Each section gives the usual order of steps, then the official body and page. Rent disputes are on the renting page.

A problem with a business (consumer complaint)

Write to the business first, say what happened and what you want, and keep copies. If you paid by credit card you can ask the issuer about a chargeback. Then complain to the regulator.

Consumer Affairs (Community and Government Services). Use the consumer complaint form; for fraud or scams, complaints are reviewed case by case with the RCMP.

Official page: consumer complaints ↗ (our automatic checker could not open this site)

Money owed to you or damage caused (small claims)

Small claims court is a last resort. Send a written demand with a deadline, keep proof of delivery, and check the time limit to sue and the maximum amount in your province: both differ and have changed recently.

Nunavut Court of Justice, Small Claims. A claim starts with a Notice of Claim filed at the Sheriff's Department, which serves it on the defendant; a mediation session follows if there is a reply.

Official page: small claims ↗

Hurt at work (workers' compensation)

Get medical attention, tell your employer straight away and report to the compensation board: deadlines differ by province and being late can cost you benefits. In several provinces it is illegal for an employer to ask you not to report.

Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission (NWT and Nunavut). Report to your employer and file a Worker's Report of Injury with the WSCC as soon as possible; the commission has separate phone lines and email addresses for Nunavut.

Official page: report an injury ↗

You cannot afford a lawyer (legal aid)

Legal aid covers some problems only, often criminal, family and some civil matters, and uses a financial test. Duty counsel at the courthouse is often available without applying. Ask early: waiting lists exist.

Legal Services Board of Nunavut. Legal aid is delivered through three regional clinics, and court workers can help start an application. Contact details differ between pages: confirm the number before calling.

Official page: apply for legal aid ↗ (our automatic checker could not open this site)

Scams and fraud

If you were scammed or your identity was stolen, see the step-by-step help under where to start.

Procedures only: fees, limits, forms and time limits change and differ, so each official page is the authority. General information, not legal advice; a community legal clinic can help. Quebec has its own rules: see AtlasQuébec.