Nunavut's Liquor Import Policy Criticized Amid Rising Alcohol-Related Incidents

Nunavut's Iqaluit Mayor Kenny Bell has expressed disappointment with the Government of Nunavut's (GN) failure to implement policies limiting the importation of hard liquor into the territory. This criticism comes after Staff Sgt. Robert Gallant presented data to city council showing that 63% of calls for service in May involved alcohol-related incidents. The GN has yet to implement a motion passed by the Nunavut Association of Municipalities last year, calling for restrictions on large alcohol imports. Mayor Bell emphasized that the community is suffering due to the lack of action, citing the need for the government to listen to the mayors' concerns.

Key Takeaways:

63% of calls for service in May in Iqaluit involved alcohol-related incidents, according to an RCMP report presented to city council.
The Nunavut Association of Municipalities passed a motion last year calling for the Government of Nunavut to restrict large amounts of alcohol being brought into the territory.
Despite this, the GN has not implemented policies to limit hard liquor imports, with Iqaluit Mayor Kenny Bell expressing frustration at the lack of action.
Finance Minister George Hickes stated that the government's main concern is not the total volume of liquor imports, but rather where the product goes and how it is consumed.
Hickes mentioned that the government is considering ways to cut down on large imports, but regulatory changes are a complex issue that requires careful consideration.
The government aims to update its liquor control legislation, which has not been updated in decades.

Statistics:

63% of calls for service in May in Iqaluit involved alcohol-related incidents.
The Nunavut Association of Municipalities' motion to restrict large amounts of alcohol imports has been pending since last year.
Iqaluit Mayor Kenny Bell wants laws in place to limit hard liquor imports by the time the current territorial government is done.

Sources:

Nunatsiaq News, "Nunavut's liquor import policy criticized amid rising alcohol-related incidents" by David Venn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter