Banish dope-dealers, bootleggers from Nunavut?

The amount of damage alcoholism and drug addiction inflicts on our society is devastating.

Each person in Nunavut — long time residents or people new to the territory — knows this. It is a fact.

Addiction is something that is plaguing our society. That too is a fact.

Almost all the crimes committed in Nunavut communities are alcohol and-or drug related. Again, this is a fact.

When children go hungry because their parents choose to feed their addiction instead of feeding their children, this is very sad. But that’s what addiction does. It becomes the highest priority in an addict’s life.

When alcohol and-or drugs are the highest priority in someone’s life, everything else “takes a back seat.” This is a very sad fact.

I don’t think it is realistic that all bootleggers and drug dealers will be caught. But when they are, remove them from our community. Banish them from Nunavut for a few years.

Five thousand dollar fines aren’t going to deter people from bootlegging. especially when they make thousands of dollars every week.

Probation or a few months in jail aren’t going to deter people from drug dealing. The thought of being removed from Nunavut for an extended period of time, well, that might be a better deterrent.

I know that this won’t solve the addictions issues in Nunavut, but it could be something that lawmakers could ponder. If our political leaders who make laws in our territory are serious about making improvements to the existing and tragic social conditions in Nunavut, they should really consider drastic measures like this.

In the meantime, those of you who bootleg and-or sell drugs, think about the contribution you are making in the community you live in. Yeah. Not so great, eh?

Hopefully, you are able to feel shame and stop doing what you are doing. You are capable of being of benefit to society. Hopefully, you will make better choices, choices that will contribute to making the community you live in a better place.

For those of you suffering from addictions and want to stop, there is help out there. The resources and services are limited, but the last time I checked, our political leaders said they’re going to do something about that.

I hope the Inuit organizations step up and use the wealth they have and become active participants in the healing process.

And to Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. and the regional Inuit associations, please stop playing the “it’s-the-government’s-responsibility” card.

We all have to get together, governments, Inuit organizations, communities and residents. We all have to stand up and put forward ideas to improve the situation.

Sobriety can be difficult in Nunavut, especially when there are vultures — bootleggers and drug dealers — lurking around every other corner, eager to take an addict’s money and provide the addictive substance.

To the GN, in communities where establishments are legally allowed to sell liquor, sell the liquor to them at a higher cost but put a ceiling on the prices they are allowed to charge. Use the revenue made from this to fund some social and-or healing programs.

From a concerned citizen of Nunavut.

(Name withheld by request)
Iqaluit
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