Iqaluit beer and wine store to open Mondays for elders only
Government of Nunavut also announces one-time payment for Nunavut elders
George Hickes, Nunavut’s health minister, says Iqaluit’s beer and wine store will open on Mondays, starting on June 8, for elders only. (File photo)
Starting June 8, the Iqaluit beer and wine store will be open only for elders on Mondays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
That means only people over the age of 60 can go to the store during that time, George Hickes, Nunavut’s health minister, said at a news conference earlier today.
“This is a measure to ensure social distancing and avoiding crowds for our elders. I ask that everyone respect and be mindful of that,” Hickes said.
The beer and wine store is normally closed on Mondays.
The lineup for the beer and wine store in Iqaluit in March. The store will now be open on Mondays for elders only between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. (Photo by Emma Tranter)
Hickes also reminded residents that having someone else purchase your daily limit from the beer and wine store is considered bootlegging.
Government of Nunavut announced new one-time payment for elders
Elisapee Sheutiapik, minister of family services, also announced a new one-time payment for elders from the Government of Canada.
Elders receiving either the federal Old Age Security pension or the Guaranteed Income Supplement will receive a one-time tax-free payment.
“Seniors eligible for the Old Age Security pension will receive an additional $300 and those seniors eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement will receive an additional $200,” Sheutiapik said.
The payment will automatically be applied to anyone already receiving either the OAS or the GIS.
Sheutiapik said Nunavut elders receiving OAS or GIS can receive the extra payment without having those benefits clawed back.
Prohibited grounds of discrimination 7. (1) For the purposes of this Act, the prohibited grounds of discrimination are race, colour, ancestry, ethnic origin, citizenship, place of origin, creed, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, family status, pregnancy, lawful source of income and a conviction for which a pardon has been granted.
Permitted circumstance to discriminate. 7(2): Nothing in this Act precludes any law, program or activity that has as its objective the amelioration of conditions of disadvantaged individuals or groups, including those who are disadvantaged because of any characteristic referred to in subsection (1), and that achieves or is likely to achieve that objective.
Really Phil, you are going to argue that special hours of access count as “the amelioration of conditions of disadvantaged individuals”. LOL… I don’t think this would fall under than banner man.
To Get Real Dude, you need to think this through. Inuit elders have clearly faced historic discrimination in the purchase and enjoyment of beer. An amelioration policy to right these historic wrongs and get that cold beer into their hands is clearly in order here.
Hard to say that elders now n Nunavet are a discriminated against group considering the traditional reverence that they have been regarded.
How long will it be until someone takes on the “elders only” rooms at the airport?That would seemingly be an easy win for some lawyer.
I’m almost certain everyone here is joking except, Phil.. who really believes that the Canadian Charter of Rights includes an amelioration policy when it comes to lining up for beer. Too funny.
I hope that the store employees will report on the elders that will be abused in order to buy booze.
Wonder if they really thought this through, I mean I can see some elders being forced (not draging them to b&w force) but forcing them to get out of their homes. Why not jus open up the main door for elders only
Elisapee Sheutiapik, minister of family services, also announced a new one-time payment for Nunavut elders. Minister Hickes describes elders as anyone 60 plus. OAS is only paid to folks at 65. How does Minister Sheutiapik expect to pay those elders 60 to 64 ??