GN clears Santa Claus for takeoff

Santa Claus has been cleared to make his annual trek to deliver Christmas presents to children around the world, the Government of Nunavut says.

His reindeer transport permit has been approved and he co-ordinated his winter readiness plan with Nunavut Emergency Management, a GN public service announcement issued Monday said.

The organization that oversees emergency preparedness plans, said Claus, who is an experienced Arctic traveller, is “anticipated to travel safely” through Nunavut on Christmas Eve.

Every year on Christmas Eve, the jolly old elf heads out from his workshop at the North Pole in a sleigh pulled by eight reindeer who are led by Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer.

Claus, who is famously elusive, could not be reached for comment about this year’s Christmas Eve plans.

But he was spotted in Iqaluit over the past two weekends. He made an early appearance at the city’s annual Christmas parade Saturday. On Dec. 12, he greeted children and elders at the Elders Qammaq when the annual parade was postponed due to bad weather.

Norad — the North American Aerospace Defence Command —tracks Santa’s Christmas Eve journey on a website it makes available to the public: noradsanta.org/en.

Nunavut Emergency Management confirmed that Claus signed out a public-access SPOT device, which sends a signal to a satellite to help track a traveller’s location.

Other Nunavummiut can also sign out one of the devices at a hamlet office, wildlife office or from a hunters and trappers organization. Carrying a SPOT device is one precaution that people travelling on the land can take.

Throughout the holidays, Nunavut Emergency Management also encouraged Nunavummiut to be aware of changing weather conditions if they are travelling to visit family or friends during the holidays.

The RCMP and Government of Nunavut issued a holiday message, calling on people to prioritize safety, well-being and to continue to look out for one another.

That message reminded people not to drink and drive. If alcohol or other substances are part of celebrations, people should arrange a safe ride home, such as taking a taxi or designating one driver who won’t consume alcohol during a party.

The RCMP and GN recommended travelling with others whenever possible and to tell someone where you are going when on your own.

Getting rest, fresh air and seeking support are tips for looking after your health for people who might feel overwhelmed by the activity around the holidays.

Support is available, the RCMP and GN said, because holidays can be a “high-risk time for conflict.” If things get out of hand, people should seek help immediately, leave the situation and call police if they need assistance.

The Nunavut Kamatsiaqtut Help Line is available around the clock at 1-800-265-3333.