Hamlets go dry to ensure ‘safe and enjoyable’ holidays
Clyde River, Naujaat, Pond Inlet, Whale Cove, Baker Lake and Kugluktuk pass temporary restrictions
Kugluktuk is one of at least six Nunavut hamlets that have made the move to temporarily restrict access to alcohol this year over the holiday season. (File photo)
This story was updated Dec. 17 at 3:40 p.m. ET
As the holidays approach, several hamlets in Nunavut are temporarily going dry.
Clyde River, Naujaat, Pond Inlet, Whale Cove and Baker Lake have all restricted the sale and shipment of alcohol for various periods during December, Nunatsiaq News learned after contacting municipal leaders across the territory.
The Hamlet of Kugluktuk released its plans Dec. 5 in a public service announcement.
Alcohol sales will be restricted in that community from Dec. 7 to Dec. 21, in a move to ensure a “safe and enjoyable holiday season,” the announcement said.
Kugluktuk’s hamlet council approved the initiative during its Dec. 3 council meeting.
Rankin Inlet will not see a community-wide restriction, but council members pledged to voluntarily avoid drinking alcohol for 12 days over the Christmas season, from Dec. 13 to Dec. 25.
Their resolution was posed to Facebook on Dec. 9.
Council members are also encouraging Rankin Inlet residents to make a similar personal commitment.
Hamlet leaders in Arctic Bay, Kinngait, Cambridge Bay, Taloyoak, Grise Fiord, Chesterfield Inlet, Sanirajak, Igloolik and Kimmirut did not respond to a request for information on Monday about any temporary restrictions in those communities.
No temporary restrictions on alcohol sales are planned in Iqaluit, city spokesperson Geoff Byrne said Tuesday.
Municipalities in the territory have the option to restrict or prohibit alcohol.
Unrestricted communities include Baker Lake, Cambridge Bay, Rankin Inlet, Iqaluit, Grise Fiord and Taloyoak.
Arctic Bay, Kinngait, Chesterfield Inlet, Clyde River, Sanirajak, Igloolik, Kimmirut, Kugluktuk, Naujaat, Pond Inlet, Qikiqtarjuaq, Resolute Bay and Whale Cove allow alcohol on a restricted basis.
Arviat, Coral Harbour, Gjoa Haven, Kugaaruk, Pangnirtung and Sanikiluaq are dry communities.
Note: This story was updated to include the comment by City of Iqaluit spokesperson Geoff Byrne
Government playing with people rights again. Treating us like a bunch of children, times are changing yet somethings remain the same. Sad
You get treated by how you act, you act like children, you get treated like children.
Hamlets decided this. That’s you and your neighbors. Take it up with them
Restrictions such as that should be self-imposed only; never upon others. Consequences, whether intended or not, are always traumatic. People might drink less, but they will drink to excess and pay more for it. Alcoholics, forced to quit or reduce cold-turkey, are the most dangerous – to orhers and to themselves
That’s a bit black and white. The truth is a little greyer than that. The trauma is already occurring and this is a response to mitigate it.
Restrictions that reduce harm exist: underage, court ordered, people on certain types of medications. I think we all agree these populations should not drink and we are not creating harm or trauma because of it. I don’t necessarily agree on community wide restrictions on a personal level, but I certainly believe communities facing these unique challenges should be able to vote and decide for themselves.
“Alcoholics, forced to quit or reduce cold-turkey, are the most dangerous – to others and to themselves” What?! I don’t know where you get this; a blacked out alcoholic is easily the most dangerous to themselves and others. Does not compare.
I can make a mean home brew. But, it’s been awhile since I made some.
Get ready for the $400 40.
Last I saw on FB just a 12 oz Mickey was $220 in our region. And that was back in Sept/Oct!
All work and sacrifice living in Bootlegger’s Paradise
Bootleggers, drug peddlers are treated like Rock Stars in Nunavut, and everybody knows who they are, our neighbors
Perhaps this will stop a few problems. I’m pretty sure the bootleggers won’t comply and possibly even profit more.
Any chronic alcoholics in those communities forced to go cold turkey are going to need medical attention because these towns want a peaceful holiday season.
I hope it achieves a positive outcome and everyone has a safe and happy holiday. In my opinion however this is a slippery slope that I’d be very hesitant step on.