Nunavut government should take “more human approach” to unlicensed lotteries, MLA says
“Prosecuting someone in these circumstances is not in the best use of our government’s time and resources”
During her time as MLA, Pat Angnakak tried to improve the workplace environment within the GN, partly through the restoration of the Department of Human Resources in 2019. She also tried to institute a public service commission to investigate harassment allegations, but that idea did not take hold within the GN. (File photo)
Nunavut’s minister for community and government services says he’s not aware of anyone in the territory being charged in the last 12 months for running an unlicensed lottery.
“I’m not aware of any of those offences in the last 12 months,” Lorne Kusugak told the legislative assembly on Thursday, Feb. 20, in response to a question from Pat Angnakak, MLA for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu.
The subject of unlicensed lotteries came up last week when Kusugak’s department put out a public service announcement warning residents that unlicensed lotteries and raffles are unlawful in Nunavut.
According to the public service announcement, “only charitable or religious not-for-profit groups whose proceeds are used for charitable or religious purposes qualify for a lottery licence.”
Raffles or lotteries for personal reasons are not eligible for a lottery licence.
And conducting a lottery without a licence is a Criminal Code offence, the department said.
But Angnakak told the legislative assembly that she thinks that law is out of date.
“Lottery regulations under the territorial Lotteries Act were inherited upon division in 1999 and have been only amended a few times” Angnakak said.
“It is clear that the regulations have not kept pace with the times, especially when it comes to some new forms of fundraising that community groups are using such as popular Chase the Ace events that are doing great things for our schools,” she said.
Angnakak also asked if Kusugak would commit to a full review of the Lotteries Act.
Although Kusugak didn’t offer a firm commitment, he said his department is already looking at how they can improve their monitoring process. That’s why they put out the public service announcement, he said.
“Our department is working with the Lotteries Act and is constantly monitoring where we need to make improvements and … the public service announcement that was put out recently to remind people that there are laws out there that regulate what you can and what you can’t be doing legally,” Kusugak said.
While Angnakak agreed that individuals should not be allowed to run lotteries or other forms of “gambling,” she said the government needs to take “a more human approach” to the issue.
“When it comes to desperate people, who are looking to raise a few dollars to help with funeral-related expenses, or travelling to be with a dying relative, we need to take a more human approach, and recognize that prosecuting someone in these circumstances is not in the best use of our government’s time and resources.”
“This is my position on the issue. What is the minister’s position on this issue?” Angnakak asked.
“I believe it’s my right not to state an opinion on this issue,” Kusugak replied.
Opening beer and wine stores, smoking some marijuana and now finding “excuses” to allow unlicensed lotteries.
All we need are some good old fashioned strip joints and everyone will want to move north, we’ll be the party central of Canada.
When the north said they wanted to be more progressive they sure went all in. I can’t wait.
In reality the legislation is meant to protect people. like someone could raffle something but make sure the winning ticket goes to themselves . . . or someone might fund raise and not use the funds for what you gave them the money for. They probably need to update the Act so these kinds of fundraising can happen, but the caring people who give money are protected too.
All excellent points and precisely why lotteries need to be regulated. Without that regulation people are powerless to go after someone who defrauded them. Nor should unlicensed lotteries be permitted to fund raise for personal gain like paying for summer camp or hockey school.
Create a new, local system where for a small fee, people can fund raise for causes mentioned. It is next to impossible to travel due to costs to other communities.
We have many tasked to assist with economy who have time to handle this.
Kusugak is ducking the issue. He should have an opinion that reflects what the people in his constituency want.
He’s getting too full of himself.
I disagree that his opinion should necessarily be quick or reflective of his constituents opinion. He was elected, presumably, because people trusted his judgement. If that’s the case then it is best to let him reflect on the issue.
It is illegal, stop it! Do we turn a blind eye to other illegals acts, no, why this one? I’ve had people come to me trying sell tickets or spots so they can buy food, go get a job like everyone else does. It is illegal for a reason. If you need to fundraise for good causes then start a society and do it right. Starts with that and getting a license that has to be reported on. Simple!
get a job very paternalistic attitude! I am pretty some people that sell tickets have jobs but they can’t afford to send their families to funerals or any kind of emergency that may occur concerning family member.
Very racist and colonialist attitude that people are defrauding that they have no principle. I have a good paying job but I can’t see my family when emergencies occur! . If Inuit organizations were around I would use draws to if I had the chance and I knew that death was of a family was inevitable or family who I am not priority had died but traditionally (Inuit kindship) was close to me!
Except that some of these lotteries and draws aren’t just for funerals and emergencies are they? A quick scan of Facebook will show at least a half a dozen unregulated draws and lottteries for things like paying for their kids’ summer hockey camp or their flight to community X to visit their family. The previous poster was correct.
In Nunavut costs are astronomical. GN can make changes to reflect the need for people to fund raise. I found it offensive when local community municipal council member joked about “little old ladies ” selling tickets in mitts who are often helping extended family members financially. We are isolated communities and airfare costs are astronomical to fly to attend funerals for family members…or coming home to visit dying family members.
Our Gn should make changes to reflect those needs. …not all people can afford to “joke” but those who do are not emphatic .