Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Aug 13/01) - Six more weeks have gone by since Jollie Enoogoo went public with his frustrations with the federal Firearms Act.

In early July, he contacted the News/North office out of desperation. He had applied for his gun licence six months earlier and still had not received the document or an explanation concerning its delay.

Enoogoo said the holdup, one of many similar stories from residents around the territory, means Nunavummiut have been forced to turn to a black market in bullets. The new legislation requires gun owners have a valid licence before they can buy ammunition.

When contacted at his home last week, Enoogoo was still in the same position.

"Nothing yet," said the Pond Inlet resident.

Ditto for Pitseolak Alainga, an Iqaluit resident who applied for his possession and acquisition licence back in November -- nearly 10 months ago.

"As Inuit, we're patient people. I can wait until I get a letter or word from them ... but if worst comes to worst, I could reapply," said Alainga.

And reapply he may have to. Josh Mitsima, federal firearms officer for Nunavut, declined to comment on whether territorial residents who have not received their licences were required to reapply.

He did say, however, that "if anyone still has not received their licence in the mail and it's been more than six months, they have the right to reapply."

Reached earlier this month at the office where he now works alone -- there were three employees before the Canadian Firearms Centre cut back staff -- Mitsima said he is working diligently to process licences for Nunavummiut. He said the reduction in staff made it more difficult for him to perform his job effectively.

"Before, I could deal with someone and not have to run and answer the phone," said Mitsima.

David Austin of the Canadian Firearms Centre in Ottawa said staff changes should have little effect on Mitsima and the Nunavut office. Staff, including the Nunavut team, were reassigned around the country because most of the licences had been issued and the CFC had moved on to registration, he said.

Mitsima disagreed. He said the system in Nunavut is jammed because of the high crime rate in the territory.

"Licensing is not wrapped up because I have to investigate people who have records. That's why we have the delays," said Mitsima.

Mitsima added that anyone with any questions concerning their applications can contact him immediately at 867-979-8757 or by phoning the toll-free number at 1-800-731-4000, ext. 4514.