Jennifer McPhee
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Apr 08/02) - An RCMP officer says freeing up access to liquor in Nunavut could lead to more crime.

Sgt. Mike Jeffrey told a public meeting on proposed changes to the territorial Liquor Act last week that his experience in Rae-Edzo suggests relaxed laws come at a high price.

About 45 people, including RCMP Sgt. Mike Jeffrey and Elisapee Shevtiapik, attended a community consultation held in Iqaluit last week. - Jennifer McPhee/NNSL photo

When he was working in the NWT community a few years ago, the community decided to relax liquor regulations. "At the time, there were 300 to 400 prisoners," he said. "After they liberalized it, there were 5,000."

More than 45 people reviewed 10 recommendations made by the liquor licensing board. The city also wants to find out what controls residents want if Nunavummiut approve a liquor store in a plebiscite.

Residents at the two-day meeting said the commission's recommendations address the needs of people who want liquor, not those who suffer because of it.

"That was the general feeling," said David Wilman, a consultant who helped run the meeting on the city's behalf. The city's Niksiit committee will receive a complete report in a month.

Jeffrey pointed out that a liquor store will not stop bootleggers, because they will continue to work after hours.

He said 2,000 people went to jail last year because of liquor and that all murders last year in Iqaluit were alcohol-related.

Others at the meeting recalled how the former liquor store in Iqaluit destroyed lives.

"I had a son who died because of the liquor store," said Inuapik Saagiaqtuq.

Participants also said there's not enough treatment options for people with addiction problems now, and that changes to the Liquor Act must come with conditions.

"That would be more constructive than just giving in to those who want alcohol at their table," said Saka Kipanek. "Life is precious and we can't allow a luxury like alcohol destroy us."