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NUNAVUT - The $125,000 spent to equip hamlet offices with digital passport photo systems has been a wise investment, say hamlet staff.

The passport photo systems that were provided to hamlets in the summer of 2007 are being used to varying degrees across the territory. Without them, however, it would be unfeasible for many Nunavummiut to get passports for international travel. - Carolyn Sloan/NNSL photo

In the summer of 2007, the Government of Nunavut purchased camera equipment for 23 Nunavut communities to produce passport photos, and provided training to hamlet personnel.

The equipment was given to communities where there were no passport photo services available, although hamlets had already been providing photo services for drivers’ licences and identification cards.

Before receiving the new equipment, the only way for someone in Kugluktuk to get a passport was to fly to Yellowknife and have a photo taken professionally, said Roger Rand, bylaw officer for Kugluktuk.

“Return airfare to Yellowknife from our community is probably around $1,500,” he said. “Before this, that was your only option.” While the equipment hasn’t necessarily encouraged more people in the community to get their passport, it has made it easier for residents to renew, added Rand.

In a community with a population of about 1,500, he estimates that he has taken about 30 photos in the last year.

“It is being utilized,” said Rand, adding the equipment came in handy for a group of local students heading to Europe.

Henry Poisey, municipal liaison officer for Pangnirtung, has been using the photo equipment for firearms certificates as well as for passports. “People have been satisfied with the service we offer here,” he said.

Poisey added the hamlet recently donated about 20 photos to a group of students doing an intercultural exchange in Thailand.

In Iglulik, the equipment has fulfilled a valuable, albeit small, role.

Clifford Inooya, the hamlet’s municipal liaison officer, estimated he has taken about nine photos since receiving the equipment. His biggest client, however, was Iglulik’s Artcirq when the acrobatic troupe was heading to Europe to perform.