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Christmas cheer — without the beer

Sober but spirited celebrations keep crime level steady in Nunavut

KIRSTEN MURPHY

Annual alcohol restrictions in at least two Nunavut communities this Christmas kept violent crimes to a minimum, territorial police officers say.

Liquor and beer stopped flowing into Kugluktuk from Dec. 17 to Jan. 4 at the request of Mayor Stanley Anablak and council.

The rest of the year, Kugluktuk is an "unrestricted" community, meaning alcohol is allowed into the hamlet with a permit.

"There was a time, about eight years ago, when people were showing up at the games and dances drunk. It was embarrassing for them and not very good for the children," Anablak said in an interview.

This past Christmas, and for the past six years, the hamlet has asked First Air to withhold alcohol orders from Yellowknife for two and a half weeks starting in mid-December.

"We can’t stop people from bringing alcohol individually but the overall [decrease] works for us. Now, more people are going to the activities and to the dances," Anablak said.

During the December-to-January ban, reports of spousal assault stopped completely in Kugluktuk, said Cpl. Grant St. Germaine.

"There is no doubt [the restriction] had something to do with it," said St. Germaine.

He noted a slight rise in the number of break and enters, but said the increase was negligible.

Fewer calls during the Yuletide season meant officers had more time for Christmas concerts and feasts — and even got to judge a Christmas light contest, St. Germaine said.

The same was true in the Kivalliq region. The hamlet of Rankin Inlet imposed a liquor ban from Dec. 17 to Jan. 3.

"[The absence of alcohol] makes a huge difference," said Rankin Inlet Const. Bob Hodyr. "The holidays were very quiet, and very enjoyable."

Unlike last year, when teens fired rifles in or near community halls during holiday celebrations in Cape Dorset and Pond Inlet, Christmas was quiet for RCMP officers in Nunavut, said V Division Staff Sgt. Mike Jeffrey.

"The number and type of calls was pretty average this year. No decrease and no increase," Jeffrey said.

However, 11 officers continue investigating the murder of Jennifer Naglingniq in Iqaluit. The 13-year-old was found dead at home just after midnight on Dec. 6. One charge of first-degree murder was laid and later stayed due to a lack of evidence.

Across Ungava Bay, in Northern Quebec, alcohol is being blamed for the 200 calls Kuujjuaq residents made to the Kativik Regional Police Force on New Year’s Eve.

About 60 people now face various charges, ranging from assaults with axes and knives, to impaired driving. The majority of charges are alcohol related, a Kativik Regional Government official said.

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