NTI calls for Firearms Safety Training
(October19, 2010 – Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Acting President James Eetoolook today called on the Government of Nunavut and Government of Canada to join NTI in creating resources on safe handling and storage of firearms for Inuit communities.
“The latest unfortunate violent incidents where firearms have been used are clear indicators that we need resources developed to address safe handling and storage of firearms.” said Eetoolook, “these unfortunate incidents are not matters of licensing and registration of firearms. The issue of safe handling and storage of firearms is a matter of public safety and NTI has always fully supported the safe handling and storage of firearms.”
In 2002 NTI challenged the Government of Canada on the licensing and registration requirements of the Firearms Act due to, in part, the lack of firearms training courses providers and Inuit language service to enable Inuit to obtain licenses and registrations, but have never challenged the safe handling and storage requirements in the act.
The handling and storage of firearms regulations under the Firearms Act apply to all firearms owners, including Inuit but few resources are available to inform owners of their obligations for safe handling and storage of firearms.
“There needs to be a means of communicating to Inuit in Inuktitut about their obligations for safe storage of their firearms. We need to provide options of safe storage. NTI looks forward to working with both the federal and territorial governments in ensuring our communities have these important resources.”
NTI is also calling for the Government of Canada to renew negotiations with NTI by taking advantage of the regulatory flexibility offered in the firearms regime in the form of aboriginal adaptations regulations to develop an “adapted for Nunavut firearms regime”.
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