Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Acting President James Eetoolook expressed disappointment following last night’s vote by MPs in the House of Commons to uphold the Firearms Registry. MPs voted to save the registry 153-151.

“NTI is disappointed the Firearms Registry will remain in place. This will continue to make it more difficult for Inuit to acquire firearms for the purposes of hunting and providing for their families,” said Eetoolook.

The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement guarantees to Inuit the right to hunt without any form of license or permit. Since July, 2003, an interim injunction issued by the Nunavut Court of Justice has halted the enforcement of the registration and licensing provisions of the Firearms Act against Nunavut Inuit who use firearms for hunting purposes.

Eetoolook said NTI looks forward to working with MP Leona Aglukkaq and the Government of Canada on developing new firearms regulations that respect the rights of Inuit and reflect the reality of Nunavut.