NR 01-01 HOT ENG Firearms Hotline.doc

Iqaluit, Nunavut (January 5, 2001) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc’s Firearms Hotline will be up and running on Monday January 8, 2001. NTI set up the line to hear from Inuit Beneficiaries about problems they face due to the coming into force of the Federal Firearms Act. Inuit who are experiencing difficulties with applying for licenses, getting their license issued, purchasing ammunition or other matters related to the legislation or regulations, can phone to let NTI know about the problem. The number can be dialled toll free anywhere in Nunavut.

The main reason we have instituted this hotline is to gather information from Beneficiaries of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement about problems they are facing because of the legislation, said Glenn Williams, NTI’s Wildlife Advisor, who is coordinating the project.

NTI needs this information both for our negotiations with the Federal Government to build a long-term solution for Nunavut, and for our court case challenging the Act, he continued. We will also be able to help Beneficiaries who need to find out how to contact the Firearms Centre for information about applying for a license or where to get the forms.

The NTI Firearms Hotline number is 1 – 800 – 780 4036. The line will be staffed Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to noon and from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm. The service is starting on a trial basis but will operate as long as people continue to phone in either with requests for information or with problems to report.

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For further information:

Alan R. Vigoda
Director of Communications
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
Iqaluit, NU
Tel: (867) 975-4900
Fax: (867) 975-4943 Glenn Williams
Wildlife Advisor
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
Iqaluit, NU