Tuktoyaktuk Mayor Erwin Elias says he's happy that the territorial government has stepped up its communication efforts and implemented a liquor restriction, though the limitations placed on sales don't go far enough.
Elias said a $200 per day per customer limit was not enough to stop bootleggers and suggested if the territory was going to use a dollar limit it should be at least half of that. He suggested the territory adopt a model similar to what is used at the community level and list specific maximums like two 40 ounce bottles per day or a case of beer per day.
"It still gives an opportunity for one person to purchase way too much in one day," he said. "On a positive note I'm happy they made a move and they put something place. This is just a start, but at the same time it's good to see the government working with us.
"It seems like there's more restrictions on kleenex and hand sanitizer than there is at the liquor store."
However, Elias said was far happier with the government this week than in previous weeks, noting Justice Minister Caroline Wawzonek and Premier Caroline Cochrane both joined in a weekly teleconference of Mayors and Chiefs.
Elias said he hoped the GNWT now understood that any further decisions need to at least consult with small communities first before being implemented to ensure the right tools are being applied, noting that what works in Yellowknife might not necessarily work in Tuktoyaktuk.
He added he expected Cochrane would be a regular attendee of the teleconferences going forward as Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, though he understood if she may to miss one if she were otherwise engaged in her duties.
"I think they're starting to realize that you can put orders at the highest level, but if you're not dealing at the community level with the people doing the leg work, it's only going to make it tougher on the government to get the message across," he said. "You have to make sure the communication is there. Otherwise you may put restrictions in place that might be good for Yellowknife but not good for the small communities, and vise-versa.
All that being said, Elias noted the reduction in liquor sales, along with Dr. Kami Kandola's orders and the check stop established on the road going into the hamlet have led to significant drop in traffic in the streets.
He attributed the calmer development in part to the fact there's less spending money available in the middle of the month, but also to Tutkoyaktuk's community spirit.
"It's a lot quieter and the call volume has gone down significantly with the RCMP," he said. "I'm really happy with our community. I really thank the community for stepping up, because they did.
"All the stores in the community have put in lanes for traffic control. I just want to thank the community of Tuk for listening to the orders from Dr. Kami Kandolla and also respecting the wishes of the leadership in the community. We will continue to work as hard as we can for the protection of our people."
Elias said it was important people remember the pandemic was not going to end any time soon and that people will have to adapt to cope. He encouraged people to get out on the land as much as they can and wished everyone a happy fishing and hunting trip.