Newly re-elected Nihtat Gwich'in President Kelly McLeod is vehemently opposed to a recent decision by the GNWT to allow the Inuvik Liquor Store to open on Sunday afternoons.
In a press release issued June 26, McLeod slammed the decision and accused Finance Minister Caroline Wawzonek of ignoring Indigenous rights holders in making the decision.
"This is not just about access, it's about consequences," he wrote. "Expanding alcohol availability in communities already struggling with substance abuse is not only irresponsible, it's dangerous."
Arguing that the social costs would far outweigh any revenue gained from the extended hours, McLeod called on the GNWT to reverse the decision.
A spokesperson for the Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs said Wawzonek consulted with the Gwich'in Tribal Council, the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and the Town of Inuvik before making the decision.
"Based on feedback received from this engagement, the minister approved a reduced window of 2 to 6 p.m. on Sundays that aligns with the town's recommendation, and permitting statutory holiday openings at the operatorSA国际影视传媒檚 discretion," said senior communications officer Toyeke Adedipe, who added the extra day was only in effect from June 1 to Sept. 30.
"We recognize that the Nihtat GwichSA国际影视传媒檌n Council is disappointed by this decision. It was made, in part, to ensure that residents have safe and legal access to liquor. During the Department of FinanceSA国际影视传媒檚 2021SA国际影视传媒�2022 Liquor Legislation Review engagement sessions, participants emphasized that simply restricting access to liquor often leads to increased bootlegging and unsafe consumption, rather than reducing harm," Adedipe added. "Engagement participants also expressed support for enhanced access to safe, legal alcohol as part of a broader harm-reduction approach."
Last year om April, IRC-owned grocer Stanton informed the GNWT it would not renew the contract to run the Inuvik Liquor Store, citing low profits. After initially failing to find a new contractor to take over the store before Stanton's contract ran out, the GNWT was able to contract the store out to 15452635 Canada Inc., which assumed operations on April 1.
Operating out of Grande Prairie, Alta. 15452635 Canada Inc. is one of several numbered companies listing George Abraham as its director. Abraham is the owner of GK Holdings, a 15-year-old holding company which lists the Inuvik Liquor Store as one of its holdings, as well as restaurant chain Lil' Ava's Pizza, which has a location at the Midnight Sun Complex.
"The Inuvik Liquor Store serves as a vital retail hub in the Northwest Territories, offering a curated selection of alcoholic beverages to the local community and surrounding areas," says the company's website. "As the sole liquor outlet within several hundred kilometres, it plays a crucial role in ensuring responsible access to alcohol in this region. GK Holdings has been instrumental in maintaining the store's operations, focusing on community service and adherence to territorial regulations."
GK Holdings also lists real estate development company KL- 59 Properties, logistics company SGJ Transports, a second restaurant chain called Lil Adams Fish and Chips, a vaporizer product store named The Vape Club and a cannabis outlet named Cannabis CO. as its other businesses.
