Iqaluit City Council Reiterates Call for Government Action on Public Intoxication

News Release
Iqaluit City Council Reiterates Call for Government Action on Public Intoxication
October 10, 2025 – Iqaluit, Nunavut

Following recent discussions at a Council meeting, Iqaluit City Council is reiterating its call for the Government of Nunavut to take immediate and concrete action to address public intoxication in the city. This follows Council’s original call issued in May 2024.

Why This Matters

Public intoxication continues to affect community safety, wellness, and public spaces. Council is again urging the Department of Justice to provide clear direction to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in responding to public intoxication. While the RCMP continue to work hard and do their best with the resources they have, additional support and territorial guidance are needed to ensure effective and consistent responses. A coordinated approach beyond the municipal level is required to make meaningful progress.

Roles and Responsibilities

City of Iqaluit

Responsible for bylaws and local public safety measures within city limits, for example rules for public spaces, events, and nuisance. The City cannot direct RCMP operations and does not control territorial liquor laws or licensing.

Government of Nunavut

Oversees the Liquor Act and related regulations, territorial policy, and guidance for enforcement partners. The Government of Nunavut is positioned to set direction for consistent responses to public intoxication and to resource health and social supports, for example sobering options.

RCMP

Enforces territorial statutes, including the Liquor Act, and the Criminal Code. The RCMP continue to respond to incidents of public intoxication as best they can within their mandate.

Council commends RCMP officers for their professionalism and commitment as they work on the front lines of this issue every day. To ensure they can continue to do this effectively, additional resources and clear territorial guidance are essential.

What Council Is Asking the Government of Nunavut to Do?

  1. Issue written operational guidance to the RCMP on responding to public intoxication in Iqaluit under the Liquor Act, including clear options for enforcement and diversion to health and social supports.
  2. Initiate policy or regulatory updates, if required, to strengthen humane and safe responses, for example pathways to sobering spaces or other supports.
  3. Convene a coordinated response table that includes Government of Nunavut Justice and Finance, the RCMP, the City, and service providers, with timelines and public progress updates.
  4. Resource immediate and medium term supports, for example transport and access to sobering or detox options, and outreach capacity.

How Residents Can Help

Residents can support community safety by reporting immediate safety concerns to the RCMP and by sharing information about available community supports. Public feedback helps inform service coordination and policy development.

Council recognizes the important role RCMP members already play and the daily challenges they face in responding to incidents of public intoxication. Strengthening their ability to address this issue requires clear policy direction and adequate resourcing from the Government of Nunavut.

Iqaluit City Council remains committed to working with the Government of Nunavut, the RCMP, health and social services, and community organizations to implement a coordinated, practical, and compassionate response. Following the territorial election, Council will also be sending a formal letter to the incoming Ministers of Finance and Justice to request collaboration on this matter and to ensure that progress is made.

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For additional information, please contact:
 

Geoff Byrne
Communications and Customer Service Manager
City of Iqaluit
867-979-5619
G.Byrne@iqaluit.ca