Former Iqaluit councillor calls for city trapping ban

Trapping within Iqaluit's city limits should be prohibited because it poses a danger to people and pets, former city councillor Theresa Rodrigues says.

She first raised the issue last June after meeting someone whose family dog had been injured in a trap.

Since then Rodrigues says she's heard from residents who have spotted traps along the Apex Beach, the Road to Nowhere and the Sylvia Grinnell River.

Although she's not opposed to trapping, Rodrigues says it shouldbe moved out of town.

"I don't want to see someone get hurt," shesaid in an interview Friday.

"I feel that traps are just as dangerous as discharging a firearm. We have legislation in place that discharging a firearm is restricted within city limits and I don't see why trapping can't be equally restrictive."

AlthoughInuit harvesting rights are enshrined in both territorial legislation and the Nunavut land claim agreement, those rights can berestricted in some circumstances, said Steve Pinksen, of Nunavut's Environment Department.

In this case, the city, the territory and the Amarok Hunters and Trappers Association all have some jurisdiction, he said.

"Well certainly we'd be very interested in engaging with the city and the Amarok hunters and trappers on this issue," Pinksen said. "It's clearly a concern to residents so therefore it's appropriate for it to be raised."

The City of Iqaluit is also requesting a meeting between the three parties to talk about the issue.