Committee Motion 53-12(7): Endorsement Of The Principles As Outlined In The Legislative Action Paper On Liquor Laws (td 2-12(7)), Carried

In the Legislative Assembly on June 7th, 1995. See this topic in context.

Committee Motion 53-12(7): Endorsement Of The Principles As Outlined In The Legislative Action Paper On Liquor Laws (td 2-12(7)), Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 1194

Jeannie Marie-Jewell Thebacha

Mr. Chairman, I move that this committee endorse the final five principles as outlined in the legislative action paper. Tabled Document 2-12(7):

1. In the Northwest Territories, liquor should be regarded as a "regulated product." The Liquor Act and regulations should define parameters for controlling the sale, distribution, possession and consumption of liquor.

2. New legislation should not be planned in isolation. An effective, responsive liquor control system should be seen as one of the many factors that can contribute to community "wellness." Liquor regulation impacts on health and social policy, on community development and on many other areas. These should be taken into account when new legislative approaches are being considered.

3. Territorial liquor legislation should not necessarily be modeled after similar laws enacted by other Canadian provinces. While it may be instructive to examine approaches taken in other jurisdictions, the new Liquor Act should be tailored to meet the specific northern needs that people have identified. Elements that promise to work well in the NWT should be incorporated, regardless of whether they have been adopted elsewhere in Canada.

4. Liquor control systems, institutions and standards should be "powerful" enough to ensure that the goals of the legislation can be achieved. They have to be regularly evaluated to determine whether they are accomplishing the desired effect. The now legislation should reflect community priorities and empower local measures for liquor control.

5. The new Liquor Act should reflect a parity -- or balance -- between the interests of varying lifestyles. On one hand, it has to be recognized that many northerners enjoy a consistently moderate and responsible pattern of liquor consumption. On the other, it must also be acknowledged that excessive or irresponsible liquor consumption has been linked to many of the social problems that plague NWT communities. New liquor control legislation should be designed in a manner that reflects both these realities.

And Further, this committee encourages the government to base the development of the new Liquor Act on these principles.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Committee Motion 53-12(7): Endorsement Of The Principles As Outlined In The Legislative Action Paper On Liquor Laws (td 2-12(7)), Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 1195

The Chair John Ningark

Thank you. As in the case of the first motion, the Inuktitut version is correct and is in order. To the motion.

Committee Motion 53-12(7): Endorsement Of The Principles As Outlined In The Legislative Action Paper On Liquor Laws (td 2-12(7)), Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 1195

An Hon. Member

Question.

Committee Motion 53-12(7): Endorsement Of The Principles As Outlined In The Legislative Action Paper On Liquor Laws (td 2-12(7)), Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 1195

The Chair John Ningark

Question has been called. All those in favour? I have not ruled yet, so, Member for Thebacha.

Committee Motion 53-12(7): Endorsement Of The Principles As Outlined In The Legislative Action Paper On Liquor Laws (td 2-12(7)), Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 1195

Jeannie Marie-Jewell Thebacha

(Microphone turned off)

Committee Motion 53-12(7): Endorsement Of The Principles As Outlined In The Legislative Action Paper On Liquor Laws (td 2-12(7)), Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

June 7th, 1995

Page 1195

The Chair John Ningark

The motion is in order.

Committee Motion 53-12(7): Endorsement Of The Principles As Outlined In The Legislative Action Paper On Liquor Laws (td 2-12(7)), Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 1195

An Hon. Member

Question.

Committee Motion 53-12(7): Endorsement Of The Principles As Outlined In The Legislative Action Paper On Liquor Laws (td 2-12(7)), Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 1195

The Chair John Ningark

Question. All those in favour of the motion, signify. All those opposed? The motion is carried.

--- Carried

Member for Thebacha, if you have further recommendations. Member for Thebacha.

Committee Motion 53-12(7): Endorsement Of The Principles As Outlined In The Legislative Action Paper On Liquor Laws (td 2-12(7)), Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Page 1195

Jeannie Marie-Jewell Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that this committee recommend that the government draft the new Liquor Act in a way that reinforces that liability of liquor licenses ... I did that one.

--- Laughter