Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Members supported the idea that in order to protect youth, the proposed Bill 15 should be compatible with the NWT Tobacco Control Act and its regulations where monitoring and enforcement are concerned. During the clause-by-clause review of the bill, committee and Minister agreed to amend Bill 15 to make compliance monitoring and enforcement of liquor stores part of the mandate of enforcement officers. This includes allowing for minors to purchase or attempt to purchase liquor for the purpose of “sting operations."

People commenting on the proposed act mostly welcomed the introduction of fines for minors who alter ID or use false ID to buy liquor at a store. However, many commented that the fines should be higher. Mrs. Lucy Villebrun from Fort Smith told us “that the fine of $200 is extremely lenient, ... I'd like to see the maximum fines at $500 for the first offence and $1,000 thereafter.”

During the clause-by-clause review of the bill, an amendment was made to change the maximum fine for minors attempting to purchase liquor using false ID from $250 for a first offence and $500 for a second offence to $500 for all offences. This amendment also makes the bill consistent with the Tobacco Control Act.

Committee heard a presentation from one Yellowknife liquor storeowner, Mr. Perry Smith, who raised concerns about the cap of $6.5 million dollars within the liquor revolving fund and its potential impact on the ability of the Liquor Commission to maintain adequate stock. After making inquiries, the committee understands that previous issues with inventory levels were due to operational difficulties and did not occur as a result of the cap on the revolving fund. Furthermore, the committee notes that Bill 15 will provide the Liquor Commission with added flexibility in terms of transferring funds to the consolidated revenue fund and as such securing the sufficiency of the liquor revolving fund in the future.

Mr. Smith also expressed concerns with section 36, which could be interpreted to prevent the sale of liquor to customers in other jurisdictions such as Nunavut. During the clause-by-clause review, the committee and Minister agreed to an amendment to make it clear that the sale of liquor to other jurisdictions is permitted.

In Yellowknife, committee also heard a presentation from Mr. Telmo dos Santos suggesting that 25 percent of the revenues generated through liquor sales be allocated to a special fund dedicated to community prevention and treatment programs. While Members understand Mr. dos Santos' concerns, committee also acknowledges that the GNWT already allocates more money for programs and services in these areas than is generated through liquor revenues. Committee notes that a more comprehensive approach is needed to break the circle of alcohol abuse and to address addictions in the NWT.

Section 101 of the bill, as introduced, states that no person should be in a bar or other licensed premise if they know that a child under the age of eight they are responsible for is not in the care of a competent person. Members suggested increasing the minimum age from eight to 11 for leaving children unattended while entering or staying at a licensed premise. The committee and the Minister agreed to make this amendment to Bill 15.

In several communities, participants were concerned about the implications of the new “bring your own wine” provision. They felt, for example, that this would encourage drunk driving, exposure to alcohol and transportation of opened liquor. The committee understands that the intent of these provisions is to take the pressure off small establishments to stock wine, which can be very expensive for them. Only establishments that are licensed will be able to operate as “bring your owns,” and they will have to apply for that as a condition of their licence. There will be limits of the amount of wine that people can bring. As this provision is not well understood, the committee encourages the government to ensure it is explained in its public communications on the implementation of this act.

In addition to the amendments already identified, the committee and Minister agreed to three amendments of minor, non-substantive nature during the clause-by-clause review.

Mr. Chair, at this time, I would like to turn the report over to Ms. Lee.