A regional approach might not make sense in other areas of the Northwest Territories but it makes sense in the Sahtu. Five isolated communities, none which is a large centre. Norman Wells has about 30 percent of the regional population, but they have been given the decision-making power for 100 percent of the regional population. The Sahtu communities only have highway access during the short winter season and the rest of the time are limited to travel by air and water. There are no options to drive down the highway to buy alcohol in large centres like Whitehorse or Alberta. Most of the alcohol is coming from Norman Wells. Norman Wells has about 2 percent of the NWT population and 5 percent of the liquor sales. Right there it tells you something.
From 2010 to 2011, liquor sales in the Norman Wells store was $2.1 million. I’m afraid of what they may see for 2012-13 if the sales go unrestricted. I ask the government if they would work with me to see a regional approach to deal with this issue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.