Thank you, Madam Chair. Bill 83, Liquor Act, received second reading in the Legislative Assembly on March 30th, 2023, and was referred to the Standing Committee on Government Operations for review.
The standing committee held a public hearing with the Minister of Finance in Yellowknife on May 29th, 2023. The committee then hosted three public meetings in Inuvik, Norman Wells, and Yellowknife. The committee also received one written submission.
The committee heard a range of views from the public engagement not limited to alcohol addictions, bootlegging, community control of liquor, consumption in public places, and server training. The committee recognizes many concerns will be addressed through regulations.
On July 28th, 2023, the standing committee held a clause-by-clause review of bill and moved two minor motions advanced by the department.
I would like to thank the public for their time to meet with committee and for the committee's work on the review of this bill. Individual Members may have additional comments or questions. Thank you, Madam Chair.