Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Nov 15/02) - If liquor rationing is to be terminated in Fort Simpson, it will take an OK from Finance Minister Joe Handley.

Margaret Melhorn, deputy minister of finance, said a plebiscite isn't necessary because Fort Simpson already has a liquor store.

"There are (liquor) restrictions, and those restrictions are set through regulation by the (finance) minister," said Melhorn.

Village council passed a resolution to end liquor rationing at its Nov. 4 meeting. The resolution is supposed to take effect as of Dec. 1.

Melhorn said Handley will likely discuss the issue with MLA Jim Antoine and the Liidlii Kue First Nation. He may also inquire as to the extent of the village's own consultations, she noted.

Liidlii Kue Chief Rita Cli and Fort Simpson Metis Nation president Randy Sibbeston said their respective council and board had not yet been apprised of the village council resolution three days after the meeting.

Leaders not opposed

Personally speaking, Cli said she is in favour of having liquor rationing annulled. The daily limitation on alcohol only forces those who are desperate to turn to potentially dangerous products, Cli contended. She said one elder once told her that some people were melting vinyl records and drinking the liquid to get their "fix."

"They're going to get it one way or another," she said. "She (the elder) said, 'If you make (alcohol) available to us then the novelty's going to wear off.'"

However, Cli said she thinks a plebiscite is warranted in this case.

"They'll have to bring it to the people, to everybody, to see what the decision is," she said.

Sibbeston, also speaking on his own behalf, said he too is opposed to the continuation of liquor rationing.

"I don't like being babysat by the GNWT," he said, adding that he urged the NWT Liquor Commission in writing years ago to completely deregulate alcohol sales in Fort Simpson.

He said the community should be responsible for its own liquor licensing and importation of alcohol.

"If there are regulations that should be met, then as far as I'm concerned that should be (the government's) job. You guys go ahead, you pass a law." he said, "But for them to be profiting from it, I think it's basically crooked. It's like racketeering."