Yellowknife (Oct 11/04) - The territorial government is set to launch tough new measures to combat drinking and driving.

Transportation Minister Michael McLeod announced Wednesday that as of Dec. 1, the acceptable blood alcohol level while driving will be lowered from 0.08 per cent to 0.05 per cent.

The minister was speaking before a large crowd of politicians, teachers, law enforcement officials and Students Against Drunk Driving members gathered at the Legislative Assembly.

Anyone caught with a blood alcohol level between 0.05 per cent and 0.079 per cent will receive a 24-hour suspension. A second offence within two years will result in an automatic 30-day suspension.

"Impaired driving is a crime that refuses to go away, despite more police checks, heavier penalties and extensive educational programs," said McLeod.

He said that more people are charged for driving impaired than any other offence in Canada, accounting for 12 per cent of all criminal offenses.

A conviction for driving with a blood alcohol over 0.08 per cent will automatically lead to a one-year suspension. A fourth conviction or causing a death while under the influence of alcohol will net an offender an indefinite licence suspension -- possibly for life.

Criminal Code violations for impaired driving carry a maximum five-year sentence in prison and 14 years for an accident causing death.

Michelle Thoms, a St. Patrick high school teacher and organizer of the school's Students Against Drunk Driving program, commended the government for enacting tougher rules, saying it has been a long time coming.

"It's not about punishing people, it's about stopping people from getting on the road in the first place," she said.

NWT chief coroner Percy Kinney called impaired driving "a slow-moving serial killer" that accounted for seven out of eight vehicle-related deaths last year.

Applauding the government

"It's nice to be up here applauding the government instead of criticizing it," said Kinney.

Wednesday's announcement was accompanied by a performance by local rap artist Aaron Hernandez, who sang his song, "No Chances" from his latest CD.

Hernandez said most drinking and driving campaigns he has seen in the past were "really cheesy," but hopes his rap message will have more appeal to the 16-25 age group.