Fort McPherson (Nov 08/04) - Although many citizens raised concerns about underage drinking in Fort MacPherson at a recent council meeting, few people attended a follow-up committee meeting last week.

Troy Jenkins, SAO of the hamlet of Fort McPherson says citizens have shown concern about underage drinking. - Dorothy Westerman/NNSL photo

Nevertheless, as a positive step, it was agreed that the committee would request a meeting with GNWT ministers and work closely with the school to put together a plan of action for a solution to the problem.

SAO Troy Jenkins, Mayor Philip Blake and Deputy Mayor James Andre each agreed to serve on the committee to help seek out solutions.

"It's an issue we hope to be proactive towards," Jenkins said of the problem.

During the last hamlet council meeting, Jenkins said about 25 concerned parents, activists and representatives from the government expressed their concerns about bootlegging and how easy it is for underage youth to get liquor.

"I think it's an ongoing issue. There were several individual incidents that occurred in the past," Jenkins said.

"The community wants to stem this problem before something more serious occurs."

Roy Cole, principal of Chief Julius school, said he is well aware of the issue and always makes sure he attends the community meetings.

Within the school system, Cole said, speakers are being brought in to discuss the issue with the youth.

"Elders and leaders are speaking to them at all age levels and are addressing the concerns relative to alcohol," he said.

Cole said future initiatives include parenting workshops and youth workshops, where resolutions can be addressed.

"We're talking about it at the school," he said of the issue.

"It's on our plate and it's on the plate of the community."

Alarmed to hear

Sgt. Cliff McKay of the Fort McPherson RCMP said community members were alarmed to hear of several recent incidents involving underaged drinking.

"They're alarmed, they're concerned. But there is nothing more unusual going on here than is going on in any other community," McKay noted.

"It's definitely an ongoing battle. This is a problem the whole North faces."

While RCMP were not aware of the recent committee meeting, McKay said other meetings have been held in the past to discuss the issue.

"Some people are wanting to take a stand about the alcohol problem and to try and deal with the social issues. They want to see if they can do something more to try and get more of the liquor off the streets," he said.

"From a policing perspective, we're just trying to work with the community. If they decide they want to try to go with a dry or rationed community, then that's fine.

"We'll support whatever they decide and work with it," McKay added.