SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - The Northwest Territories is ranking near the bottom for quality of legislation against impaired driving in a 2009 report from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

The organization rated the 10 provinces and three territories' progress on passing laws aimed at reducing impaired driving in the last three years, which is also the last time MADD issued a report. The territory received a D plus grade in the latest report, placing it in 11th place out of the 13 provinces and territories. This is down from its sixth position ranking in 2006. The NWT placed 12th in 2000 and 2003.

"The government hasn't done anything on impaired driving for the past three years," said Andrew Murie, CEO of MADD Canada. "It's disappointing that there has been no action because we were actually thrilled in 2006 (with) all the work that had been done between 2003 and 2006.

The government passed legislation in 2005 that dropped the legal blood alcohol level to 0.05, among other measures.

"We were hoping the Northwest Territories, especially among the three territories, (would) provide that leadership. So we're a little disappointed that it hasn't remained on the agenda."

The territorial Department of Transportation has indicated its public awareness efforts and check-stop programs should also be recognized, not only the laws, said Earl Blacklock, the department's manager of public affairs and communications.

"What this report fails to really address that we would have liked to seen addressed is more what is being done non-legislatively," said Blacklock. "We are indeed taking meaningful steps to address the problem of impaired driving. From the legislative perspective, they may or may not have a point but certainly in terms of that we're doing on a day-to-day basis, we would respectfully disagree."

For instance, said Blacklock, the department bought roadside detection equipment to catch impaired drivers in more communities after the enforcement community told the government it needed it.

Murie said the NWT should focus on young drivers to move up the rankings, as other provinces and territories have done.

"We think the minimum age of driving should be 16 and that there should be a zero blood alcohol level (for drivers) aged 21 and under," the MADD Canada CEO said.

Currently in the NWT, teenagers can get a learner's licence at 15. Ontario ranked first in the report, up from second place in 2006.