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LLI GOLINE/NORMAN WELLS
Discussion was civil yet passionate when Sahtu residents attended a public hearing on Sept. 26 in Norman Wells to provide input on an amendment to the NWT Liquor Act.

A public meeting held Sept. 26 in Norman Wells to discuss Bill 24, which would amend the Liquor Act to allow Sahtu communities to vote on alcohol sale restrictions at that community's liquor store, pictured here, attracted approximately 50 residents. - Chris Puglia/NNSL photo

Officially titled Bill 24, the change would allow every Sahtu community to request and vote on a plebiscite asking whether to restrict alcohol sales at any liquor store in the region. However, Norman Wells is the only community in the region with a liquor store.

Sahtu MLA Norman Yakeleya put forward the amendment as a private member's bill after liquor restrictions were lifted in Norman Wells via plebiscite Dec. 5, 2011, following a vote on lifting alcohol restrictions passing 113 to 101.

Yakeleya contends increased sale of alcohol from the Norman Wells Liquor store is having detrimental effects on every community in the region and therefore Colville Lake, Fort Good Hope, Tulita and Deline residents should have also had the ability to vote on the plebiscite.

"A lot of this liquor is making its way to the other Sahtu communities," said Yakeleya.

The MLA added the sale of booze has skyrocketed. He said the sale of spirits increased by 46 per cent, or by 7,000 litres, the year after the restrictions were rescinded. More booze is having an effect on crime, said Yakeleya, who added alcohol-related offences have been on the rise since restrictions were lifted. He cited examples, such as assaults in Colville Lake increasing by 133 per cent and Fort Good Hope RCMP responding to 600 alcohol-related calls last year.

"We don't have the treatment programs or the support in the communities we need to deal with addictions," he said.

Those who attended the meeting were split over whether restrictions would help to reduce alcohol issues in the communities. They were also divided over whether all Sahtu communities have the right to vote on the operations of a business in Norman Wells.

Dee Opperman, with the Norman Wells Chamber of Commerce, called the amendment misguided and unconstitutional.

Mayor Gregor Harold McGregor took exception to the amendment, which he said was trying to undermine the democratic process.

"Norman Wells held a democratic vote and now the losing side wants to overturn the democratic vote," he said. "I don't see any effort from the other communities to impose or enforce restrictions."

While the bill is designed to allow residents of all

Sahtu communities the opportunity to petition for liquor restrictions or vote on them, its supporters focused on the need to reinstate liquor restrictions in Norman Wells.

Tara Hodgson, who said she was speaking on behalf of Norman Wells youth, read letters from three young people in the community.

Each of the letters denounced the lifting of the liquor restrictions. One, written by 13-year-old Emily Hodgson, stated that the lifting of the restrictions, "Was one of the worst actions that has taken place in the community." She stated since then, it has become too easy for young people to get their hands on alcohol and attributed the death of

two young people in the community to alcohol.

When the restrictions were in place, Tara said it was more difficult for young people to get booze because people were reluctant to share their ration.

Emily also challenged those who argue the liquor restrictions made it difficult to hold special events. "Even with the ration in place, you can save enough until your special event takes places," she wrote.

Alvin Orlias, chief of Colville Lake, attended the meeting to support the bill. He commended Emily's words, saying she has more sense than many adults. He also took issue with people arguing that

the bill will infringe on the rights of people in Norman Wells.

"What about the rights of these kids? They have a right to life. They have a right to grow old and have a family," he said.

Rights aside, there were some who said restrictions don't work and the territory should be focusing on programs to address the real issue - addictions.

Bob Greek, owner of MATCO in Norman Wells, handles transportation for all three airlines in the community. He said when the restrictions were in place, he saw more alcohol coming in to the community from Yellowknife and Inuvik. A comment that supported those who suggested if this law is to pass, it should be territory-wide and not Sahtu specific.

Carla Lennie, who perhaps made one of the most emotional speeches of the evening, sided with those who said restrictions might not be the answer to addiction problems, but they would limit access until a better solution is found.

"I want to be able to teach my son that if our neighbour has problems, we help them until we can teach them to help themselves," she said.

The standing committee on government operations will now compile the information gathered at the four public meetings in the region and from written submissions into a report which will be presented to the legislative assembly.

Third reading of the bill, which will determine if it passes into law, could be held as early as the next session of the assembly which begins on Oct. 17.

Liquor Restriction Facts

Prior to the plebiscite, on any given day residents were allowed to purchase:

• two bottles of wine and a bottle of liquor
• two bottles of wine and a case of beer
• one case of beer and a bottle of liquor
• one flat of beer and one bottle of wine

• 113 voted in favour of lifting the restriction
• 101 voted against

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