The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) with assistance from the City of Yellowknife Municipal Enforcement Division, conducted a roadside drug and alcohol survey from July 12 to 15, 2023 in Yellowknife.

The survey collected data on the use of alcohol and drugs by nighttime drivers in Yellowknife. The information collected will contribute to the national picture of the prevalence of impaired driving and inform GNWT public education and awareness efforts going forward.

Drivers were randomly selected for the survey and asked if they would voluntarily participate by answering a series of questions concerning their attitudes, opinions, and knowledge about impaired driving. Participants were also asked to provide an oral fluid sample and breath sample to test for the presence of drugs and alcohol. All participation and information provided for the survey was confidential and anonymous.

The last roadside survey in Northwest Territories was conducted in 2018 and provided the baseline data on the prevalence of impaired driving before the legalization of cannabis. It has been five years since legalization of cannabis in Canada and the data from this survey will be used as comparative data.

The GNWT thanks drivers for their participation.

Quick facts

• Impaired driving continues to be one of the leading causes of death in Canada.
• Cannabis has been legal in Canada since October 17, 2018.
• Beirness & Associates, Inc. was contracted by the GNWT to carry out the survey and has extensive experience in conducting roadside surveys across Canada.
• City of Yellowknife Municipal Enforcement officers were present to operate a modified roadblock and direct traffic safely into the survey area.
• The roadside survey was funded by Public Safety Canada.

For media requests, please contact:

Thomas Ethier

Communications and Official Languages Advisor

Department of Justice

Government of the Northwest Territories

Email: thomas_ethier@gov.nt.ca

Phone Number: 867-767-9256, ext. 82083