Yellowknife — September 7, 2022
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has released a report providing recommendations to improve NWT liquor legislation.
The department of Finance began a comprehensive multi-year review of the Northwest Territories’ (NWT) liquor legislation in 2020. The aim of the review was to identify how liquor laws can be modernized, streamlined and responsive to the needs of NWT residents. The review also aimed to improve laws related to the possession, consumption, sale and purchase, manufacture, importation, and distribution of liquor in the NWT.
After reviewing legislation, considering best practices, and actively engaging with stakeholders, the GNWT has developed 66 recommendations to modernize liquor laws in the Northwest Territories. These recommendations aim to provide NWT residents with safe access to liquor for moderate consumption by:
- creating safe conditions;
- supporting informed decision-making;
- modernizing liquor enforcement; and
- expanding community control.
The recommendations will guide the development of a legislative proposal to begin the process of updating liquor legislation in the NWT.
Quote(s)
“The GNWT is committed to ensuring the safe and responsible regulation and distribution of alcohol in the Northwest Territories. These recommendations will form the basis of a new legislative proposal that will allow our government to ensure that the Liquor Act best considers the interests of all stakeholders, best practices from other jurisdictions and literature and addresses both public safety and business interests.”
- Caroline Wawzonek, Minister of Finance
Quick facts
- The report presents the findings of the Review in the form of recommendations based on the combined results of the Review’s multiple methods of inquiry.
- The Liquor Legislation Review is built on six streams of inquiry. The streams are:
- Historical Document Review – a review of internal GNWT documents
- Administrative Engagement – interviews with those who administer the legislation
- Jurisdiction Review – review of laws and practices across Canada
- Literature Review – review of existing research and reports on liquor policy
- Interdepartmental Engagement – interviews with selected GNWT departments
- External Engagement – online survey and virtual meetings with various groups
Related links
For media requests, please contact:
Matthew Mallon
Senior Communications Officer
Department of Finance
Government of the Northwest Territories
(867) 767-9168 ext. 15017