Government of the Northwest Territories Launches Public Engagement on the NWT Liquor Act

News Releases

Yellowknife — March 15, 2021

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT), led by the Department of Finance (FIN) is engaging in broad public engagement with governments, Northwest Territories (NWT) businesses,  organizations and residents to update the NWT Liquor Act and regulations.

The Liquor Legislation Review (Review) began in July 2020 with a research phase and an objective of ensuring the legislation is more modern, streamlined and responsive to the needs of NWT residents. The next phase of the Review is this engagement. During the Review, the GNWT will consider how to improve liquor legislation related to the possession, consumption, sale, purchase, manufacture, importation and distribution of liquor in the NWT.

Background research has been completed and the Department is moving forward with public engagement starting this month. The GNWT is committed to providing governments, organizations, those who work directly with liquor and all residents with opportunities to participate in the review. A full schedule of planned engagement sessions is available through the Department of Finance website at https://www.fin.gov.nt.ca/en. Those interested in participating in the Review are also encouraged to complete an online survey which can be found at Online survey.

All engagement activities for the Review will close on June 30, 2021.

Quote

“The current liquor legislation was introduced in 2008. Since then, numerous amendments have been introduced to try to keep up with evolving community needs, business methods and technology. It is time to look at the legislation as a whole to make it more consistent, modern and responsive. 

-Caroline Wawzonek, Minister of Finance

Quick facts

  • The Liquor Legislation Review will consider how to improve the NWT’s liquor laws related to: possession; consumption; sale and purchase; manufacture; importation; and distribution of liquor in the NWT.
  • The Review will not look for solutions to liquor-related issues over which NWT liquor legislation does not have authority (e.g. addictions treatment and impaired driving). Such issues are governed by other legislation, or they intentionally rest outside legislation.
  • The GNWT will engage with governments, organizations, industry and the public in a variety of ways.  Full details about the engagement are available at the Department of Finance website.
  • The Department of Finance has developed a Discussion Guide to help engagement participants better understand NWT liquor legislation so they can provide informed feedback.

Related links

 

Media Requests, please contact:

Todd Sasaki

Senior Communications Officer

Department of Finance

Government of the Northwest Territories

todd_sasaki@gov.nt.ca