The Acho Dene Koe First Nation and NWT government are discussing the possibility of lifting liquor restrictions in Fort Liard.
Boyd Clark, the First Nation’s acting band manager, said the nation is exploring the prospect of opening a liquor store and a cannabis store – the proceeds from which would fund addictions services and counsellors in the community.
“The intent of the First Nation is to move forward with this, with at some point in time seeking a plebiscite in the community to gain support where the bylaw is changed or removed in its entirety, which will allow the full sale of alcohol,” said Clark.
He said the First Nation has looked at similar models that exist in British Columbia and Alberta.
According to the current restrictions, no one is permitted to purchase, sell or transport more than three of the following types within one week: 1,140 ml of spirits, two-dozen 355-ml containers of beer, or two 750-ml containers of wine.
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Clark said policing alcohol in Fort Liard has been a challenge and has resulted in bootlegging.
“It creates a tertiary economy within the community, so chief and council have seen this transpire over years and believe that we need to look at a different way of doing things,” he said.
Fort Liard’s all-season highway access and proximity to other communities makes it different from more isolated NWT communities, Clark said, and makes it difficult to regulate the substances that enter the community.
“We believe that the bylaw is failing to achieve what it’s looking to do,” he said, describing the First Nation’s intent as “to turn the profits of that liquor and cannabis back into social programming.”
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He said the local RCMP detachment provides regular reports to chief and council, as well as to the hamlet council, that describe an escalating number of calls for incidents such as overdoses and domestic violence.
Cabin Radio contacted Acho Dene Koe First Nation Chief Eugene Hope and Mayor of Fort Liard Cathy Gonet but had not heard back by the time of publication.
The subject of liquor restrictions was brought up at a recent intergovernmental meeting between the NWT government and the First Nation.
In an email, a spokesperson for Premier RJ Simpson and cabinet confirmed that community liquor restrictions can be reviewed and changed through a plebiscite, which is a vote or referendum decided by community members.
“Municipalities or band councils can request this by passing a resolution and submitting it to the Minister of Finance. NWT Liquor Enforcement would then work with the community to facilitate the plebiscite process,” the spokesperson said.
They said opening a liquor or cannabis store “would involve navigating the requirements under the Liquor Act and regulations, the Cannabis Products Act and regulations, as well as the NWT Cannabis Retail Framework.”
The GNWT said it remains neutral on this topic so the decision can be made by community members, but will provide guidance and support should the Acho Dene Koe First Nation decide to explore the idea further.
