Nunavut Liquor Act Review Task Force (Synopsis)

Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Description: The Nunavut Government established the Nunavut Liquor Act Review Task Force in April 2010 to make recommendations for modernizing Nunavut’s legislation governing the sale of liquor. The illegal sale of liquor is one factor which contributes to a high-risk drinking culture. This high-risk culture can lead to alcohol abuse, which contributes to a high incidence of violent crime. Such a culture also has a negative effect on the health and welfare of a large segment of the population.

The Nunavut Liquor Act Review Task Force was made up of ten representatives from various backgrounds and included a police representative from Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) ‘V’ Division. The Task Force consulted community representatives, municipal councils, alcohol education committees and other social advocacy groups. Based on these consultations and a comprehensive review of the Liquor Act, the Task Force produced a final report that included recommendations to modernize the Liquor Act. The recommendations that affect policing focus on enhanced search and seizure provisions, targeting the illegal sale of alcohol and enhanced sentencing provisions.
Objective: The Nunavut Liquor Act Review Task Force had several objectives:
  • review and make recommendations for modernizing the territorial Liquor Act;
  • consult extensively in the community;
  • promote and make suggestions on the responsible use of alcohol in the territory;
  • make recommendations on illegal liquor sales, including suggestions on law enforcement and appropriate sentencing provisions; and
  • make recommendations on how to reduce the opportunity to benefit from the sale of liquor and legislate provisions for the recovery of proceeds from the illegal sale of liquor.
Outcomes: The Task Force consulted extensively across the territory and obtained grassroots views on the use of alcohol and the need to curtail the illegal sale of liquor. The Task Force made recommendations to enhance police effectiveness in dealing with the illegal sale of liquor and to enhance sentencing provisions in this area. The recommendations have been tabled before the Nunavut Legislative Assembly for review. The Nunavut government will make decisions on the recommendations in 2013.
Resources: The cost of the Task Force was covered by the Nunavut Department of Finance.
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Province: Nunavut
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Record Entry Date: 2013-08-01
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