Lifting liquor restrictions could harm Sahtu, says MLA

The N.W.T. member of the legislative assembly for the Sahtu region says an increase in alcohol in Norman Wells, N.W.T. could harm nearby communities.

Norman Yakeleya is reacting to the liquor plebiscite held Monday in Norman Wells.

Results were close, and the people voted in favor of lifting liquor restrictions that have been in place since the 1970s.

As soon as the finance minister gives final approval for resultsfrom this plebiscite, there will no longer be a limit on how much booze people can buy in Norman Wells.

Yakeleya says all five communities in the region should have a say in lifting the restrictionssince they will all likely be affected.

But he says he will uphold what the people decide.

"If there's enough push from the people to change the Liquor Act to make it into a regional liquor store where they can have a regional vote in the decision making process, then that's what I'll work towards," said Yakeleya.

The Sahtu communities include Colville Lake, Tulita, Fort Good Hope and Deline.