Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in the House today to announce Government's intention to table amendments to the Liquor Control Act later this week which will allow communities in the electoral district of Torngat Mountains control over the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages.

In the past 12 months there have been a series of tragedies in Nain and other communities in the Electoral District of Torngat Mountains, including more than a dozen suicides. A listening and healing process was set up in the community of Nain to help residents cope and to try to find ways of dealing with the crisis. One theme that emerged repeatedly was the need to give communities the ability to take control of their own destiny.

Today�s statement is government�s response to a request from the Labrador Inuit Association for local control over the sale and consumption of alcohol in their communities.

I am pleased to announce today that the amendments to be tabled will provide the communities in the Torngat Mountains electoral district with the full range of power and discretion that the Labrador Inuit Association has requested.

Mr. Speaker, the amendments will obligate the province to heed the wishes of the residents of the communities, as expressed by a decision of the town or community council on the matter. Town or community councils will be responsible for undertaking appropriate consultations with Aboriginal organizations and other local interests.

Under the amendments, the Liquor Licensing Board will not issue a license to sell liquor in a community in the electoral district of Torngat Mountains when the town or community council has requested that the license be denied. Similarly, the Liquor Licensing Board will cancel a license where a town or community council requests such cancellation.

Mr. Speaker, the amendments will ensure that communities who wish to be alcohol free have access to the tools necessary to ban alcohol.

The Liquor Licensing Board will remain responsible for the issuance and cancellation of licenses, and enforcement of liquor laws. However, it will take direction from the community in these matters. Through the town or community councils, communities will be able to direct restriction of hours of sale, quantity of sales per person, and the issuing, refusal or cancellation of licenses and permits.

Mr. Speaker, government remains committed to consulting with the Aboriginal people of this province and responding, where possible, with policies and programs which meet their needs.

2000 12 04 2:10 p.m.