Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I mentioned in my Member's statement the problems related to excess alcohol consumption and the avenue afforded the community leaders for TPO. The leaders of my community genuinely wanted such an order during this state of emergency as this was the quickest way to stop all alcohol from entering the community, quelling all of the problems associated with alcohol. My question: why is it that a coronavirus public health emergency, a state of emergency, is not enough to override any current legislation or acts in order to issue a TPO should one be requested? Mahsi.
Thank you, Member for Deh Cho. Minister of Finance.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The situation of alcohol consumption and alcohol abuse certainly isn't new, as a result of the pandemic. It has, sadly, roots that extend long before the pandemic, and sadly will likely continue after, but the pandemic has certainly given us an opportunity to have quite a number of conversations about alcohol abuse and its causes and the troubles that abuse then causes, as well.
Unfortunately, the Emergency Measures Act doesn't give any special powers over any other piece of legislation. I shouldn't say, "unfortunately." It simply is the fact. It doesn't give special powers to overwrite the Liquor Act. Mr. Speaker, in this particular case, I don't have a tool available in the context of the pandemic to rewrite the Liquor Act. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mahsi cho to the Minister of Finance for that answer. In the community of Fort Providence, the liquor establishments were working with the leadership and agreed to shut down the bars. Could this not be deemed as consultation and agreement with the liquor establishments and perhaps written into the act in a time of crisis in order to issue a TPO?
I'm certainly pleased to hear that there has been coordination and communication between the private establishments and the local government. I know I have also been in contact with the local government, and the Liquor Act is written such that, where there's a licensed establishment, a temporary prohibition order is not an option, unfortunately. Certainly, if there can be that communication within the community, that is good news. Going forward, as I've sort of alluded to in my first answer, Mr. Speaker, it's quite clear that there needs to be a much bigger conversation around the Liquor Act but perhaps also a much bigger conversation about alcohol abuse generally, which would be far and beyond the Liquor Act.
It seems like, when this pandemic started, we started off slow, but, eventually, we were working. We had patience on this side of the House for the actions of all involved with the CPHO and the emergency measures organizations. It has always been a problem that we just couldn't harness the very thought that this is a public health emergency and a declared state of emergency. We should have been afforded all avenues to change acts for emergency purposes. Perhaps we really have to look at that as part of the lessons learned.
It's been a while, this coronavirus pandemic. I believe there's an element missing from this process, this consulting with Regular MLAs. There are many heads on this side who would have ideas having to deal with this pandemic. We have a vast range of experiences on this side that could offer suggestions to make it happen. It is that side of the House that is going to want to make it happen because we keep harping on this, and, probably, it'll never end until they find a solution. I just want to ask: can the Minister commit to seeking advice or comments from Regular MLAs on an ongoing basis?
If what is sought is simply a "yes," then I'm happy to simply give a "yes," Mr. Speaker. I gather that perhaps slightly more may be in order, which is to say that there are a lot of ways of communicating, and I want to ensure that I commit to certainly informing Members before there are changes, where I can. On this particular instance, we certainly did have some correspondence on this particular issue, on liquor regulation amendments. I had a lot of conflicting comments about liquor regulation amendments, some people seeking complete prohibition, others saying, "Please don't do that." This was a very difficult issue, and I will certainly continue to, as best as I can, have those conversations with the Members, so I appreciate that request.
Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Thebacha.
