The two instruments issued under the Liquor Act for 2026—R-027-2026 and R-028-2026—establish, respectively, a temporary alcohol prohibition in the Hamlet of Tsiigehtchic and a formal plebiscite process to determine the community’s long-term liquor governance model.

R-027-2026, the Tsiigehtchic Temporary Prohibition Order, declares a short-term liquor ban within the boundaries of the Hamlet of Tsiigehtchic during the annual Mackenzie Jamboree. Acting under subsection 53(5) of the Liquor Act and related enabling powers, the Minister responds to a formal request from the Hamlet Council seeking prohibition status for the duration of the event. The order designates the entire hamlet area, as defined by its incorporated boundaries under regulation R-041-2024, as a prohibited area from 12:01 a.m. on April 23, 2026, to 11:59 p.m. on April 29, 2026.

During this period, all alcohol-related activities are strictly prohibited. No person may consume, purchase, sell, or transport liquor within the designated area. The prohibition applies equally to residents and visitors, with no exemptions outlined in the order. The regulatory intent is preventative, aiming to mitigate alcohol-related harms and maintain public safety during a large community gathering. Importantly, the order took effect immediately upon issuance underscoring its urgency and the anticipated risks associated with the event.

R-028-2026, the Tsiigehtchic Liquor Plebiscite Order, establishes a democratic process to determine the future liquor regime in the hamlet. Acting under sections 45 and 50 of the Liquor Act, the Minister authorizes a community-wide vote to assess whether residents support one of three systems: the continuation of the current unrestricted system, a new restricted quantities system, or a full prohibition system.

The order defines administrative and procedural requirements for the plebiscite. A returning officer is appointed to oversee the process, including voter list preparation, polling arrangements, and ballot integrity. Voting is conducted in both English and French, and safeguards are included to ensure that no individual votes more than once. The plebiscite includes both advance polling and an ordinary polling day.

The schedule attached to the order sets out the ballot question and clarifies the implications of each voting option. If Option 2 (restricted quantities) or Option 3 (prohibition) receives more than 50% support, the hamlet will transition to the corresponding regulatory regime under future implementing regulations. Under the restricted system, residents would face limits on the amount of alcohol that can be brought into, possessed within, or transported through the community, with specific quantity caps defined in standardized combinations of spirits, beer, and wine. Under prohibition, all possession, sale, transport, and consumption would be banned entirely. If neither option achieves majority support, the current unrestricted system remains in place.

Northwest Territories (28/2026) Jun 2, 2026
Disclaimer: Insights are for informational purposes only and does not reflect RRI’s official position or constitute legal opinion.