The Governments of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut have not signed the Direct-to-Consumer Alcohol Agreement, citing the unique realities of the territories as their reasoning.
This agreement would allow residents to purchase alcohol directly from a brewery, winery, or distillery and have it shipped to their place of residence.
However, due to community priorities or local cultural values, many communities in the North have locally determined alcohol restrictions or prohibitions. The governments say they did not sign the agreement to respect community self-determination.
“We believe any changes to alcohol distribution must be consistent with those locally established systems and the choices made by communities,” said the governments in a statement today.
The governments say that they will continue to work towards advancing internal trade while working with their territorial and provincial partners, while working to ensure northern circumstances and communities are respected.
