There will no changes to liquor store hours in La Ronge after a 4-3 vote on Tuesday. (YouTube)

By Derek Cornet

final vote

No changes coming to liquor store hours after opposition from FSIN, LLRIB, PAGC

May 24, 2023 | 1:53 PM

A bylaw amendment in La Ronge to increase the hours of operation for liquor retailers failed to pass a third reading following opposition from First Nations bands and organizations.

The final vote to approve the amendment occurred at a regular La Ronge council meeting on Tuesday. Had it passed, hours of operation would have changed from the current hours of 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays and statutory holidays, to 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days per week.

La Ronge Mayor Joe Hordyski, along with councillors Terry Hunt and Matt Klassen voted in favour of the change, while deputy-mayor Abby Besharah and councillors Jordan McPhail, Viviana Ruiz Arcand and Ryan Veteri were opposed. McPhail had previously voted in favour of changing hours during the first two readings on May 9 and was the only member of council to switch their vote during the final reading.

In the days leading up to Tuesday’s meeting, administration received letters from the Lac La Ronge Indian (LLRIB), Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) and Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) in opposition of the expanding alcohol retailer hours. In her letter, Chief Tammy Cook-Searson stated she had deep concerns, especially given the absence of consultation with not only the band, but Air Ronge council as well.

“The extension raises questions about whose interests are being prioritized,” the letter noted. “The recent crime statistics provided by the RCMP underscore an alarming rise in alcohol and substance-related offenses, ranging from reckless driving and public disturbances to escalated domestic disputes. It is well-known that increased alcohol use leads to greater social and health costs in our communities.”

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FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron wrote excessive drinking, alcohol-related harms and an increase in crime is linked to longer alcohol sale hours. He mentioned alcohol is in the top three for in the leading causes for preventable deaths and is a factor when it comes to acute and chronic conditions.

“You might not see it now, but expanding the hours and days of alcohol sales will prove the substantial harm that is associated with it,” his letter stated.

PAGC Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte outlined similar concerns. He noted history has shown the traumatic effects of putting profit from the sale or trade of alcohol above morality.

“Mayor Hordyski and La Ronge council, we, as the 12 First Nations of the PAGC, are asking you to show an understanding of the challenges alcohol and drugs can have, particularly upon our First Nations and take the time to meet with us before your final vote on this issue,” the letter stated.

Moments before the final reading failed, Hordyski told council that in terms of consultation, there was a public process and it had been known for several weeks that such a change could be coming.

“We put the survey out and everyone was aware of what was going on. This was out for weeks,” he said.

“That information was out there and it seems like this last week we get all these letters showing up. We’ve already done a couple of readings and most people have decided the issue and decided where they stand on it. We are well aware of what’s in these letters and the hours are out there. I think everybody has made up their mind as to what they felt would be their position.”

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno