Municipal leaders consulted about public drinking bill

The Town of Maple Creek have been contacted about public drinking legislation tabled by the provincial government.
Bill 86 would give municipalities the choice to allow the consumption of liquor in designated outdoor public places for people of legal drinking age.
Carla Beck, MLA for Regina Lakeview and Opposition Critic for Municipalities, has written to municipal leaders about the Saskatchewan government’s proposal, asking whether they have any questions, concerns or feedback.
The letter was received by the Town of Maple Creek on May 18 and was included in correspondence for the May 24 council meeting.
Councillor Tina Cresswell requested that Bill 86 be discussed at the next Town Council meeting. 
“It’s unclear to me how this changes things,” she said.
In her letter, Beck said the government legislation, although discussed briefly in the media last summer, came without much notice and was tabled two days before the end of the legislative session.
“In order to pass this session, the bill would need complete agreement by the opposition without committee, without any understanding of any consultation conducted, and without the ability of the Official Opposition or stakeholders to fully review the bill and its possible impacts.
“As Critic for Municipalities, I am interested in gaining as much input from local elected leaders as quickly as possible.
“Should be bill be passed, it would put the onus on municipalities to regulate and deal with any impacts (positive or negative) in their communities, and I want to be sure that you have had the input desired.
“To this end, I am reaching out to ask if you have any questions, concerns, or feedback about Bill 86.”
Beck pointed out that the spring session of the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly would end on Thursday (May 19), so it would be most helpful to have feedback as soon as possible.
“I apologize for the rather urgent timeline, but this is the time we have been given by the government to conduct our due diligence, and I wanted to be sure to seek your input.
“Thank you for your time, and, as always, should you have any issue, question, concern, or celebration of things in your community that you would like me to be aware of, I would welcome your call or email.”
According to May 18 news reports, the Saskatchewan NDP Party blocked the bill, requesting an adjournment to allow further conversations with municipal stakeholders.
Discussion on Bill 86 was adjourned.
Government says it plans to reintroduce the bill in the fall with the hope of passing it in the spring.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Get More Maple Creek News →