By Derek Cornet

La Ronge lacks legal authority to implement alcohol levy

Feb 9, 2018 | 4:00 PM

The Town of La Ronge is faced with an uphill battle when it comes to implementing a five per cent levy on liquor sales.

During the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association’s annual convention earlier this week, members of the La Ronge Council met with Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SGLA) officials about recommendations they passed last month to curtail alcohol use in the tri-communities. Jim Engel, the vice-president of corporate services at SGLA, said some of the suggestions will be easier to do than others.

“The current legal framework for what municipalities have in terms of taxation powers doesn’t actually allow a municipality to implement a levy such as what was being contemplating,” he said. “The notion of municipalities having the ability to levy taxes outside of the property tax system is a broader discussion for government to consider.”

Engel also said it wouldn’t be possible to target certain businesses based on its products and services, as the property tax system is based on the value of property. He noted municipalities don’t have the legal authority to make such an action, adding changing the current law would be a matter for the Ministry of Government Relations to consider.

“There’s no concerns at all, and we’re very supportive of what the community is doing and what they’re trying to accomplish for their residents,” Engel said. “It isn’t an issue of being concerned with any of [the recommendations], it’s just trying to get to the quick wins or the low-hanging fruit as quickly as we can collectively.”

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La Ronge Coun. Matthew Klassen also acknowledged the five per cent levy and restricting hours or days of operation will take more work. He said the meeting was positive, however, and Council will continue to consult with nearby communities.

“In holding true to my commitment to consulting with our neighbours, I am meeting with (Lac La Ronge Indian Band) chief and band council next month and will be seeking their advise and opinions on all of the options of the plan,” Klassen stated. 

derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno