N.W.T. assembly passes Scan and civil forfeiture bills

Northwest Territories MLAs gave third reading Tuesday to civil forfeiture and Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods, or Scan, bills aimed at drug crime and illicit activity. Civil forfeiture, which would let the government seek court orders to seize crime-linked property, passed unanimously despite liberty concerns from some Yellowknife members. Scan, which targets rental premises tied to ongoing illegal activity, passed over opposition from three Yellowknife MLAs who questioned effectiveness and housing impacts. Both laws still need royal assent and regulations. Justice Minister Jay Macdonald called them imperfect but necessary tools, while critics warned of displacing vulnerable tenants without tackling root addiction.