Motions: support for the Paris Climate Accord and Yukon Small Business Investment tax
Porter Creek Centre MLA Paolo Gallina delivered a motion in support of the Paris Climate Accord this week.
“THAT this House supports the Paris climate accord as an effective international agreement to deal with greenhouse gas emissions and climate change mitigation and adaptation; and THAT this House commends leaders of national, provincial, territorial, state, First Nation and municipal governments who are committed to the accord and working to take the necessary actions to fulfill its terms.”
Last week, MLA for Copperbelt North Ted Adel tabled a motion that urged the Government of Yukon to increase the ceiling for the Yukon Small Business Investment Tax Credit from $1 million to $5 million and increase the asset limit to allow larger companies to qualify.
This motion is the fulfillment the commitment of our caucus to open more doors for Yukon businesses and improve investments in the local economy. Raising the limit on access to this credit supports Yukon businesses and the local economy, which benefits all Yukoners.
Bill to protect the rights of transgender and gender diverse Yukoners debated in Committee of the Whole
Minister Pauline Frost opened debate by stating:
“These amendments improve the rights of many Yukoners. As the Member for Takhini-North so eloquently put it when we went through second reading: Trans rights are human rights.
It may be a difficult conversation to have with some people and it may be very uncomfortable, but it is the right thing to do. These amendments are long overdue. We could talk longer and we could consult longer, but in the end, the changes to legislation that have been found to be unlawful still need to happen.”
Yukon Party MLA for Lake Laberge, Brad Cathers, spoke of concerns with the bill and asked for it to be split by the government. In her response, Minister Frost stated:
“Mr. Chair, LGBTQ community members and two-spirited individuals are ordinary people of our society. They have a right in this community, they have a right in Yukon, they have a right to be heard and they have a right to be represented, and I aim to do that here — to represent and bring a voice to those individuals.”
The Bill is moving forward without amendments, and will receive a 3rd reading in the House.
Budget debate continues
This week debate on the 2017/18 budget continued in the Legislative Assembly. The week began with Minister Streicker presenting the budget for the Department of Community Services. On Tuesday, Minister Pillai presented the budget for the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources. The week ended with Minister Dendys presenting the budget for the Department of Tourism and Culture.
This week’s Tributes
National Aboriginal History Month
World Environment Day
Ride for Dad
Martha Collins
Yukon graduates
Alkan Air 40th anniversary
Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation and Selkirk First Nation final and self-government agreements
