The past two weeks in the Legislative Assembly saw the Public Accounts for 2016/17 tabled, support for ANWR, an update to strengthen the Public Airports Act, public engagement on the Societies Act extended, and the launch of a new Yukon government public engagement website.
Public Accounts for 2016/17
As anticipated during the spring 2017 budget speech, the Government of Yukon’s non-consolidated Public Accounts for 2016-17 show a deficit of $5.4 million, in comparison to the budgeted surplus of $9.4 million projected by the former Yukon Party government.
Since 2014/15, the Yukon government’s net financial assets decreased by $135 million to $88 million, a decrease of 60.54%.
Premier and Minister of Finance Sandy Silver explained the discrepancy from the previous budget projections:
“This deficit is a result of commitments made by the previous government prior to last year’s election. These commitments were significant and were not included in the budget for the last year and still need to be paid for… There is a $15-million difference between what the Yukon Party said they were budgeting and what actually happened. ”
Learn more about the Public Accounts for 2016/17 here.
Commitment to protecting ANWR confirmed by Premier Silver
On Tuesday, Premier Silver delivered a Ministerial Statement in the House, reaffirming the commitment of the Legislative Assembly and the Yukon government to support for the protection of ANWR and the calving grounds of the Porcupine caribou herd.
Read the full statement here.
Public Airports Act receives an update due to feedback from the aviation industry
The Minister of Highways and Public Works, Richard Mostyn, responded to recent calls from the aviation industry by amending the Public Airports Act currently before the Legislative Assembly. The one-word change to the proposed legislation ensures that an advisory committee will be established to advise the government on issues related to the Public Airports Act.
“This is the amendment that has come to us from industry. They have asked for this change to this bill and I am more than happy to do it. What it does is give certainty to the industry that the advisory committee that is laid out in the act will be mandatory and not discretionary on the part of the government of the day, and it will protect industry from future governments disbanding or disregarding the committee. I am more than happy to provide that certainty for industry going forward, and that’s why this amendment has come forward.” Minister Mostyn
Motion to extend the public engagement for Societies Act passed
On Oct. 25, Ms. Hanson, Leader of the Third Party moved a motion urging the Yukon government to extend the consultation period for the review of the Societies Act to allow for further participation.
In his response, the minister responsible for Community Services, John Streicker, stated:
“We’re looking forward to talking with Yukoners about their ideas on the Societies Act through this exciting, multi-phased engagement process. We know that the voices of Yukoners are critical to helping us develop legislation that works in the 21st century and I appreciate the motion put forward by the member, the Leader of the Third Party.”
The Yukon government announced on Thursday that the consultation will be extended until December 14th. You can find information on how to participate here.
New Public Engagement Website Is Now Live
A new website www.engageyukon.ca will help Yukoners be part of the conversation around the decisions that affect them. The website is a one-stop shop for engagement opportunities that are currently available to the public, engagement that have taken place or are now closed, and the results of those engagements as soon as the information is available.
“We look forward to hearing from Yukoners and gathering their feedback on a variety of issues. We welcome the public’s views and value their opinion. Public input will inform the best possible discussions and decisions for Yukon.” – Premier Sandy Silver
