This week saw plenty of discussion about Transitional Support Services, which oversees Yukon’s group homes. Yukon’s use of exceptions to the Canadian Free Trade Agreement were explained and the Order of Yukon Act received royal assent. MLAs also discussed the government’s approach to climate change, energy and the green economy, as well as the new Francophone High School.
Transitional Support Services
This week it was announced that Yukon’s Child and Youth Advocate will conduct an independent review of the Transitional Support Services program after being approached by government.
The review was triggered after a youth in the government’s care brought serious concerns about the program to Old Crow MLA Pauline Frost. The health, safety and wellness of our youth in care is a top priority of our Liberal Caucus and we are pleased the government is cooperating fully with the Child and Youth Advocate to ensure the review’s effectiveness. The results of this review will help to determine the path forward to make sure youth are getting the support they need to thrive.
“I want to acknowledge the young people that have bravely brought their concerns forward.
What we have right now before us are some concerns that were brought to my attention, to the department’s attention, and we are taking the necessary steps to ensure that we address them in a diligent fashion.” – Old Crow MLA Pauline Frost
Yukon first in country to use Canadian Free Trade Agreement exceptions
This week Whitehorse West MLA Richard Mostyn delivered a Ministerial Statement to explain the use of exceptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement that allow the Yukon government to restrict up to 10 procurements of up to $1 million dollars to Yukon businesses.
Yukon is the first jurisdiction in Canada to make use of these trade agreement exceptions. MLA Mostyn tabled the list of criteria used for the exceptions and explained how they were used to bolster regional economic development in the territory.
“The outcome of these criteria were 10 projects put out to Yukon businesses.
I am pleased to say that Yukon government is using all 10 of its exceptions for 2017-18.” – Whitehorse West MLA Richard Mostyn
Learn more about the exceptions here.
Order of Yukon
The Order of Yukon Act came into to force as Commissioner Ms. Angélique Bernard assented to the bill. The bill was tabled by Klondike MLA Sandy Silver and now allows Yukoners to formally recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of Yukon society.
The legislation includes a first for any such order in Canada by establishing a seat on the Order’s advisory council for a First Nations representative – who will be put forward by the Council of Yukon First Nations. The advisory council will be responsible for reviewing nominations and making appointment recommendations.
“I am extremely pleased to announce the assent of the Order of Yukon Act, as the territory’s highest honour. Once the nomination process opens, I encourage Yukoners to nominate inspiring individuals who have left a lasting legacy in their respective fields and whose extraordinary achievements have contributed to a better quality of life in the territory and beyond.” – Klondike MLA Sandy Silver
Climate Change, Energy and the Green Economy
Mayo-Tatchun MLA Don Hutton brought forward a motion to support the development of a strategy to address climate change, energy and the green economy as an effective mechanism to support economic diversification and environmental stewardship.
Our Liberal caucus is leading a coordinated strategy to reduce our emissions, to adapt to the current future impacts of climate change and to consider opportunities to grow our green economy. We know that, as our population grows, so does our need for energy.
“Evidence-based decision-making is critical as we move forward with addressing the impacts and challenges caused by our changing climate.” – Mayo-Tatchun MLA Don Hutton
New Francophone High School
A motion regarding the new Francophone High School was brought forward by Porter Creek Centre MLA Paulo Gallina to support the construction of the new francophone high school in Riverdale.
Our Liberal Caucus was pleased to see the Opposition parties confirm their support of Riverdale as the location for the new high school.
“We are committed to building a new French first language high school in Riverdale. The new school and its community spaces will provide a modern, flexible learning environment for students to use.” – Porter Creek Centre MLA Paulo Gallina
Tributes
Liberal MLAs paid homage to several important dates and acknowledged a local business in the Legislative Assembly this week.
Old Crow MLA Pauline Frost paid tribute to David and Teena Dickson, operators of Dickson Outfitters, who won the 2018 Wild Sheep Foundation’s Frank Golata Outstanding Outfitter Award.
MLA Frost also paid tribute to World Water Day, celebrated each March 22.
Riverdale South MLA Tracy-Ann McPhee paid tribute to International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Mount Lorne-Southern Lakes MLA John Streicker paid tribute to International Francophonie Day, celebrated each March 20.