The spring sitting of the Legislative Assembly ended this week. In addition to the 2018-19 Budget, several pieces of legislation were passed, including the Cannabis Control and Regulation Act, the Gender Diversity and Related Amendments Act and the Order of Yukon Act. Throughout the sitting, our Liberal Caucus was pleased to continue to deliver on the commitments we made to Yukoners.
2018-19 Budget
The 2018-19 Budget shows financial restraint, focusing on long-term planning and creating the conditions to grow Yukon’s economy.
For the first time ever, the Budget includes a Five-Year Capital Plan highlighting the government’s priority infrastructure projects. The Plan was one of our campaign commitments that we’re happy to deliver on, and we’ve heard positive feedback from the private sector.
The Yukon Chamber of Commerce praised the Five-Year Capital Plan in its report card of this year’s Budget, which it gave a grade of B+. We’ve also heard from local businesses that support the Plan and say the increased certainty will save them money.
With the inclusion of the Fiscal and Economic Outlook and the Five-Year Capital Plan, this year’s budget is more detailed than previous years, and reflects our commitment to openness, transparency and accountability.
Learn more about the 2018-19 Budget here.
Cannabis
Our Liberal Caucus was pleased to see the Cannabis Control and Regulation Act pass this sitting. This piece of legislation reflects extensive engagement with Yukoners, First Nations and communities, and focuses on displacing illegal activity and protecting public health. It will ensure cannabis is accessible to Yukoners when it becomes legal later this year, and allows for a shift to private retail sales once regulations are developed.
Learn more about the new cannabis law here.
Gender Inclusivity
The Gender Diversity and Related Amendments Act is another important piece of legislation passed this sitting. This Act is one part of a multifaceted approach to create a more inclusive Yukon for LGBTQ2S+ citizens, and builds on the amendments to the Human Rights Act and the Vital Statistics Act that were introduced last spring.
Learn more about the new law here.
Order of Yukon
With the passage of the Order of Yukon Act, Yukoners can now formally recognize and honour those outstanding individuals who have made a significant contribution to the territory and well-being of others.
Learn more about the Order of Yukon here.
Mental Wellness Hubs
The mental health and wellness of Yukoners is a priority of our Liberal Caucus. This spring saw four new Mental Wellness Hubs open in Yukon communities to ensure integrated supports are available across the territory.
The Mental Wellness Hubs provide one-stop access to a range of services that meet the needs of communities, giving rural residents more timely and consistent access to necessary services.
Learn more about the Mental Wellness Hubs here.
Peel Land Use Plan
Following a motion brought forward by Mayo-Tatchun MLA Don Hutton, all parties in the Legislative Assembly agreed to support the Final Recommended Plan of the Peel Land Use Planning Committee. This was a great sign of unity in the House on a major issue, and marked a dramatic reversal for the Yukon Party after years of resistance and hundreds of thousands of dollars fighting this plan.
Our Liberal Caucus looks forward to working with the First Nation governments of the Na Cho Nyäk Dun, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in, and Vuntut Gwitchin to implement the Final Recommended Plan. This is part of our broader commitment to build strong government-to-government relationships with First Nations that foster reconciliation and get land use planning back on track in the territory.
Electoral District Boundaries Commission Final Report
The Final Report of the Electoral District Boundaries Commission was tabled in the Legislative Assembly this sitting. The report includes the proposal to create a 20th electoral district in Yukon. Our Liberal Caucus looks forward to hearing from Yukoners about the proposals contained in the report over the next few months.
Read a statement from Liberal Caucus chair Paolo Gallina here.
Learn more about the Electoral District Boundaries Commission and read the Final Report here.
