The fall 2019 sitting of the Legislative Assembly started with a Speech from the Throne, delivered by the Honourable Angélique Bernard, Commissioner of Yukon.
She highlighted some key achievements and plans for our work during the second half of the government’s mandate.
Sustainable Environment
An important focus for the Liberal caucus is action on climate change. Here are some key actions we are taking:
- Single-use bags are a scourge on the environment. We’ve heard loud and clear the need to clean our environment and combat climate change. We are happy to see the implementation of a ban on single-use bags.
- Yukon youth deserve to have their voices heard, and how can you not hear the hundreds of passionate youth who marched down our streets during the Climate Strikes this fall? We are proud to see the government announce the development of a Youth Panel on Climate Change to provide advice and perspectives to policy makers in the territory.
- We are excited to see plans to electrify the Alaska Highway to support the move to electric vehicles and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Finally, the government will implement an energy retrofit loan program to encourage Yukoners to retrofit their homes. That’s great news for Yukoners who want to reduce their home heating costs.
Good Jobs
Maybe you’ve heard it before, and we’re glad to tell you again, the Dawson airport runway is now paved and the airport has a brand-new maintenance facility so workers aren’t left in the cold. This project is long overdue and was overlooked by the previous government.
Upgrades to the Mayo aerodrome are now underway as well, along with $160 million going toward improving the North Klondike Highway.
We’re excited to see the establishment of a tourism advisory body, which will help direct our tourism priorities to where they are most needed and efficient.
Yukon’s economy is hot right now – 2.7 per cent unemployment is nearly unheard of – and that’s helping Yukoners thrive. We’re glad this government will continue on that path with a made-in-Yukon innovation plan, as well as amendments to the Small Business Investment Tax Credit.
Government for the People
For our caucus, all communities matter. Since coming into office, our ministers have made more than 125 community visits per year, averaging one visit every three days.
Government is most effective when it talks to Yukoners before decisions are made (what a concept, eh?). Since 2017, the government has completed more than 65 public engagements on issues important to Yukoners, and we are happy to know that it will continue seeking public input into our plans going forward. Thank you to those who have made your voices heard!
Happier, Healthier Lives
Yukoners deserve to live happier, healthier lives. To that end, we are glad to see this government supporting Yukoners’ mental well-being with four new mental wellness hubs across the territory.
Yukon has some of the best and brightest young people in the nation. It is our job to provide them the greatest resources possible to realize their full potential. We are thrilled to see the announcement of new legislation to establish Yukon University. In the North, by the North, for the North.
For the younger ones, the government be expanding pre-kindergarten across Yukon, ensuring youth grow up with all the skills they need to thrive.
We are also glad to see that the government will be introducing leave provisions for those who have experienced domestic violence. This government believes in supporting people through their most difficult times.
Finally, conversion therapy has no place in a modern Yukon, and residents have made their opinions on the matter clear. The government will be working to develop legislation to ban conversion therapy this spring.
What’s next?
The fall session of the third sitting of the 34th Legislative Assembly will kick into high gear next week. Check back for weekly updates on the proceedings. We look forward to making Yukoners’ lives better.
