Here is a look at what happened in the Legislature this week.
All-party committee to review emergency legislation
On Tuesday, MLA’s debated the creation of an all-party committee to review Yukon’s emergency legislation, the Civil Emergency Measures Act (CEMA).
Both the Yukon Party and the NDP voted against this important motion. Our Liberal Caucus believes CEMA should be updated and we want to hear from Yukoners about how it can better meet their needs.
Both parties have agreed that Yukon’s emergency legislation needs to be reviewed. At the same time, the leader of the conservative Yukon Party, Currie Dixon, called the committee a “sham”.
When the work of the committee begins in 2021, will the Yukon Party and NDP choose to participate?
We know that CEMA should be reviewed and we want to hear from Yukoners about how it should be updated. We invite the Yukon Party and the NDP to participate in this all-party committee for the benefit of all Yukoners.
You can read a transcript of the debate here: https://yukonassembly.ca/sites/default/files/hansard/34-3-76.pdf
Arctic Winter Games
On December 7, Minister Streicker paid tribute to the Arctic Winter Games volunteers, winners of the Hodgson Trophy, and International Volunteer Day. Despite the cancellation of the 2020 Winter Games due to COVID-19, AWG volunteers continue to keep the spirit of these games going. Volunteers play a pivotal role in providing community events and local programs. This year the volunteers and staff of the Host Society were awarded the Hodgson Trophy for their incredible effort and diligent work.
You can watch a video of these tributes here: https://fb.watch/2jl_VSET2v/
International Day for Persons with Disabilities
On December 8, Minister Frost paid tribute to the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. She spoke about the importance of recognizing the rights and well-being of people with disabilities.
Minister Frost also spoke to the importance of having equal access to employment and services, especially during the ongoing challenges of COVID 19. Continued effort to provide inclusive and sustainable communities that offer equal opportunities for all community members is a top priority for the Liberal Caucus.
Yukon has many incredible NGOs that provide service and support for people with disabilities. This includes Options for Independence; Inclusion Yukon; Teegatha’Oh Zheh; the Child Development Centre; the Challenge Disability Resource Group; LDAY centre for learning; and the Autism Yukon Society. Each of these groups support individuals and their families and are key partners in improving health outcomes and enhancing quality of life of Yukoners.
You can watch Minister Frost’s tribute here: https://fb.watch/2jmJ4qJxaA/
Yukon Days
Each year, Yukon Days brings the shared priorities of the Yukon government and Yukon First Nations to the federal government in Ottawa. This year’s event looked a bit different, as Premier Silver told the legislature through a ministerial statement.
The current Liberal government has prioritized a collaborative approach to Yukon Days, with Yukon First Nation Chiefs and the Council of Yukon First Nations joining to present shared priorities to the Government of Canada through trilateral meetings. These respectful and cooperative meetings continue to be effective in advancing priorities that benefit all Yukoners. Meetings took place virtually throughout the week, with Minister Blair, Minister Bennett, Minister Vandal and Minister Miller, to name a few. Topics included First Nations housing, health, community safety and salmon management.
You can read Premier Silver’s ministerial statement here: https://yukonassembly.ca/sites/default/files/hansard/34-3-77.pdf
