This week two important Bills were tabled, and a Bill to amend the Dental Professions Act was passed by the legislature.
There was also plenty of discussion of the proposed Public Airports Act and new mental health workers in the territory. Minister of Highways and Public Works Richard Mostyn set the record straight on the Public Airports Bill and Minister of Health and Social Services Pauline Frost discussed progress on hiring 11 new mental health workers in Yukon communities.
Local solutions for local problems
The new amendments to the Dental Professions Act will improve dental services in Yukon by allowing dental hygienists to practice more of the oral care procedures they are trained to provide. All Yukon children deserve good dental health and Yukon families who do not have regular access to a dentist rely on the Yukon Children’s Dental Program in schools for their children’s dental care. The new amendments ensure the continuation of the Yukon Children’s Dental Program. Learn more about this Bill.
“This piece of legislation is an example of our government delivering its commitment to a people-centred approach, to wellness that helps Yukoners thrive, and, in this case, for our children.
The amendments to this act will ensure that we are able to continue the Yukon children’s program and make sure that all Yukon’s children — no matter where they live — will get the dental care they need delivered by those able to work to full scope of practice. ” – Minister of Health and Social Services Pauline Frost
Bills tabled in the House
Bill No. 12, the Act to Amend the Hospital Act
The Yukon Hospital Corporation has a large board comprised of 15 individuals. A proposed amendment to the Hospital Act would reduce the size of the YHC board to a smaller board of nine members. These proposed changes will provide an effective governance structure better able to work efficiently at achieving and delivering the Hospital Corporation’s strategic priorities.
“These changes will lead the Yukon Hospital Corporation through the challenges and opportunities it faces in the future while providing modern, safe and accessible health-care services to Yukoners. The changes will also enable us to ensure that the membership of the board reflects Yukon’s cultural and gender diversity.” – Minister of Health and Social Services Pauline Frost
Bill No. 14, which will replace the existing Legal Profession Act with modernized and updated legislation.
The proposed legislation will ensure that the practice of law in Yukon keeps pace with developments in other Canadian jurisdictions as well as changes in the practice of law and technological innovations that effect legal practice. The Yukon government consulted thoroughly with the Law Society of Yukon and other legal stakeholder groups to ensure that the proposed changes are relevant to legal practice in the territory.
The Government of Yukon is protecting the public interest and improving access to justice by modernizing the Act and Regulation so that the practice of law follows best practices in other parts of Canada.
“The Legal Profession Act regulates the legal profession in the public interest. Yukoners deserve a new Legal Profession Act that is current, responsive and protects their rights.” – Minister of Justice Tracy-Anne McPhee
