Yukon.

AuthorMcCormick, Floyd
PositionLegislative Reports

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The 2012 Spring Sitting of the 1st Session of the 33rd Yukon Legislative Assembly convened on Thursday, March 15. The Assembly sat for 32 days, rising on Thursday, May 10. During the Sitting nine government bills passed the House, and were assented to by Commissioner

Doug Phillips. Those bills were:

* Bill No. 4, Interim Supply Appropriation Act, 2012-13,

* Bill No. 5, Third Appropriation Act, 2011-12,

* Bill No. 6, First Appropriation Act, 2012-13,

* Bill No. 36, Act to Amend the Liquor Act,

* Bill No. 37, Act to Amend the Territorial Court Act,

* Bill No. 38, Act to Amend the Child Care Act,

* Bill No. 39, Business Law Amendment Act,

* Bill No. 40, Act to Amend the Financial Administration Act, and

* Bill No. 41, Act to Amend the Land Titles Act and the Condominium Act.

Bill No. 40, and regulations later issued pursuant to it, were introduced in the wake of a protest that took place in the summer and fall of 2011. At that time individuals protested a lack of available (or affordable) housing in Whitehorse by erecting a 'tent city' (which included two trailers) on the lawn of the Yukon Government's Main Administration Building, which houses the Legislative Assembly.

As was the case prior to the passage of the bill, individuals and groups still have the right to protest or conduct demonstrations on government property. However, the bill and its regulations (draft copies of which were tabled in the House by the Minister of Highways and Public Works, Wade Istchenko) essentially forbid individuals or groups from erecting structures or camping on government property without the Minister's permission. Though housing remains an issue in Whitehorse, 'tent city' did not return in the summer of 2012.

Opposition Private Member's Bill assented to

In addition to these government bills, one private member's bill, Bill No. 102, Act to Amend the Ombudsman Act, was passed and assented to. The bill had been introduced by Jan Stick, NDP member for Riverdale-South. The Act provides for the removal of the sunset clause from the Ombudsman Act, meaning the House no longer has to periodically 'renew' the Act. The House divided 18-0 in favour of the bill at Third Reading.

New Ombudsman

On April 2, the House adopted Motion #105 appointing Timothy E. Koepke as Yukon's new Ombudsman. The Speaker, David Laxton, conducted a division on the motion, as the Ombudsman Act requires that the appointment of the Ombudsman be supported by at least...

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