Yukon.

• Author: Kolody, Linda
• Position: Legislative Reports

Spring Sitting

The 2018 Spring Sitting of the Second Session of the 34th Legislative Assembly began on March 1, and concluded on the 30th sitting day, April 24.

Government bills

During the 2018 Spring Sitting, the following government bills were introduced, passed by the House and assented to by Yukon Commissioner Angelique Bernard:

Bill No. 15, Cannabis Control and Regulation Act

Bill No. 16, Technical Amendments Act, 2018

Bill No. 17, Gender Diversity and Related Amendments Act

Bill No. 18, Order of Yukon Act

Bill No. 204, Third Appropriation Act 2017-18

Bill No. 205, Interim Supply Appropriation Act

2018-19

Bill No. 206, First Appropriation Act 2018-19 Private Member's bill

On April 24, a private member's bill--Bill No. 300, Act to Amend the Taxpayer Protection Act--was introduced by Brad Cathers, the Official Opposition's Finance Critic.

Final Report of the Electoral District Boundaries Commission

As noted in Yukon's preceding Legislative Report, on November 21, Speaker Nils Clarke tabled the Interim Report of the Yukon Electoral District Boundaries Commission, which proposed changing the boundaries of nine of the territory's 19 electoral districts, and the names of five ridings.

In order to receive Yukoners' views on the interim report's proposals, the Commission accepted written submissions and held public meetings across the territory. In the course of these travels the Commission held public hearings in 12 communities, including Whitehorse. Given feedback the Commission received on its interim report, the final report featured significant revisions. Most notably, the Commission's final report recommended a redistribution that would add a new rural riding, for a new total of 20 electoral districts in the territory.

The Commission's non-binding final report was submitted to the Legislative Assembly on April 19. That day, Yukon Liberal Caucus Chair Paolo Gallina issued a statement indicating that the caucus had done a preliminary review of the final report, and expressing concerns about its proposed addition of a 20th riding.

Legislation regarding the boundaries recommended by the Commission must be introduced by the government during the 2018 Fall Sitting.

The Electoral Boundaries Commission was chaired by Senior Judge of the Supreme Court of Yukon, Justice Ron Veale. The other four members comprising the Commission were Yukon's Chief Electoral Officer, Lori McKee, one individual selected by the Liberal Party, one individual selected...