Yukon.

• Author: Kolody, Linda
• Position: Legislative Reports

Spring Sitting

The 2019 Spring Sitting of the Second Session of the 34th Legislative Assembly began on March 7 and is scheduled to conclude on April 30, after 30 sitting days.

Government Bills Introduced

Pursuant to Standing Order 74, the following government bills were introduced by the fifth sitting day (the deadline for the introduction of government legislation to be dealt with during a given Sitting):

* Bill No. 29, Miscellaneous Statute Law Amendment Act, 2019

* Bill No. 30, Act to Amend the Education Labour Relations Act

* Bill No. 31, Act to Amend the Employment Standards Act

* Bill No. 32, Act to Amend the Securities Act

* Bill No. 33, Yukon Government Carbon Price Rebate Implementation Act

* Bill No. 208, Third Appropriation Act 2018-19

* Bill No. 209, Interim Supply Appropriation Act 2019-20

* Bill No. 210, First Appropriation Act 2019-20

In Remembrance of Ken McKinnon

On March 13, 2019, Ken McKinnon--tributed by the Whitehorse Star as "a beloved titan", "a father of responsible government" and "a Yukoner through and through"--passed away. News of the former Commissioner's death was communicated to the House on March 14 by Speaker Nils Clarke. The same day, a statement released by Premier Sandy Silver enumerated some of Mr. McKinnon's key accomplishments and also noted that he had been ".... a warm ambassador for the Yukon his entire life. His passing is a loss many Yukoners will feel deeply...."

In a statement released on March 18, Yukon Commissioner Angelique Bernard reviewed a number of Mr. McKinnon's accomplishments and observed, "....Ken McKinnon is recognized for his extensive work done toward achieving responsible government, devolution and land claims for the Yukon and its people ..."

Mr. McKinnon's career in politics began in 1961, with his election at the age of 25 (the youngest-ever Member, at the time) to Yukon's Territorial Council, as the Legislative Assembly was then known. Mr. McKinnon was re-elected in the general elections of 1967, 1970, and 1974. During his final term on Territorial Council, Mr. McKinnon served on the Executive Committee--the precursor of to Executive Council (Cabinet).

Mr. McKinnon had served as Yukon's Commissioner --a role analogous to that of a provincial lieutenant governor--from 1986 to 1995.

Apart from politics, Mr. McKinnon also made significant contributions in the realms of sports and education. These contributions included serving as President of the first-ever Arctic Winter Games...