On November 18, the Liberals used their majority to vote down a Yukon Party Official Opposition amendment that would have ensured all Members of the Legislative Assembly have the same information that informs the Government of Yukon’s decision on whether to implement and extend the current state of emergency.

This follows a similar situation that took place October 28 when the Liberal government voted down two Yukon Party Official Opposition amendments that would have increased oversight and democratic accountability of the Government of Yukon during a state of emergency.

Together, all three of these amendments would have required that future extensions of a state of emergency be subject to democratic oversight and debate and that all elected representatives have the same information so that they can make informed decisions on behalf of their constituents. They also would have required that the Standing Committee on Statutory Instruments convene to call witnesses and study all Orders-in-Council and Ministerial Orders that have been passed under the auspices of the state of emergency.

“The Liberals continue to avoid transparency and oversight and it is very disappointing that they do not think that there should be democratic debate, oversight, or even basic information sharing with the Legislature,” said Brad Cathers, Official Opposition Critic for Democratic Institutions. “This is the most undemocratic government in the Yukon’s history and Yukoners are demanding more transparency and accountability.”

The wording of the amendments the Liberals voted down stated that the House would support:

“Any future extensions of the current state of emergency being debated on in the Legislative Assembly prior to their implementation”

“Ordering that the Standing Committee on Statutory Instruments convene to review, call witnesses, and study all of the Ministerial Orders and Orders-in-Council issued during the state of emergency.”

“The provision to all Members of the Legislative Assembly of the same information that informs the Government of Yukon’s decision on whether to implement and extend the current state of emergency.”

The Yukon Party and the Yukon NDP supported the amendments. The Liberals used their majority to defeat them.

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