Government of Yukon
News archives
FOR RELEASE #08-033
February 12, 2008
Yukoners Have Their Say on Changes to Municipal Act
WHITEHORSE – The Yukon government, in collaboration with the Association of Yukon Communities (AYC), has launched a territory-wide public consultation to discuss amending the Yukon Municipal Act.
“We are working closely with AYC to update the legislation and make it more relevant to Yukon communities,” Community Services Minister Glenn Hart said. “Together we have identified some possible amendments, and we want to know what Yukoners think about the changes being proposed.”
The public is invited to comment on the suggested amendments, or to make other recommendations. The majority of the changes on the current list have been brought forth by AYC on behalf of its members.
“When it was adopted, the Yukon Municipal Act was possibly the most effective in Canada,” AYC President Michelle Vainio said. “Of course, attitudes change and the legislation ought to reflect the needs of the residents in Yukon communities. We have been working with Community Services for three years to refine our suggestions and are looking forward to hearing from Yukoners.”
Representatives from the Yukon government and AYC will visit Yukon communities during February and March 2008 to consult with municipalities, advisory councils and residents.
Meeting schedules, background information and proposed amendments are available from the reception desk at the Yukon Government Administration Building in Whitehorse, at municipal offices, from local advisory councils and online, where feedback can also be submitted at www.community.gov.yk.ca until March 28.
The Municipal Act, in force since 1999, guides the business of town councils and local advisory councils in the territory. The legislation was developed by the Yukon government in partnership with AYC as a general framework to ensure safe, healthy, and orderly communities in Yukon. Yukon’s Municipal Act is a flexible and non-restrictive piece of legislation for local governance.
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| Contact: | |
| Roxanne Vallevand Cabinet Communications (867) 633-7949 roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca |
Nathalie Harwood Community Services, Communications (867) 667-5075 nathalie.harwood@gov.yk.ca |