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WHITEHORSE – On Tuesday, during second reading of Bill 38, the Health Authority Act, the Yukon Party Official Opposition introduced a motion to adjourn debate on the bill to allow more time for engagement and consultation. The motion was brought forward so Yukoners could gather more information about what a new health authority would mean for the Yukon and the health care system.
The Liberals and NDP voted against more consultation on the bill with health professionals and Yukoners.
“When passed, the Health Authority Act provides massive power to the current Liberal Cabinet to make massive decisions, and Second Reading and later in committee will be the only time that we have to seek answers to outstanding questions,” said Leader Currie Dixon who introduced the motion to adjourn. “We have heard from health care employees who are concerned about how the new authority will affect their pensions and employment status. One employee suggested it essentially writes a blank cheque for this government to do as it wishes.”
In addition, the Yukon Party has heard from at least one group who have major concerns about how the new health authority would affect health care in the Yukon and have already proposed amendments to the legislation.
The Yukon Party Official Opposition is not scheduled to be briefed by the Health Transformation Advisory Committee until later this week and is working to connect with affected unions. Notably, the Liberal government has pushed forward with legislation while the two unions representing employees at Yukon Hospitals are fully engaged with collective bargaining agreement ratification votes.
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Contact:
Tim Kucharuk
Media Director
(867) 689-7874
