Updated November 2008

YUKON TERRITORY PROGRESS OF BILLS, REGULATIONS AND POLICIES CHART

provided by HRinfodesk.com—Canadian Payroll and Employment Law News

Law/Detail

Summary

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Click on FEDERAL PROGRESS OF BILLS, REGULATIONS AND POLICIES CHART to view the federal government's Bills, Regulations and Policies in progress.

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The 2008 Fall Sitting of the First Session of the 32nd Legislative Assembly reconvened at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 23, 2008.

1. Progress of Government and Private Members' Bills (new and amended legislation).

Bill 102, Act to Amend the Yukon Humans Right Act (private member's Bill)

To implement a two year period to file a complaint. Link to Bill 102. The Bill received first reading on April 23, 2007. The Yukon government established Select Committee on Human Rights has started holding public hearings to receive the views and opinions of Yukon citizens and interested groups on legislative options for amending the Yukon Human Rights Act and Regulations.

Bill 109, Young Worker Protection Act

This private member's bill aims to protect young workers by rectricting their employment among other things. For example, no employer may employ, or permit to work on the person’s premises, a child under the age of 12. No employer may, during normal school hours, employ, or permit to work on the employer’s premises, an individual who is required to attend school under the Education Act, unless the individual is enrolled in an off-campus education program provided under the Education Act. For more, link to Bill 109. First reading October 30, 2008.

2. Progress of New and Amended Regulations.

Smoke-free Places Act regulations

Consultations on the Smoke-free Places Act regulations begin on October 7, 2008 (The Smoke-free Places Act, which came into effect on May 15, 2008, bans smoking in public places, workplaces, work vehicles and vehicles carrying children under 18 years of age). Consultations are scheduled to continue in Yukon communities until November. The consultation will take place in phases. Phase One will address four main areas: smoking near doors, windows and air intake vents; the posting of no-smoking signs; the sale of candy resembling tobacco products; and penalties for offences under the act. Phase Two, scheduled for consultation early next year, will address the sale, advertising and display of tobacco products. Once finalized, the regulations will clearly define where people can smoke and establish fines and penalties for offences. One discussion document can also be downloaded from the Health and Social Services website at: www.hss.gov.yk.ca/programs/health_promotion/smokefree_places_act.

3. Progress of New and Amended Policies

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Click on FEDERAL PROGRESS OF BILLS, REGULATIONS AND POLICIES CHART to view the federal government's enacted Bills, Regulations and Policies.

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Bill 104, Smoke-free Places Act (with amendments) (private member's Bill)

The Yukon government tabled Bill 104, Smoke-free Places Act (private member's Bill) in Legislature to implement a province wide smoking ban in all enclosed public places and workplaces. If enacted, this Act comes into force June 1, 2008. Bill 104, which passed second reading is revised to include a ban on smoking in vehicles carrying children. In addition, the Bill may include a smoking ban in all public places and restrictions on tobacco advertising, among other measures. Bill 104 was re-introduced in second reading with amendments on March 26, 2008 and sent to Committee for review. Link to Bill 104. Bill 104 received Third Reading and Royal Assent on April 22, 2008. This Act comes into force May 15, 2008 or on such earlier day as may be fixed by the Commissioner in Executive Council. Regulations are not yet in place. The government is holding public consultations on proposed regulations.

Bill 52, Workers' Compensation Act

The Bill repeals and replaces the existing Workers' Compensation Act to promote a greater understanding of this piece of legislation and to make it more readable. The new Workers' Compensation Act will set the the maximum wage rate at $56,000, effective January 1, 2009; among other things. First reading on March 26, 2008. Link to Bill 52. Second reading on April 1, 2008. Sent to Committee for review and possible amendment on April 1, 2008. Committee report with amendments tabled on April 8, 2008. The Bill received Third Reading and Royal Assent on May 15, 2008. The Bill comes into force on July 1, 2008.