Yukon Liberals Invite Opposition to Budget Meetings

Wednesday, 6 May 2020 17:22

Liberal House Leader Tracy-Anne McPhee announced that opposition parties are invited to ask questions at meetings on the 2020-21 Budget.

On March 19, 2020, after passing the 2020-21 Budget, Yukon MLAs unanimously agreed to adjourn the Legislative Assembly until October 1, 2020. Before the Assembly adjourned, Premier Silver committed to providing opposition parties the opportunity to further scrutinize the 2020-21 Budget, which supports Yukon families and businesses, invests in communities and cuts taxes to make life more affordable for Yukoners.

Tracy-Anne McPhee, Liberal House Leader said in a stement, "This spring, MLAs unanimously agreed to expedite debate on the budget so that government departments have the tools they need to respond to the evolving needs of Yukoners during these challenging times. We are pleased to provide opposition parties an opportunity for further scrutiny of the budget as part of our commitment to openness, transparency and accountability."

Currently no provincial or territorial legislative assemblies are in session as jurisdictions across the country work to contain the spread of COVID-19 and protect public health.

Budget meetings will be convened for each department, including those that were previously debated as part of the 2020 Spring Sitting of the Yukon Legislative Assembly. The hearings will follow the Committee of the Whole format, allowing opposition critics to ask further questions about government spending. If all parties agree, the meetings will be broadcast live via the Legislative Assembly channels. Recordings and transcripts of the hearings will also be made available to the public.

The budget meetings have been scheduled for May 20, 21, 27, 28 and 29, 2020. More details will be coming soon.

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