Yukon Party Does 180 on Civil Forfeiture Act

29-Apr-2010

Whitehorse: Liberal MLA Don Inverarity says he is pleased the Yukon Party government has backed down on its plan to push the Civil Forfeiture Act through the legislature. All members of the government side supported a motion calling for debate on the bill to be delayed until a further sitting, to allow sufficient time to have meaningful public consultation on its implications for Yukoners.

“At 1:30 pm the Minister of Justice was busy defending the bill and vowing to pass it this spring,” said Inverarity. “By late afternoon the Premier had done a 180 degree turn and said the government would support the motion to indefinitely delay the bill. It’s a complete flip-flop and we’re glad the government has backed down.”

Both Inverarity and Liberal Justice Critic Darius Elias have asked repeatedly over the last ten days for the government to delay passing the legislation until Yukoners had been given an opportunity to have their say. 

“The Minister of Justice didn’t bother to talk to the public before trying to ram this thing through the legislature,” Inverarity said. “It really demonstrates the arrogance of this tired government.”

Since the act was first made public in March Inverarity said his office had received numerous phone calls and letters opposing the bill.

“Many Yukoners told me they didn’t trust the current government and that they were concerned about how the new law would be used, or abused, by the Yukon Party government,” he said. “I know many Yukoners will be pleased to hear of the Premier’s decision to finally allow them to have a say. I want to thank everyone for bringing their concerns forward.”

Inverarity also thanked NDP MLA Steve Cardiff for introducing today’s motion. 

For additional information contact: Jason Cunning - 667-8942