Bill S-6 nears federal assent, final vote set for Monday

A controversial bill to amend Yukon's environmental and socio-economic review process is in the final stages in Parliament, after the Harper government used its majority in the House of Commons Wednesday to shut down further debate.  

Yukon First Nations are opposed to the bill, saying it undermines the territory's Umbrella Final Agreement, and have warned that they will mount a legal challenge, should the bill pass. 

However, Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, maintains Bill S-6 will be good for the Yukon.

"The government of Yukon has asked us to go along and pass this bill," he told the Commons. "This is about creating certainty. This is about securing investment."

However, opposition MPs warn it will do just the opposite.

"We're forcing a bill through the House of Commons that is going to erode the powers of aboriginal and indigenous governments,"  said Liberal critic Yvonne Jones.

Jones added that it's ironic that the Tories are about to emasculate the final land claim agreements of Yukon First Nations, "on the very day that we're saying there's going to be truth and reconciliation."

Bill S-6 will be up for third reading on Friday. A final vote is scheduled for Monday.