Bill to make neighbourhoods safer applauded in Yukon
The Yukon government tabled legislation Wednesday to give communities more tools to deal with drugs, prostitution and bootlegging in their neighbourhoods.
"This legislation is one tool and part of our larger approach to address social disorder that accompanies substance abuse in the Yukon," said Justice Minister John Edzerza.
Under the new law, a government worker will investigate when neighbourhood residents complain of an illegal activity, whether it be drug dealing, a crack house, or prostitution.
Based on what is found, the government can either work with the landlord to stop the illegal activity or seek a community safety order from Yukon Supreme Court.
Cops give law thumbs-up
Yukon RCMP support the legislation, saying it will be another way to crack down on drugs in the territory.
"It's got lots of potential, we welcome any initiative that will help ensure safe homes and safe communities," says Sgt. Pat Egan. "It's another tool for the community to help curb the spread of drugs."
Egan says the RCMP were part of the discussions over this legislation.
While all political parties in the legislature say they support the initiative, questions remain whether there's sufficient funding to back up the legislation.
"They said $2 million under the drug and alcohol plan, but how much is going to safer communities?" asks NDP leader Todd Hardy.
"Who are they hiring, what kind of model going to set up, how much is going to treatment, how much is going to prevention, how much is going to education?"
Despite these questions, Hardy says he will vote for the bill.
Liberal leader, Arthur Mitchell also supports the legislation.
"We certainly support the concept of safer communities legislation, all parties agreed to that commitment in the fall, in November, and I expect to be supportive of it, and that's just been tabled."
Edzerza says $340,000 will be spent to implement this legislation by the fall.
As for the long-term funding, Edzerza says his department is still looking into it.