Opposition not happy with Yukon government's premature news release

The Yukon government got ahead of itself on Thursday and the opposition was not impressed.

The government issued a press release mid-afternoon, toutingall the legislation it's passed during the fall sitting. The trouble was, the fall sitting was still a few hours from ending, and two pieces of legislation on the list had not in fact passed final reading yet inthe Legislative Assembly.

Yukon Party MLA Brad Cathersobjected in the legislature, calling it a serious breach.

"I believe this is in breach of the standards of the assembly, and has in fact breached the parliamentary privilege of each and every member, other than the premier himself," Cathers said.

Speaking to CBClater, NDPleader Liz Hanson called it the "height of arrogance."

"I think it's pretty disrespectful to the citizens of Yukon,who elected members of the Legislative Assembly ... Is this government saying they don't really need the legislature?" Hanson asked.

"It's become a bit of a sham, actually."

The two pieces of legislation did ultimately pass before the fall sitting wrapped up late Thursday afternoon. One was to increase MLAs' pay and benefits, andthe other approved supplementary budget spending.

Government house leader Tracey-Ann McPheeinsisted that nothing was amiss with the early news release.

Speaker Nils Clarke said he would rule on the matter when MLAsreconvene for the spring sitting next year.