The official Opposition has raised concerns regarding the servicing standards set out in the government's Oil-Fired Appliance Safety Statutory Amendment Act.

The New Democrats called attention to the issue Tuesday during question period in the legislature, for the second day in a row.

The act is awaiting third reading.

The NDP is concerned that the act still permits uncertified mechanics to service oil-fired appliances.

"(Monday), the government said repeatedly that the need for lower standards was based on what they heard in rural Yukon, namely that small communities couldn't cope with higher licensing and certification standards,” the NDP's Justice critic, Lois Moorcroft, told the house Tuesday.

"When it comes to oil-fired appliances, what safety standards is the minister willing to overlook for rural Yukon?”

Community Services Minister Elaine Taylor responded that "having certified mechanics in every community is the ultimate goal.

"The reality, however, is that we're not there yet, but that's in fact why this Government of Yukon has gone to work and continues to work to increase the number of certified mechanics to build much-needed capacity in the territory in every community.”

During debate in committee as a whole on the bill Tuesday, Moorcroft proposed an amendment that would require oil-fired appliance servicing be completed by a certified mechanic.

The government has the power to develop regulations, Moorcroft noted, suggesting that the requirement in question could be phased in over a longer period, allowing sufficient time to build capacity in the communities.

The motion was defeated by a vote of 10 to five.

Taylor explained the government would not support it because the bill already allows for an amendment to be made in the future to require certified mechanics to service oil-fired appliances in the communities.

The Oil-Fired Appliance Safety Statutory Amendment Act amends three other acts – the Building Standards Act, the Electrical Protection Act, and the Fire Prevention Act.

The act will require that only certified oil burner mechanics be able to install or make major modifications to oil-fired appliances.

It will also require the use of carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms in all homes with oil-fired appliances or attached garages, making Yukon the first jurisdiction to do so.

The legislation was created following the 2012 deaths of five people due to carbon monoxide poisoning in their rented Porter Creek home.

See letter.