The enactment will give RCMP more power to conduct roadside drug tests in the Territory.
Public Prosecution Service of Canada and Yukon RCMP announced today the enactment of Bill C-46, which they say will help curb dangerous driving in the territory as well as to simplify court processes and time in the justice system.
The new act will be fully implemented starting next Tuesday, and Crown Prosecutor Leo Lane says more non-alcoholic drugs have been added for impaired driving charges.
"This is the first time it's been an offense to be operating a vehicle over the concentration of... non-alcoholic drugs, so that's a new offense. The substances are listed in the regulation. They include THC, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and a number of other substances."
Lane also says while the impairment level thresholds will be lower than drinking violations, a new offense charging those under the influence of both THC and alcohol will also be introduced.
According to Lane, it will now also be easier for officers to obtain and demand a variety of tests for those under the influence while driving.
"There's also a new drug-screening demand at roadside. There's been one device approved so far and it tests your saliva to determine the concentration of certain drugs in the drivers system. If you fail that, the officer would have grounds for further forensic analysis or investigative measures. There's (also) a new blood demand. If the officer believes on reasonable grounds that the driver is committing a drug driving offense, the officer can demand that the person provide a sample of their blood."
The person who collects the blood sample however must be a designated person selected from the Attorney General of Canada, Leo notes.
RCMP Staff Sgt. Jane Boissonneault say's Yukoners can expect more roadside tests being conducted down the road as more testing devices are used.
Bill C-46 received royal assent on June 21st of this year.

YG releases Connected Health Strategy
YG launches Power Potential Portal
Whitehorse hosts international broomball tournament
YG expands Peak Smart incentives
YG calls for Building UP project proposals
RRDC signs Stewardship Authority agreement with YG
Yukon Party reflects on one year of strong stewardship
RCMP begins search and rescue activities for missing Whitehorse man
Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in citizens start podcast
Independent review panel publishes first status report in Department of Education review
ATCO Electric Yukon Gets $7.5M to Fix Billing Issues with Smart Meters
Yukon NDP calls on Yukon government to investigate electricity billing concerns
Youth investment fund supports 13 community projects across Yukon
FNNND challenges Mayo Dam spillway project over treaty and fish passage concerns
First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun youth benefit as mining firms fund mayo school sports
BC man convicted of manslaughter
Hamilton Boulevard trail cleared as winter pilot project wraps up
Yukon RCMP roll out new navy-blue uniform shirts
Yukon releases final flood maps for Dawson, Klondike Valley, Upper Liard