Statement from Deputy Premier Pillai on White River First Nation’s request to YESAB

I have full confidence in and support for the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act process. This process upholds the principles of independence, fairness and transparency and allows all parties and the public to participate and share their views on a project.

Our government respects the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board’s expertise and role in this process, including their consideration on whether a panel review is necessary for the Coffee Gold project.

To date there has not been a panel review for a project of this size. The Government of Yukon will follow whichever process is required for the assessment.

We continue to work with White River First Nation and are developing a consultation plan with them for the Coffee Gold project. This plan will guide our consultation on this project and ensure good communication and clarity between our governments.

The work that Goldcorp has undertaken to date with First Nations has shown success and we hope that their continued efforts will show similar results.