Statement from Premier Dixon on the tabling of the 2026 federal budget

Premier Dixon has issued the following statement:

“For close to a year, our government has been consistent and relentless in delivering one message to Ottawa: the Yukon’s number one priority is energy.

“We have worked hard to ensure the federal government understood that without new energy capacity, many of the opportunities Yukoners want to see, including housing, economic development and community growth, simply cannot move forward.

“Budget 2026 delivers meaningful progress on the Yukon’s top priority. It is encouraging to see key Yukon energy projects specifically identified in the federal budget.

“I welcome the federal government’s commitment to the Arctic Sovereignty Grid Plan, including investments in the Mayo Hydro Facility, the Atlin Hydro Expansion Project, and the Whitehorse Power Centres project. Together, these projects will strengthen Yukon’s electricity system, improve reliability and help meet growing demand from communities, businesses and industry.

“These nation-building projects will strengthen Arctic sovereignty, support economic growth and ensure Yukoners continue to have access to reliable and affordable electricity. They also recognize a fundamental reality: projects of this scale are beyond the fiscal capacity of the territory to deliver alone. Federal partnership is essential for the Yukon to build the infrastructure needed to support future growth.  

“Budget 2026 also includes additional measures to support private-sector investment, resource development and affordability for northern residents. The extension of the Mineral Exploration Tax Credit, incentives for business investment and proposed improvements to the Northern Residents Deduction are positive steps that will benefit Yukon workers, families and businesses.

“It is also encouraging to see projected growth in the Territorial Formula Financing, which remains essential to delivering the public services and infrastructure Yukoners rely on every day.

“While we still need to review the details of the budget and better understand how and when this funding will flow, the early signals are positive. Today’s commitments show that the Yukon’s message has been heard.

“Our focus is now working with the Government of Canada to turn these commitments into projects that strengthen the Yukon’s energy future, support economic growth and benefit Yukoners for decades to come.”