Statement from Premier Sandy Silver on the 2022–23 federal budget

Premier Sandy Silver has issued the following statement:

“We would like to congratulate the Government of Canada on the tabling of its 2022 budget.

“We are pleased to see the federal government recognize the unique challenges facing the North in 2022 and the actions they are taking to address many of these concerns.

“We are also pleased to see support for initiatives that remain a priority to Yukoners and to the Yukon government.

“The Government of Yukon’s 2022–23 budget includes $15 million for the Atlin Hydro Expansion Project, with a total commitment of $50 million over three years. This ambitious initiative will expand our renewable energy capacity in partnership with the Taku River Tlingit First Nation while reducing the territory’s emissions and ensuring energy remains affordable for Yukoners. We are very happy to see that the federal budget recognizes the importance of this initiative with an announcement of $32.2 million over two years, starting in 2022–23, from the expanded Low Carbon Economy Fund.

“We are also encouraged to see the Government of Canada recognize our commitment to address housing availability and affordability in the territory. The $30 million for affordable housing and related infrastructure in the Yukon will allow us to work with the Government of Canada to take further action to increase housing options for Yukoners. Nationally, $565 million over five years will go towards supporting housing for self-governing First Nations across the country, including those in the Yukon, which will be critical in improving health and social outcomes and to ensuring healthy First Nations communities. This funding demonstrates the tri-lateral relationship between the Government of Canada, the Government of Yukon and First Nations governments. This was discussed at the 2021 Yukon Days and we are pleased to see that the Government of Canada acknowledges the importance of government-to-government relations with self-governing First Nations.

“The federal budget also acknowledges that critical mineral mining projects are expensive and come with a unique set of challenges that can often include remote locations, changing prices, and lengthy regulatory processes. The introduction of a new 30 per cent Critical Mineral Exploration Tax Credit for specified mineral exploration expenses incurred in Canada will contribute to the Yukon’s growing mineral industry while securing good jobs for Yukoners.

“We look forward to continued conversations with our federal partners over the coming days and weeks to discuss specific details about how all of the initiatives in the Government of Canada’s 2022–23 budget will benefit Yukoners.”