The Government of Yukon has reached an agreement with Yukon First Nations on a new process to complete new minerals legislation within this government’s current mandate.
Work on new legislation will cover every stage of the life cycle of mining activity, from prospecting to the operation of a mine and the eventual closure and remediation of a site. It will replace the Quartz Mining Act and Placer Act, which have been in place for more than a century.
Work with First Nations with Final Agreements will be coordinated at a few levels. An Oversight Group will include the Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources and the Chiefs Committee on Mining. A Collaborative Development Group will include senior officials from the Government of Yukon and First Nations governments. Working groups will also be formed to address specific issues. The Collaborative Development Group and working groups will seek advice from industry representatives as needed.
Work with First Nations without Final Agreements and transboundary Indigenous governments and groups will be done on a government-to-government basis, with the possibility of collective tables where appropriate.
This process will allow all relevant parties to participate in the development of the legislation and help ensure all perspectives are brought forward to develop this legislation.
Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in is pleased to have worked closely with the Government of Yukon and other Yukon First Nations to create a pathway for the collaborative development of new minerals legislation. Since the signing of the Devolution Transfer Agreement 25 years ago, Yukon First Nations have consistently called for updated resource legislation that upholds modern approaches to land stewardship and accurately reflects the realities of the industry as it exists today, rather than relying on outdated approaches from the past. We are hopeful that this agreement will support respectful, government-to-government dialogue grounded in our shared responsibilities. While this marks a positive step forward, we recognize that there is much important work ahead and we look forward to beginning in a good way.
Modern minerals legislation will allow us to more effectively manage mineral activity in the Yukon. It can lead to better environmental outcomes and improved clarity and certainty for governments and industry, and ensure that the benefits of mineral activity remain in the Yukon. We look forward to collaborating with Yukon First Nations and transboundary Indigenous governments and groups, as well as with industry stakeholders, on a path forward to work on the completion of new minerals legislation.
Tim Kucharuk
Press secretary, Cabinet Communications
867-335-2419
[email protected]
John Thompson
Communications, Energy, Mines and Resources
867-332-6042
[email protected]