Today the Government of Yukon released the Yukon Water Strategy and Action Plan five-year report. It was presented at the fourth annual Yukon Water Forum hosted by the Government of Yukon and Carcross/Tagish First Nation.
The final report highlights key actions taken since the water strategy was put into place in 2014. These initiatives include work from the Government of Yukon, federal, First Nations, and municipal governments, as well as researchers, industry, and community organizations. The actions include:
- creating a Yukon government groundwater program;
- increasing water monitoring across the territory; and
- providing enhanced technical advice to inform decision-making processes.
The report also provides information on ongoing work and future priorities, including:
- improving flood forecasting tools to ensure communities are more resilient to climate change;
- continuing to develop a wetland policy;
- advancing transboundary water management agreements; and
- coordinating efforts to monitor surface and groundwater quality and quantity.
This report marks the end of the Yukon Water Strategy and Action Plan, but not the end of our ongoing work with partners to sustainably manage and conserve Yukon’s most vital resource—our water. Thank you to all those who helped implement this water strategy. I look forward to ongoing collaboration with Yukon water stewards and managers to ensure our water is managed responsibly.
Minister of Environment Pauline Frost
We are part of the land and part of the water! As the Headwaters of the Yukon River, it is crucial for Carcross/Tagish First Nation to have dialogue in respect to water. We are Revitalizing our Tlingit and Tagish water laws and looking at developing a joint working group and developing a joint water legislation. Most importantly, people need to be educated on Spiritual aspects surrounding water. This forum was the perfect place to have that dialogue and strengthen relationships.
Carcross/Tagish First Nation Haa Shaa du Hen Lynda Dickson
The Yukon Water Strategy and Action Plan was released in June 2014 to help create Yukon government’s current water program. The final report marks the end of the strategy period; however, initiatives started under the strategy will remain ongoing.
The Yukon Water Forum is a commitment under Yukon’s Water Strategy and Action Plan and allows those that work in water management to exchange information, collaboratively address water issues and promote continuous improvements. The Water Forum is hosted every two years.
This year’s event brought together more than 100 water stewards and managers from governments, renewable resource councils, organizations, universities and businesses from across the territory to discuss water governance initiatives, Tlingit and Tagish languages, community monitoring and the health of water.
Matthew Cameron
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7136
matthew.cameron@gov.yk.ca
Diana Dryburgh-Moraal
Communications, Environment
867-334-9815
diana.dryburgh-moraal@gov.yk.ca
Daphne Pelletier Vernier
Communications, Carcross/Tagish First Nation
867-821-4251 ext. 8235
daphne.vernier@ctfn.ca