Premier Sandy Silver encouraged by federal budget support for Yukon initiatives

WHITEHORSE – Yukon Premier Sandy Silver says he is pleased the latest federal budget is moving to address concerns facing Northern Canada.

A statement from the premier says the territory is “happy” the federal Low Carbon Economy Fund will commit $32.2 million over two years to an ambitious hydro expansion project in southwestern Yukon near the B.C. boundary.

Silver says the funding shows Ottawa recognizes the importance of the Atlin Hydro Expansion Project, a partnership between Yukon and the Taku River Tlingit First Nation.

The premier says the budget’s $30-million pledge for affordable housing and related infrastructure in Yukon is “encouraging,” while the territory’s Indigenous communities will share in the $565-million, five-year fund to support housing for self-governing First Nations across the country,

Silver also approves of the creation of a new 30 per cent tax credit for mineral exploration, saying it will aid the growing industry in Yukon while securing good jobs for residents.

He says inclusion of the tax credit in Thursday’s budget “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.”

Silver’s statement says his government looks forward to upcoming discussions with federal partners as the details of the various budget initiatives are finalized.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 8, 2022.