Whitehorse, Yukon –The Yukon Chamber of Mines (YCM) is releasing its industry priorities for the upcoming federal election and the four candidates vying to become the next Yukon Member of Parliament (MP). Election Day is Monday, April 28.
The YCM is calling for timely action and firm support by the next federal government to address challenges around permitting, power and ports and resource roads if the territory’s exploration and mining industry is to help lead a path to economic and social stability and security for Yukoners.
“With these priorities recognized and realized, the Yukon, and Canada, can solidify economic diversification and resilience while providing ethically-sourced raw materials for the technologies which make our lives and our livelihoods possible today and for the future,” says YCM Executive Director Jonas Smith.
Regarding permitting, the YCM is urging that Canada address delays in project approvals through adequate funding and clearly defined assessment roles and scope in order for the industry to function and therefore, contribute to the Yukon’s socio-economic reality.
Regarding power, the YCM is urging Canada to fulfil its commitment to the Yukon and nation-building via investment in a connection to the North American electrical grid in order to provide Yukoners with similar opportunities as southern Canadians.
Regarding ports and resource roads, the YCM urges Canada to maintain the Yukon’s access to tidewater by fostering relationships with Skagway and investing in northern BC port facilities, such as Stewart, and commit existing Yukon Resource Gateway Program funding first secured from Canada in 2017 for resource road development.
“The Yukon must improve what is within its control, right here at home,” continues Smith. “The Yukon’s mining and exploration industry can, and wants to contribute to the Yukon people, their progress and their prosperity and we expect the federal government to do its part to foster certainty for the industry and as a result, all Yukon residents and businesses.”
The YCM’s 2025 Federal Election Priorities (attached) is being provided to the Yukon’s Liberal Party, Conservative Party, Green Party and NDP Party candidates.
If responses are received by the Yukon federal candidates, they will be shared with the YCM membership; representing over 500 mining, exploration and service and supply companies working in the territory.
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Amanda Leslie
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