Premier Silver clears the confusion on carbon pricing, and budget debate continues in the legislature. Read on for a few of this week’s highlights.
Premier sets the record straight on Carbon Pricing
The Yukon Party raised questions once again on the coming federal carbon pricing this week. Premier Silver reiterated a statement made many times before, that there is no blanket exemption from the federal carbon tax for any province or territory. Instead of trying to oppose the inevitable, our caucus is proactively working with the federal government to find ways to ensure federal carbon pricing does what it’s meant to- reduce emissions and protect our environment- while ensuing Yukon individuals and businesses are not unfairly penalized.
Premier Silver also pointed out that the Yukon Liberal caucus is currently part of a federal working group studying the economic impacts of carbon pricing implementation, with results expected this fall. This research will help us find a unique solution for how the federal carbon backstop will work for all Yukoners.
The Premier shared a statement from federal Minister of Environment, Catherine McKenna, which states:
“We will discuss how a price on pollution will apply given the unique circumstances of the North; not whether a price on pollution will apply.”
The Premier also shared the Yukon Liberal’s stance on federal carbon pricing.
“The Yukon Party doesn’t believe in man-made climate change or they don’t believe in carbon pricing. I’m not really sure exactly which one it is or if it’s both, but I believe — and so does everybody on this side of the floor — that carbon pricing is a cost-effective way for Canada to reduce its emissions. It will encourage innovation in renewable energy and efficiencies and will help build a foundation of a low-carbon and resilient economy. That’s the opinion of the Yukon Liberals. That’s what we campaigned on and that’s what won us part and parcel of a majority government here in the Yukon, because Yukoners want to do their part.”
Paying Tribute to Aboriginal Awareness Week
National Aboriginal Day and Aboriginal Awareness Week are opportunities to recognize and to celebrate the culture, heritage and achievements of indigenous people in Canada. This week, Premier Silver gave tribute to Aboriginal Awareness Week in the Legislature.
“Yukon First Nations are huge contributors to Yukon’s governance, to its well-being, culture and to the economy. Partnerships and collaboration with First Nation governments and people are critical to the success of this territory.”
The Premier also shared that the “Mapping the Way” initiative, which is a collaboration between self-governing First Nations, Council of Yukon First Nations and the territorial and federal governments, has recently launched a Facebook Page to help the public learn more about land claims and self-government agreements and the ways that they affect the lives of all Yukoners.
Debate on 2016/17 Budget Continues
This week the Legislative Assembly continued debate on the 2016/17 budget, with debate on the department of Finance, the Executive Council Office, and the department of Education. Budget highlights for the department of Education include:
- $422,000 to implement a new school curriculum.
- $4 million to increase school staffing.
- Expanded training opportunities for Yukoners.
- $145,000 towards operational and activity funding related to the cultural component of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation Learning Centre.
To follow this debate, you can find daily transcripts of the Legislate here.
View the 2016/17 Budget and Budget highlight document here.
This week’s Tributes
Aboriginal Awareness Week
Vadzaih Choo Drin, or Caribou Days
Dawson International Gold Show
National Public Works Week
The junior rural experiential model
Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month
ReVEAL artists
Hemochromatosis Awareness Month
