Bill C-17 is currently on its way to second reading in the federal House of Commons. Bill C-17 repeals contentious amendments to the Yukon Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment Act. On March 13, 2017, an open letter asking for Bill C-17 to be supported was sent to the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, Carolyn Bennett, from Premier Silver, CYFN Grand Chief Peter Johnston, and Yukon Chamber of Mines President Mike Burke.
Read the open letter here.
Today in the legislature, members debated a motion put forward by Yukon Liberal MLA Ted Adel for the House to continue support for federal Bill C-17. The motion passed unanimously.
Speaking to the motion the Premier stated,
“I look forward to passing this motion as amended today with all members’ support and, in doing so, sending a clear message to the Senate: move forward on Bill C‑17 in the House of Commons. I think it’s crucial to resetting the relationship between the Government of Canada, Yukon and Yukon First Nations. Improving these relationships is a priority for the federal government, and progress on this issue will support that commitment. As we have seen today, that is a commitment that we have all shared here in the Legislative Assembly.”
In closing the debate, Ted Adel spoke on reconciliation and Yukon’s economy.
“This Motions sets us on a course toward reconciliation, to acknowledging the Final Agreements and First Nations integral role in sustainable resource development. It will have a major impact on the future of Yukon’s mining industry, by providing a more stable economic environment for investment.”
