Dear Yukoners,
It has been an exciting and full year since the night of November 7, 2016, when my colleagues and I waited with anticipation to hear the results of the election. Hearing the news that I had been elected to represent the constituents of Porter Creek South is a moment I will never forget. I am honoured to be serving the people of Porter Creek South, and it is because of your support and belief in myself and our team that I am here. Thank you.
This past year I’ve made it a priority to spend time with and support the constituents who made it possible for me to be here today, through visits to people’s homes, constituency events, attending Porter Creek Community Association and school council meetings, and always taking the time to answer the phone. My work continues with city officials and administration on shared priorities in the riding- safe crossings and city transit being two examples. I am listening to what you are saying, and I want you to know that my door is always open and I look forward to continuing our dialogue.
It is an incredible opportunity to do meaningful work for Yukoners as the Minister of Economic Development and Energy, Mines and Resources, and the Minister responsible for the Yukon Development Corporation and Yukon Energy Corporation. I want to sincerely thank the public service for their adaptability and willingness to shift focus to the goals and priorities of this government. I applaud the work we have done together to date, and I look forward to forging ahead on this path to a thriving, sustainable Yukon.
A few Highlights from 2017:
- Signed the Mining Memorandum of Understanding with CYFN Grand Chief Peter Johnston and Chiefs of all 11 Self-Governing Yukon First Nations.
- Signed the Canadian Agriculture Partnership Framework Agreement, which commits $1.48 million annually for five years to Yukon agriculture.
- Doubled the Regional Economic Development fund budget from $405,000 to $800,000.
- Increasing organizational capacity and regional economic development with funding for 12 community-led projects across Yukon.
- Providing over $68,000 to Solvest Inc, Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and Old Crow Development to test a variety of solar power options.
- Continued commitment to the moratorium on fracking in Yukon.
- Co-hosted the Renewables in Remote Communities Conference, which attracted many international attendees.
- Increased funding to the Yukon Mineral Exploration Program to $1.6 million, and created module for placer exploration.
- $150,000 through the Community Development Fund to support the Teslin Development Corporation’s biomass heating project.
- $300,000 commitment to support Trond’ek Hwech’in strategic mining initiatives.
