Budget 2019-20
On March 7, Premier and Finance Minister Sandy Silver tabled the 2019-20 Budget. The Budget is focused on housing, health and education to meet the needs of a growing territory. It includes $25 million for housing, nearly $110 million for infrastructure, $214.5 million for education and over $140 million for health care. Learn more about the 2019-20 Budget here.
“This is a budget for Yukoners. It represents the needs of all industries and considers all communities.”
Premier Sandy Silver
Carbon Pricing Rebate
Premier Sandy Silver tabled legislation to govern Yukon’s carbon pricing rebate. Delivering on our campaign commitment, all carbon revenues collected by the federal government will be rebated to Yukon households, businesses and municipal and First Nations governments. The first rebates to individuals will arrive in October.
“Simply stated, the intent of the federal carbon levy is to make polluting more expensive, not to raise revenues for government. Yukon’s carbon-pricing rebate program makes this point explicit by returning all carbon levy revenues back to individuals, businesses and First Nations and municipal governments.”
Premier Sandy Silver
Paving Dawson City Airport Runway
This week Highways and Public Works Minister Richard Mostyn announced that the Dawson City Airport will be paved this summer. The airport runway will tentatively be closed for paving from Sunday, May 19, 2019 until midnight on Sunday, May 26, 2019, dependent on weather. The paving of the Dawson runway is a commitment our Liberal Caucus made during the 2016 election and one we are proud to keep. We are also pleased that a Yukon company, Skookum Asphalt Ltd, was awarded the paving contract. Enhancing our aviation industry is important to growing Yukon’s economy, particularly our tourism sector. We will ensure the airport meets the needs of the community and its stakeholders, and acts as a regional economic and jobs generator for the future. Learn more about the Dawson City Airport improvements here.
Mayo Aerodrome Upgrades
Minister Mostyn also announced a $5 million dollar investment to upgrade the Mayo aerodrome to the standards required to receive certification from Transport Canada as an airport. This work and approval will allow the airport to support scheduled service on a long-term basis, in anticipation of continued resource development in the area. Supporting economic development opportunities throughout Yukon is important to our Liberal Caucus and the upcoming work on the Mayo aerodrome is a demonstration of that commitment.
“In addition to the roads and bridges that keep our communities connected, our government is proud to be investing in our territory’s aviation infrastructure to support our communities and the local businesses that rely on air transportation to provide goods and services across the Yukon.”
Minister Richard Mostyn
Investing in Residential Lot Development
Community Services Minister John Streicker announced plans to invest over $19 million to develop lots in both Whitehorse and rural communities across Yukon in each of the next five years. In 2019, the Yukon government will release 240 lots in phases 3 and 4 of the Whistle Bend subdivision, including 19 multi-family lots designed to create density and affordability. Additionally, 20 new lots are planned for release in various communities across the territory, including Mayo and Watson Lake, either through the development of small subdivisions or the release of single lots. Minister Streicker also announced that the government has worked with the City of Whitehorse to identify seven rural and urban infill parcels for private development with the potential for up to 15 new lots, depending on the developer’s approach and zoning requirements.
“Our growing economy has increased demand for residential lots and housing, and we are working hard to meet these needs.”
Minister John Streicker
New Mixed Income Housing Project in Whitehorse
Minister responsible for the Yukon Housing Corporation Pauline Frost announced a major new project that will help address the need for affordable housing in Whitehorse. This year the Yukon Housing Corporation will be initiating work towards the development of a multi-unit, mixed income housing project at the corner of 4th Avenue and Jeckell Street. This project will support Yukon’s economy, generate construction jobs and contribute to addressing the housing shortage in Whitehorse.
“We have earmarked a total of $18 million for this project, which includes planning, design, and construction of the new building, beginning in the spring of 2020. This will mark our Liberal government’s most significant investment in housing since taking office.”
Minister Pauline Frost
New 10 year housing agreement with Government of Canada
This week Minister Frost and Yukon MP Larry Bagnell also signed a new 10-year agreement with the Government of Canada under the National Housing Strategy that will invest nearly $60 million to protect, renew and expand social and community housing and support Yukon’s priorities related to housing repair, construction, and affordability. Learn more about the new funding agreement here.
