Since forming government in December, our Yukon Liberal caucus has been working to improve the lives of all Yukoners by committing to improved government to government relations with Yukon First Nations through a reinvigorated Yukon Forum, a tri-lateral approach to federal discussions, and by taking action in the spirit of reconciliation.
Highlights from the first 8 months:
Government to Government Relations
The Yukon Liberal Caucus meeting with Yukon First Nation Chiefs at the Yukon Forum in May.
1. Commitment to collaboration with Yukon First Nations governments renewed
The Yukon Forum allows the Yukon government and Yukon First Nations governments to decide on joint priorities and move forward together. Our Liberal caucus committed to holding the Yukon Forum four time annually, as agreed by Yukon chiefs. This year forums have taken place in January and May, with a third scheduled for September.
At the first Yukon Forum, the Intergovernmental Declaration was signed, and at the second forum Joint Priorities were outlined. Our caucus believes that the Self-Government Agreements map the way forward for all Yukoners, not just First Nations.
Left: Klondike MLA Sandy Silver joins in a historic water ceremony
Right: MLA Sandy Silver, in his role as Premier, attended meetings with federal counterparts in Ottawa along with government officials and Yukon First Nations Chiefs.
2. A strong tri-lateral approach
Yukon chiefs joined members of the Yukon Liberal caucus in Ottawa this spring for Yukon Days. Our caucus believes that a united approach is the most effective means of achieving federal programs, services and funding that meet Yukon’s needs.
The Yukon Liberal caucus stood with Yukon First Nations and the Yukon Chamber of Mines to show support for federal Bill C-17 which repeals contentious amendments to the Yukon Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment Act. Learn more.
In support of Yukon First Nations, MLA for Klondike Sandy Silver took part in a water ceremony held in Ottawa this March, in advance of the Peel Watershed appeal being heard by the Supreme Court of Canada.
3. Taking action together to strengthen Yukon’s economy
Our Liberal caucus is proud to support the Yukon government in taking action with Yukon First Nations to strengthen Yukon’s economy.
In March, the Yukon government and the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in reached an agreement on exploration notice.
While at the Mineral Exploration Roundup in Vancouver in January, the Government of Yukon and self-governing Yukon First Nations signed a memorandum of understanding. This MOU commits to a government-to-government relationship based upon respectful collaboration on processes related to mining in the Yukon.
Left: MLA for Mountainview Jeanie Dendys speaks on National Aboriginal Day in Whitehorse
Right: Yukoners listening to speakers at the Healing Totem on National Aboriginal Day
4. National Aboriginal Day becomes a statutory holiday
Our Liberal Caucus was proud to support National Aboriginal Day becoming a statutory holiday in Yukon. This year on June 21st, our caucus had the opportunity to celebrate National Aboriginal Day as a statutory holiday for the first time at events across the territory.
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