FOR RELEASE
March 16, 2017
Government of Yukon, First Nations and industry stand together on key issues
Premier Silver attended the Yukon First Nation leadership meeting this week to discuss issues of importance to both Yukon and First Nation governments.
First Nations, the Government of Yukon and the Yukon Chamber of Mines confirmed their united support to have federal Bill C-17 passed by Parliament without change. C-17 repeals contentious amendments to the Yukon Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment Act. The three parties have also committed to address industry concerns around timelines and re-assessments through a collaborative framework.
Quotes
“We are pleased the Government of Yukon, First Nations and the mineral industry can come together to support the repeal of the contentious amendments that were made to the Yukon Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment Act. Repeal of these amendments is critical to re-establishing confidence in the development assessment process in Yukon and to honouring the intent of Final and Self-Government Agreements in Yukon.”
–Premier Sandy Silver
“Yukon First Nations look forward to working collaboratively with Yukon government and the Chamber of Mines to ensure the passage of Bill C-17, in its current form without changes. This will assist in providing certainty and improve First Nation relations in the mining industry in the Yukon.”
–Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston
“The mining industry is on the front lines of reconciliation, as exploration and development activities occur in the traditional territory of all Yukon First Nations. It is with this in mind that the resetting of the relationship between all orders of government brings the opportunity to address challenging issues around timelines & re-assessments through a collaborative framework moving forward.”
-Yukon Chamber of Mines President Mike Burke
Quick facts
Bill C-17 is scheduled to be brought forward in the federal House of Commons for second reading on March 22, 2017.
Learn more:
Open letter to Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada on Bill C-17
Contact:
Stephanie Brown
Council of Yukon First Nations
867-393-9223
communications.officer@nullcyfn.net
Sunny Patch
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7478
sunny.patch@nullgov.yk.ca
Shari-Lynn MacLellan
Communications, Aboriginal Relations, Executive Council Office
867-455-2811
shari-lynn.maclellan@nullgov.yk.ca
For electronic version, click here.