FOR RELEASE
June 26, 2017
Government officials meet to begin discussions on mining work plan
Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources Ranj Pillai and Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston attended today’s inaugural meeting of government officials representing the parties who signed the Mining Memorandum of Understanding earlier this year.
The Mining Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) established a government-to-government relationship that enables the Government of Yukon and First Nation Chiefs to identify priorities and work together to achieve concrete improvements to the management of mineral resources in Yukon, such as matters related to mineral prospecting, exploration, mine development, production, reclamation, closure and post-closure management.
Quotes
“The Government of Yukon continues to build relationships with First Nations based on respect and a collective interest in achieving results. Together we will work to facilitate mining activity that is consistent with the Final and Self-Government Agreements and meets our shared desire for environmental protection, and social and economic prosperity.”
–Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources Ranj Pillai
“Self-governing First Nations look forward to advancing the items identified in the Mining Memorandum of Understanding work plan. Today’s meeting demonstrated the critical importance of the work to be done.”
–CYFN Grand Chief Peter Johnston
Quick facts
The parties that signed the Mining Memorandum of Understanding agreed to work together in a respectful and collaborative manner on processes related to mining in Yukon. The MOU coordinates the work that has been occurring on several mining initiatives so that all parties are best able to focus their resources to achieve success.
The Self-Governing First Nations’ leadership has established priorities for discussions under the MOU and has appointed Jim Harper and Daryn Leas to represent them in the ongoing MOU discussions, supported by a First Nations caucus.
The Yukon government is represented by Energy, Mines and Resources Strategic Initiatives Assistant Deputy Minister John Bailey in the ongoing MOU discussions.
Contact:
Stephanie Brown
Communications, Council of Yukon First Nations
867-393-9200 ext 9223
communications.officer@nullcyfn.net
Sunny Patch
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7478
sunny.patch@nullgov.yk.ca
Sue Thomas
Communications, Energy, Mines and Resources
867-667-5809
sue.thomas@nullgov.yk.ca