Government of Yukon


FOR RELEASE     #05-006
January 12, 2005


Yukon Premier To Make Speaking Appearance Before Empire Club

WHITEHORSE - Premier Dennis Fentie will be outlining the dramatic and profound impact two major projects will have in determining the Yukon's future and shifting the focus of all Canadians towards a new national vision for the North to an audience of some of Canada’s most influential citizens this Friday.

Fentie's appearance at the luncheon of the Empire Club is part of that organization's 'Premier Series' of speaking events where Canada's first ministers address the theme of 'My Canada… Today and Tomorrow.'  The Empire Club was established in 1903 and is recognized as one of Canada's oldest and most respected speakers' forums.

In his remarks, Fentie will highlight two projects that will benefit both the Yukon and Canada; the Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline and the proposed rail link between Alaska and northern BC. The rail link through the Yukon would remove the last gap in the North American rail network and open both the Yukon and Alaska to new markets.

Fentie will also talk about the 2007 Canada Winter games here in Whitehorse. These 40th anniversary games will mark the first time Canada's top winter sporting event will be staged north of 60, and Fentie will tell the Toronto audience that he views it as a tremendous opportunity to showcase the territory to a huge national audience.

The Empire Club events are held in the historic Fairmont Royal York Hotel in downtown Toronto. Over its history, club members have been addressed by more than 2,500 prominent Canadian and international leaders.

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Contact:
Peter Carr
Cabinet Communications Advisor
(867) 667-8688
peter.carr@gov.yk.ca

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