Government of Yukon
News archives
FOR RELEASE #05-133
May 17, 2005
Record Budget Highlights Spring Sitting Of Yukon Legislative Assembly
WHITEHORSE - The Government of Yukon's record capital and operations and maintenance budget of more than $784 million passed today as the first session of the 31st Legislative Assembly drew to a close in Whitehorse.
"This record budget, our second in a row of this magnitude, will continue the revival of the Yukon economy while further strengthening our social fabric," Yukon Premier Dennis Fentie said.
"The proof that this targeted spending is really working can be found in the latest statistics showing record low unemployment, among the lowest in all of Canada, rising population estimates and in the news that Yukon's gross domestic product rose 3.7 percent in 2004, compared to an increase of only .3 percent in 2003, and .2 percent in 2002.
"Along with adding more fuel to the now vibrant economy here, this latest Yukon Party budget makes further sweeping investments in Health and Social Services, Economic Development, Education and in building and road projects of all kinds, right across the Yukon," Fentie added.
Some highlights of the 2005-2006 Budgets include:
- $43 million more for capital projects;
- Multi-care facilities for Watson Lake and Dawson City;
- $100,000 for Aboriginal Woman and Wellness initiatives;
- FASD action plan plus an increase in funding for FASSY;
- New millions flowing for health care, economic development, Territorial Formula Financing, and the Northern Strategy;
- $22 Million for Waterfront Development;
- Additional funds for CDF, Firesmart, Tourism Marketing and Scenic Drives;
- Increase to Education budget for First Nations studies, cultural programs; and
- Extension of Kindergarten.
Along with the many budgetary measures dealt with during the spring sitting of the legislature, a bill dealing with local government in Dawson city was one of the other bills that passed the assembly.
"The Dawson Municipal Governance Restoration Act is just one of the steps this government is taking in addressing the crisis in that community and in setting the stage for municipal elections there in the fall," Fentie said.
"Again this session, MLAs from all parties supported a government side motion, in this case on an issue that has drawn headlines right across Canada. I am confident that the unanimous support given our motion calling on the federal and Alberta governments to come forward with assistance for Mackenzie Olsen, the former Mayo resident needing expensive ongoing medical treatment, played a role in drawing more national attention to his plight and in getting some of his needs addressed."
Detailed information on the 2005-2006 budgets can be found at http://www.finance.gov.yk.ca/ in the “What’s New” column.
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Contact:
Peter Carr
Cabinet Communications Advisor
(867) 667-8688
peter.carr@gov.yk.ca