FOR RELEASE     #08-054
March 17, 2008

WHITEHORSE – Energy, Mines and Resources Minister Archie Lang announced that, subject to legislative approval, the Yukon government will provide $329,000 for the operations of the Yukon Placer Secretariat during the 2008-09 fiscal year.

The secretariat was established in 2005 by the Yukon government, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Council of Yukon First Nations to finalize and implement the new Yukon placer regime.

“The funding for the coming year will allow the secretariat to continue its important work,” Lang said. “The end result will be a made-in-Yukon solution that will support a sustainable placer mining industry in the territory, and conserve and protect fish and fish habitat.”

The secretariat is currently revising regime components. They are expected to be complete and published in final form within the next month, so that the regime may be implemented for the 2008 mining season. A consultation report will also be published in the coming weeks. The last phase of the process will then begin, during which the secretariat will hold meetings to report back to communities on the comments received and changes to the regime.

“The placer mining industry is an important sector in the economy of both the Klondike riding and  Yukon as a whole,” Klondike MLA, Steve Nordick said. “Many of my constituents have participated in the secretariat’s consultation process and were appreciative of the opportunity to make comments on how the industry will be managed.”

After the regime is finalized, the secretariat will guide ongoing implementation efforts and facilitate the participation of stakeholders, First Nations and other interested parties in decision-making related to the regime. It will also coordinate monitoring programs and ensure the adaptive management process operates effectively.

For more information, visit www.yukonplacersecretariat.ca.

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