Government of Yukon

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FOR RELEASE     #08-064
March 20, 2008

2008-09 Budget Investing in Yukon Future

WHITEHORSE – The Government of Yukon’s 2008-2009 Capital and Operations and Maintenance budget, totaling $899.7 million, was tabled in the legislative assembly today by Premier Dennis Fentie.

“This year’s budget will allow the government to make a substantial investment in the territory’s future,” Fentie said. “It continues to support our plan and vision for Yukon that we started in 2002.

“This budget focuses on investment in quality of life, environment, infrastructure, and of course our ongoing priority to diversify and develop Yukon’s economy,” Fentie added. “Solid fiscal management throughout our mandate has given us the ability to deliver on these many investments.”

This year’s budget is a balanced budget, which includes $697 million in Operations and Maintenance spending and $202.7 million in Capital spending.

Included in the budget, subject to approval by the legislative assembly, is over $40 million in new infrastructure work this coming fiscal year including $8.9 million for the reconstruction of southern portions of the Campbell Highway, $8.3 million for a major expansion at the Whitehorse Airport, and $345,000 on the new visitors’ centre in the Tombstone National Park.

There is over $1 million going toward the environment: $200,000 to begin a five-year project to research and develop climate change adaptations for Yukon communities, $130,000 for a Climate Change Action Plan, and $505,000 for an extension of fish, wildlife and habitat surveys.

“These investments will help ensure that future generations inherit a strong and healthy Yukon,” Fentie said. “The environment is a priority for this government.”

Also included in the budget is $7.155 million in land claims funding, $5.592 million toward the replacement of the Whitehorse Correctional Centre, $960,000 for the initial planning stages of a 30-unit affordable housing complex, and $555,237 for the development of a two-year Licensed Practical Nurse Program at Yukon College.

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Below: 2008-09 Budget Highlights

Contact:
Roxanne Vallevand
Cabinet Communications
(867) 633-7949
roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca


2008-09 BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS

Quality of Life

  • $6.67 million, under Territorial Health Access Fund to improve community health services
  • $6.3 million for child care to increase subsidies, number of parents eligible for subsidies and increase wages for child care staff
  • $5.592 million toward the replacement of the Whitehorse Correctional Centre
  • $960,000  to develop a 30 unit affordable housing complex
  • $555,237 for the development of a two-year Licensed Practical Nurse Program at Yukon College

A Pristine Environment

  • $505,000 for extension of fish, wildlife and habitat surveys
  • $428,000 to establish a program area to oversee identification, assessment and remediation activities
  • $200,000 to begin a five-year project to research  and develop climate change adaptations for Yukon communities
  • $153,000 to continue a three-year project with the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council to determine climate change impacts on the Yukon River
  • $130,000 for a Climate Change Action Plan

Diversified Private Sector Economy

  • $31 million for reconstruction of southern portions of Campbell Highway over the next three years
  • $10 million for construction of hydro power line from Carmacks to Pelly
  • $8.3 million for major expansion of Whitehorse Air Terminal building and parking lot development
  • $1.696 million for mobile communications infrastructure for emergency responders and Yukon government users

Good Governance

  • $244 million for seven-year Building Canada Plan
  • $7.155 million in Land Claims Funding
  • $400,000 for the Recruitment Incentive Fund
  • $200,000 as Yukon government’s contribution for Five Year Review of YESAA
  • Nine Year Review Report on the Yukon First Nation Final and Self Government Agreements