The 2019 Federal Budget was released this week with major funding to Yukon. Mining Sector investment and spending and French Immersion programming was also covered this week in Question Period.
The second week in the Legislature wrapped up on Thursday with the release of the 2019 federal budget and the impact it has on Yukon.
Over the next six years, the federal budget is promising nearly $1-billion dollars to settle land claims; $1.2-billion dollars to expand health and social services for First Nations children across Canada; and $739-million dollars for drinking water.
In a statement from Premier Sandy Silver, he said that Government of Canada’s 2019-20 budget includes a number of important allocations for Yukon.
Yukon First Nations Governments will receive credit or reimbursement for the cost of negotiating and settling land claims agreements and a huge increase in funding has been allocated for Indigenous Languages over the next few years.
Yukon College received $26 million dollars for a new science building and the Yukon Government received an increase of $50 million dollars in transfer payments.
The premier also highlighted the $400 million dollars for transportation infrastructure in the three territories and doubling of the Federal Gas Tax funding that is so vital to Yukon municipalities.
Over the next five years the Mineral Exploration Tax Credit will continue to support Yukon’s mining industry and the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency will receive $75 million dollars to enhance its economic development program.
Mining sector development and mineral exploration investment was an issue covered in question period this week. While different amounts of investment and spending are being reported for the mining sector. Minister of Energy Mines and Resources Ranj Pillai noted that activity is up and business is looking good this year.
Minister of Health and Social Services Pauline Frost responded to more questions about Yukon’s Comprehensive Health Care Review and the findings of the expert panel, which are expected to be released soon.
Finally, Minister of Education Tracy Anne McPhee also responded to questions about French Immersion programming and school catchment areas. McPhee confirmed that enrollment in Yukon’s French Immersion programs has exceeded capacity, but reassured Yukoners that every effort will be made to make sure that Yukon students who want French Immersion will not be turned away.
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