Throne Speech 2003-2004First session of the thirty-first Yukon Legislative Assembly February 27, 2003
WORKING TOGETHER FOR A BETTER FUTURE As we come together on this 27th day of February, 2003, we reflect back on a time thirty years and thirteen days ago when a delegation representing Yukon First Nations presented their land claim Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow to the Government of Canada. This presentation was a landmark event in the history of Yukon. While many of those who presented the claim are no longer with us, their spirit and their vision live on. My government is committed to implementing that vision by working together today with Yukon First Nations and other Yukoners to provide for a better future for all of our children tomorrow. These are challenging and uncertain times for the territory, the country and the world. The tragic events of 9/11 and its aftermath have clearly demonstrated that the Yukon is not isolated, insulated or immune from happenings on the world stage. Yukoners both at home and abroad have experienced the impact of these tragic events first hand. These events have occurred at a time when the Yukon is in economic recession and they have added to our burden. Since 1996, over three thousand Yukoners have chosen to leave the territory to seek their livelihoods elsewhere. Many of these Yukoners are in the 25 to 34 age group with young families. They are our future and they are leaving. My government is committed to reversing this trend. On November 4, 2002, we received a mandate from the people of Yukon to bring about the necessary changes to rebuild the Yukon economy and create a better life for Yukoners both now and in the future.
ESTABLISHING PRIORITIES These priorities include:
REBUILDING THE ECONOMY Traditionally, the Yukon has been known for its resource-based economy - dependent primarily upon hard rock and placer mining. Unsettled land claims, a complex permitting regime controlled by the federal government and the process for creating protected areas have created uncertainty in the investment community. The net result has been a serious decline in mining exploration and development in the territory. The forest industry has suffered a similar fate in being denied long-term access to timber. The oil and gas industry has considerable potential especially in southeast and north Yukon. Gaining recognition as a unique destination, tourism is now the Yukon’s leading industry. Building on past successes, new opportunities in niche markets are promising. My government is committed to rejuvenating the resource sector, enhancing tourism and diversifying the economy by promoting the development of other industries such as film, culture and information technology. This government has established a stand-alone Department of Economic Development and reinstated the Department of Tourism and Culture. Both departments will be tasked with strategically creating economic success. Investment in the resource sector will be promoted through the creation of a resource permitting regime modelled on the successful regimes that are currently in use in other jurisdictions such as Manitoba, Quebec and Ontario. Further, a regulation task force will be established to review government policies, regulations and legislation in order to eliminate duplication, and reduce administrative requirements and compliance costs. There is a renewed sense of optimism in the resource sector. In December, at Resource Expo 2002 Conference on Aboriginal Energy and Resource Development in Calgary, there was considerable interest expressed by the oil and gas industry in the territory, particularly in the southeast Yukon. Similarly in January 2003 at the Cordilleran Roundup, a major mining event in Vancouver, mining companies were expressing a renewed interest in exploration in the Yukon. Obviously high gold prices and the recent emerald discovery are sparking this interest. Programs such as FireSmart and the Community Development Fund have been reinstated and have been utilised this winter to put Yukoners to work. Of the $1.5 million allocated to FireSmart, $1.2 million has already been approved and is funding applications from fourteen First Nation governments and thirteen communities. As for the interim Community Development Fund, there have been $7 million in applications by the February 7, 2003 deadline for this $3.5 million fund, which shows the high degree of interest in this program. My government is also committed to investing in energy and transportation infrastructure that will serve both tourism and the resource industries. With the approval of the Kaska Nation and the Town of Watson Lake, the development of a resource access road in the southeast Yukon would open up this resource-rich area for mining, oil & gas and forestry. The territory has been blessed with an abundance of natural resources that if developed in an environmentally responsible manner, should be able to promote and sustain a vibrant and healthy economy. The challenge facing my government is to develop a sustainable economy that is based on the private sector rather than on transfer payments from the Government of Canada.
COMPLETING AND IMPLEMENTING LAND CLAIMS For thirty years the Government of Yukon and First Nations have been sitting across from one another at the land claims negotiating table. At the present time, eight of the fourteen Yukon First Nations have finalised their land claims settlements. If requested by First Nations, my government is prepared to assist in completing the unfinished business, whether it be helping with the ratification process for the four First Nations that have signed Memorandums of Understanding, or in re-engaging the federal government in negotiations with the two First Nations that have not reached final agreements. The respective parties have invested years of negotiation in the land claims process and my government will do everything within its power to bring this process to a successful conclusion. My government is committed to fully implementing the land claims agreements that have been reached and to make them living, working documents. FORMALISING A GOVERNMENT TO GOVERNMENT RELATIONSHIP WITH FIRST NATIONS My government is committed as a priority to establishing a government to government relationship with First Nations based on mutual respect, consultation and collaboration for the better operation of all governments in the territory, with the objective of reducing barriers and providing more cost-effective services to all Yukon citizens. This relationship will extend to all areas of governance including the economy, education, health, justice, social and community services. Recently announced agreements with the Kwanlin Dun First Nation and the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation are in keeping with this major commitment of my government. MAKING FIRST NATIONS FULL PARTNERS IN THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE TERRITORY Making First Nations a full partner in the economic development of the territory is an important priority. For far too long, Yukon First Nations have experienced the impact of development while experiencing few of the economic benefits. The Klondike Gold Rush of 1898 and the construction of the Alaska Highway in 1942 are two major examples. It is time for First Nations to receive their fair share of economic benefits from resource development within their traditional territories. First Nations are being invited to share in the burdens of the decision-making process as well as share in the economic benefits resulting from these decisions. My government is taking what it calls a “Team Yukon” approach to governance with First Nations in order to create a positive investment climate in the territory. By working together, my government believes it is possible to align the economic interests of the First Nation governments with those of the Government of Yukon. It is the objective of my government to develop a governance regime that will provide the certainty resource investors need to make positive decisions about investing in Yukon’s resources. This will lead to jobs for all Yukoners. IMPLEMENTING AND IMPROVING DEVOLUTION My government is committed to implementing and improving devolution. On April 1, 2003, my government will assume the responsibility under the Devolution Transfer Agreement, for the control and management of the territory’s mineral, land, forest and water resources. Devolution will allow my government to manage and develop the territory’s resource wealth for the benefit of all Yukon people both now and in the future. Devolution will allow my government to implement policies and regulatory regimes that will contribute to a prosperous and competitive economy. Devolution can also serve as a useful tool to help restore investor confidence in the territory. While my government is committed to implementing devolution, it also recognises that there are major problems with both the Devolution Transfer Agreement and the new Yukon Act that need to be addressed. One major problem concerns devolution proceeding before the completion of the Liard First Nation’s land claim, the settlement of the Ross River Dena Council and the Kaska Nation trans-boundary claims, as well as possibly before the ratification of the four First Nations that have signed memorandums of understanding. The Kaska Nation plans to challenge devolution in the courts on May 13, 2003 and my government has employed a negotiator to seek an abeyance agreement prior to this date. Outside land claims and the abeyance agreement, my government is developing an economic partnership with the Kaska with the objective of opening up southeast Yukon to mutually acceptable resource development. Should my government be successful in reaching an agreement in southeast Yukon where land claims remain outstanding, the task should be made that much easier in reaching agreements with other First Nations that have land claim agreements or who are in the ratification process. By involving First Nations in the resource development decision-making process, my government believes devolution will provide the land and resource certainty that industry is seeking and will contribute positively in rebuilding the Yukon economy. Other major problems with devolution concern the transfer of federal employees to the Government of Yukon, funding for forest fire suppression, environmental liability and mine site reclamations as well as issues relating to the Crown in Right of Yukon, and the recognition of the territory’s northern offshore boundaries in the Beaufort Sea. My government is committed to working to correct these deficiencies over the course of its mandate. ACHIEVING A BALANCE BETWEEN THE ECONOMY AND THE ENVIRONMENT In order to rebuild the Yukon economy, there must be a proper balance between economic development and environmental protection. My government is committed to achieving this priority while respecting the environment. Towards balance, my government has discontinued the existing Yukon Protected Areas Strategy while continuing with the significant obligations under the land claims agreements for Special Management Areas. The ultimate establishment of protected areas must be through a process of negotiation with all Yukon partners and stakeholders, which strikes a balance between environmental protection and responsible development. On January 31, 2003, my government and the Vuntut Gwitchin signed an agreement that established the boundaries of the Fishing Branch Park and work will proceed on implementing the management plan. The recent decision by the Minister of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to phase out the Yukon Placer Authorisation that has been in place for a decade has once again demonstrated the need to reach a proper balance between the operational needs of the placer mining industry and the responsibility of DFO to protect fish habitat. The Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development has estimated that 56% of placer mining operations in the territory will have to shut down because of the new water quality standards. My government is committed to working with the mining industry, First Nation governments and the federal minister to resolve the current impasse. It must be recognised that many Yukon rivers such as the White River are naturally silty and still fish are found in them. Clean drinking water is a resource Yukoners treasure and my government is committed to taking measures to ensure its safety. It will also initiate measures to deal with hazardous waste such as waste oil as well as promote recycling in order to keep our environment clean. In view of developing economic pressures, my government will continue to support the initiatives of the Vuntut Gwitchin to preserve and protect the Porcupine Caribou Herd. In developing and diversifying the Yukon economy, my government honours its obligation to protect the Yukon’s environment and its fish and wildlife. ACHIEVING A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE All of the foregoing priorities of my government will mean little if they do not lead to improving the quality of life of Yukon residents and create healthy, vibrant communities. People are Yukon’s most precious resource and how well a society cares for their citizens from the very young to the very old is of paramount importance. The Yukon, like its two sister territories, is confronted with ever increasing health care costs that can no longer be sustained and the Canadian Health Services Transfer Program that provides federal funding for provincial health care is of little assistance to the northern territories because of their small populations, vast distances and high costs. My government has joined with the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Government of Nunavut to seek an accord with the Government of Canada that will address the high cost of providing health care North of Sixty. Alcohol and drug abuses are endemic Yukon problems. As a consequence, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is one of the most serious, all pervasive Yukon problems that is affecting our education, health care, justice and social service systems. My government is committed to implementing a five-step action plan to deal with this FASD affliction. My government must ensure that the right programs are being delivered to those in most need on a priority basis and that the best services possible are being delivered in the most cost-effective manner. Yukon’s public and advanced education system must provide Yukon students with the necessary skills to prepare them for the job market, responsible citizenship and lifelong learning. My government is committed to promoting excellence in education and providing assistance to both students and teachers in achieving this goal. As well, appropriate training programs will exist so Yukoners can get jobs resulting from local economic opportunities. The provision of affordable, quality childcare is also of concern to my government and is being examined, as are measures to promote the well being of the Yukon’s elders and seniors such as increasing the Pioneer Utility Grant. The territory has artistic, educational, health, social and recreational services and facilities that are second to none in Canada. This government believes in our cultural and heritage resources and recognises the value they bring to all Yukoners and the tourism industry. The challenges facing my government in preserving and maintaining the quality of life in the Yukon are many and varied. My government is committed to meeting these challenges. PRACTISING GOOD GOVERNMENT Practising good government is another important priority of my government. It is adopting an inclusive approach to governance based upon consensus, consultation, collaboration and where need be - compromise. In the legislature, this approach means my government will be seeking support for an all-party committee on appointments to major boards and committees as well as an all-party agreement on a code of conduct and decorum in the legislature. It will also lead to the establishment of a commission to examine electoral reform. This approach means working with Yukoners and the Yukon public service to ensure government programs and services, as well as the structure of government, are designed to meet the needs of Yukoners. I have already mentioned the reinstatement of the Departments of Economic Development and Tourism and Culture. In addition, the Department of Infrastructure is being renamed as the Department of Highways and Public Works and the Women’s Directorate will be restored to its previous status. This collaborative approach is also being utilised to develop a Pan-Northern co-operative relationship with the Northwest Territories and Nunavut as well as with the State of Alaska and the Province of British Columbia. Health care, northern pipelines and a Pan-Northern Economic Agreement are all matters where the three territories can co-operate for their mutual benefit. My government believes that the three northern territories working collectively together will be better able to achieve their objectives with the federal and provincial governments than by working in isolation. During this sitting, Honourable members will be asked to consider the 2003/04 Capital and Operation and Maintenance Budget, an Act to Amend the Pioneer Utility Act, Amendments to The Fuel Oil Tax Act, An Act to Amend the Supreme Court Act, an Act to Amend The Territorial Court Act and an Act to Repeal The Government Accountability Act. In addition to these Bills, Members will be asked to consider Mirror Legislation that will give legislative force and effect to the Devolution Transfer Agreement effective April 1, 2003. The Mirror Legislation includes The Placer Mining Act, The Quartz Mining Act, The Territorial Lands (Yukon) Act, The Waters Act and The Environmental Assessment Act.
May divine providence attend your deliberations. I thank you in our Sovereign’s name. God Bless Yukon and God Bless Canada.
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Government of Yukon |
Last Updated 31-10-2005