Public engagement begins on new minerals legislation

Press Release

08/02/2023

The Government of Yukon, in collaboration with Yukon First Nations and transboundary First Nations, is seeking public feedback to develop new minerals legislation for the territory.

The new legislation will address every stage of the life cycle of mining activity, from prospecting to the operation of a mine and the eventual closure and remediation of a site.

The new legislation is being developed in partnership with Yukon First Nations governments and transboundary Indigenous governments. It will replace the Quartz Mining Act and Placer Act which have been in place for more than a century.

The aim of the new legislation is to improve the management of the Yukon’s mineral resources in a way that protects the environment, respects First Nations’ and Yukoners’ relationships with the land and supports a competitive and responsible mining industry.

Community meetings will be held throughout the territory over the next 90 days. More information and an online survey are available at EngageYukon.ca.

Feedback collected will be used by the Yukon government, Yukon First Nations and transboundary First Nations as they continue to develop the legislation. A What We Heard document will be produced and released following the end of the engagement period.

The Yukon government is committed to responsible mineral resource development in a way that protects the environment, respects the rights and traditions of First Nations and benefits all Yukoners. We’re asking Yukoners to provide their input to ensure that new minerals legislation reflects the modern needs of our territory.

Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources John Streicker

CYFN supports the collaborative work that has been done to date by Yukon First Nations, transboundary First Nations and the Government of Yukon. The development of legislation is a key priority to create made-in-Yukon minerals legislation that upholds Yukon First Nations rights and supports a balanced mining industry.

CYFN Grand Chief Peter Johnston

Quick facts

• A steering committee struck in the fall of 2021 has overseen work on new minerals legislation. It includes representatives of the Government of Yukon, Council of Yukon First Nations, Yukon First Nations and transboundary Indigenous governments.
• Industry and environmental organizations have also been involved in the process to ensure their perspectives are understood.
• Recommendations made by the independent panel that produced the Mineral Development Strategy in 2021 refer to the need for new minerals legislation.
• The Government of Yukon committed to jointly develop any new resource legislation with Yukon First Nations when it signed the Devolution Transfer Agreement in 2003.
• Developing new minerals legislation subject to meaningful consultations with Yukon First Nations is an element of the renewed Confidence and Supply Agreement. The Confidence and Supply Agreement between the Yukon Liberal Caucus and the Yukon NDP Caucus was extended on January 31, 2023, and remains in effect until an election is called in 2025.

Contact

Matthew Cameron
Cabinet Communications
867-332-0615
[email protected]

John Thompson
Communications, Energy, Mines and Resources
867-332-6042
[email protected]

Lael Lund
Communications, Council of Yukon First Nations
867-335-3227
[email protected]

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