YT Government: Ten regional economic development projects slated for local companies

Press Release

February 20, 2019

For the second year in a row the Government of Yukon is using all 10 of its $1 million trade agreement exceptions to boost regional economic development in the territory. Projects selected this year will grow local industry through infrastructure upgrades, building construction, consultant design services and safety improvements. Only Yukon companies are invited to bid on these tenders.

The selected goods, services and construction procurements range in value from $300,000 to $997,500 for a total of approximately $7.35 million. These projects were selected for their potential to provide local employment, opportunities for skill development, industry capacity and market development.

These trade agreement exceptions support regional economic development in the territory and ensure Yukoners benefit from government spending. We worked with industry and First Nations to develop better project selection criteria this year to maximize economic benefits to Yukon communities. This is just one of the many ways we are working with industry to improve procurement in Yukon.

Minister of Highways and Public Works Richard Mostyn

Quick Facts

• Yukon is one of eight jurisdictions in Canada that can use methods outside the procurement rules in the Canadian Free Trade Agreement for a limited number of procurements that support regional economic development. The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement provides a similar exception for regional economic development.
• Yukon was the first jurisdiction in Canada to use this trade agreement provision last year. The 10 projects from 2017-18 totaled $3.8 million.
• Projects selected for 2018-19 exceptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement and Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement include the following.
  • Public address system replacements for Porter Creek Secondary School and Vanier Catholic School – construction, Whitehorse
  • French First Language Secondary School owner’s design team – consultant services, Whitehorse
  • Modular classroom for Golden Horn – design build, Whitehorse
  • Concrete road side barriers – supply and delivery, Whitehorse
  • Bridge construction – Lee Creek and Dominion Creek, Dawson
  • Concrete road side barriers –  supply and delivery, various locations
  • Concrete barriers – site preparation and placement, various locations
  • Craig Street hydraulic tower replacement – construction, Dawson
  • Andrew A. Philipsen Law Centre holding cell improvements – construction, Whitehorse
  • Elijah Smith Elementary School lighting – construction, Whitehorse
• Project selection is based on refined criteria developed with input from both industry and First Nations.

Contact

Janine Workman
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7449
janine.workman@gov.yk.ca

Katy Mead
Communications, Highways and Public Works
867-334-8045
katy.mead@gov.yk.ca

IBF5