Whitehorse, YT – The Federal Minister of Environment, Steven Guilbeault, announced recently that the Federal Government would stop funding ‘large’ road projects which prompted backlash from several provincial leaders as well as stirred up general confusion as to what this means for Yukoners.
Shortly following the announcement the Yukon Party put out a call for the territorial government to oppose this measure and work hard to clarify what the implications of this announcement are. Stacey Hassard, the Official Opposition Critic for Highways and Public Works, says that although the details aren’t clear yet the announcement doesn’t bode well.
“If it’s going to be as detrimental as it appears to be, then I would hope that the premier would be on the horn with the Prime Minister screaming at him that this is not very good for Yukon,” said Hassard.
The Yukon Party echoed sentiments expressed by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith criticising the federal government for being out of touch with the needs of rural and Northern Canadians. They said that road projects are necessary for travel throughout rural stretches of the territory and economic growth.
Hassard said, “It’s ideas like this that really make it challenging for people to live in the North.”
The Territorial Government, in part, agrees that it doesn’t seem to fit the needs of Yukoners and they confirmed that they have sent a letter to the Prime Minister’s Office and are awaiting a response to get clarity as to what this will mean for the territory.
