Knowledge Economy
The knowledge economy encompasses the innovation, IT and science sectors; sectors that will build communities and strengthen the economic base of the Yukon.
A Yukon Liberal government will:
- develop an innovation plan;
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pursue opportunities for advancing scientific research in Yukon such as:establish an Open Data Repository;
- establishing a Yukon Research Fund;
- reviewing the Yukon Scientists and Explorers Act, and
- creating additional Yukon Research Chair(s) at Yukon College;
- pursue federal funding for energy research;
- establish a 5-Year funding plan for technology innovation projects;
- enhance connectivity and bandwidth for all Yukon communities, and
- accelerate the completion of the fibre optic redundancy project.
Aging in Place
As our population ages, we need to plan for their comfort and care; creating solutions to promote aging in place and a full spectrum of care.
A Yukon Liberal Government will:
- keep the Whistle Bend Continuing Care development at 150 beds;
- work with Yukoners, health professionals, and stakeholders to find solutions that offer alternatives and transitions between home care and full-time continuing care, and
- provide community-based services which allow seniors to age in place, to the greatest extent possible.
Existing Industries
Economic diversification includes developing new industries as well as supporting and expanding industries that continue to contribute to the economy of Yukon - in balance with meeting our commitment to environmental stewardship. Broadening existing industries creates a wider, more stable base for short and long-term economic success.
A Yukon Liberal government will:
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ensure responsible resource development by:
- supporting oil and gas development (not including hydraulic fracturing) on Eagle Plains, in collaboration with the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and in keeping with the provisions of both the North Yukon Land Use Plan and the land use plan for the Peel recommended by the planning commission;
- actively support mining and will work with Yukon’s mining industry to establish strong environmental stewardship and community development programs, and
- examining the current mining assessment process to find ways to harmonize the Yukon Water Board processes within the Yukon Environment and Socio-economic Assessment Act framework;
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enhance the tourism industry by:
- paving the Dawson City airport runway and making the necessary maintenance and infrastructure upgrades for all rural airports to enhance economic opportunities and community security;
- examining options to develop a more competitive winter tourism industry;
- considering investments in government infrastructure from which the tourism industry can build businesses;
- formulating an arts and culture policy in the Yukon that recognizes various arts and culture sectors (First Nations, French, Filipino, etc.) as key pillars to developing the Yukon community;
- marketing and supporting the promotion of Yukon artists, arts, and culture;
- doubling the government’s direct consumer marketing efforts for a total investment of $1.2 million, and
- making the temporary two-year tourism marketing funds permanent and increasing the annual core marketing fund from $5M to $7M;
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support the forestry industry by;
- developing opportunities for forestry companies to create fuel for biomass heating projects, and
- targeting investment to boost small-scale softwood lumber opportunities, including a forestry plan for south east Yukon, and
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expand the agriculture industry by:
- investing in agriculture, food storage, processing, community-based greenhouse and farming projects;
- establishing benchmarks and targets to move Yukon towards a greater degree of food self-sufficiency, and
- examining options for tax credits and incentives for local food producers.
Economic Diversification
We need to invest in our people, our businesses and all of our industries to diversify our economy. A Yukon Liberal government will make new and innovative investments in mining, tourism, manufacturing, agriculture and information technology to create good jobs. We need to expand investment opportunities and build local capacity in new and existing businesses and services.
A Yukon Liberal government will:
- strengthen entrepreneurial opportunities for Yukon First Nation development corporations;
- support manufacturing and product development in Yukon by finding opportunities for stronger export trade and investment accords with our neighbouring jurisdictions;
- establish an Independent Task Force on Economic Enhancement and Environmental Sustainability;
- expand the mandate of the Yukon Development Corporation beyond energy and establish a $10 million economic infrastructure investment fund through YDC to advance economic diversification and innovation, and
- expand Invest Yukon to reflect the importance of all sectors in our economy.
Missing And Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
The federal Liberal government has heard the call of First Nations from Yukon and across Canada for action on missing and murdered indigenous women and girls.
A Yukon Liberal government will:
- participate fully with Canada’s Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and
- restructure the Prevention of Violence Against Aboriginal Women Fund to make funding more readily available to communities.