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:

• 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;
• 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;
• 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
• 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.