WHITEHORSE – The Yukon Party government will try to buy Yukoners’ hearts and minds with their own money when the legislature sits this week, says Liberal Leader Sandy Silver.

“This has become the typical cycle with this government, as an election approaches they will begin building more new projects than local contractors can handle, resulting in employment for larger firms in the south,” said Silver. “What the territory needs is a consistent project building schedule that ensures local contractors receive the lion’s share of the work, and keeps dollars in Yukon. Mining is boom and bust, government spending shouldn't be.”

The government will table the largest capital budget in Yukon history, spending the public money it has hoarded throughout its mandate to try to buy the next election. Grandiose project announcements will be dangled before voters throughout the coming months.

Silver is looking forward to probing the government’s plans, or lack of them, in the house.

“It has been a great couple of months and I have been able to speak with my constituents in Dawson and many other Yukoners about what is most pressing for them and will be bringing this insight into the house” he said.

On March 30, Sandy Silver attended the all-day Parliamentary Committee hearing on Bill S-6, on changes to YESAA legislation. That day highlighted how far relations between this government and First Nations have soured. “Intergovernmental relations are a priority for me,” said Silver. “First Nation governments, miners and regular business people - everyone is concerned about what will become of the Yukon economy if the lawsuits continues to pile up.”

Silver will also continue to focus on Yukon’s economy and energy future, and the growing need for mental health services in the territory.

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For more information call:
Brad Weston, 393-6430