Yukon Government files written argument with Supreme Court: CPAWS and YCS Statement

Sandy Silver's government was elected on a clear promise to accept the Final Recommended Plan of the original Peel Watershed Planning Commission. This plan was the result of years of consultation; it was supported by the affected First Nations and the majority of the Yukon public; and it would protect 80% of the Peel watershed from roads and industry. Since coming into power, the Premier has repeated this promise in the mandate letters he issued to Ministers, as well as in a recent interview. At a press conference to announce the submission of its written argument to the court, the Yukon Government appeared more ambiguous about its commitment to the Peel, but the official written statement included the following:

“The Yukon government continues to support the principles of the final recommended plan developed by the original Peel Watershed Planning Commission."

You can watch the video of the government's press conference here.

The Supreme Court's decision will provide direction for getting land use planning back on track and the steps that must be taken to complete the Peel planning process. But regardless of what the Supreme Court decides, having the Yukon Government stand up for the original Final Recommended Plan will help us ensure the Peel is protected. It is our continued expectation that the government will follow through with its commitments on the Peel. We will be working hard to hold them to their word.