• Yukon premier touts 'improved fiscal picture' in territory with budget update

  Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
  Date: 2026-10-05 11:00:00.0
  Tags: [National, Finance, Economy, Infrastructure, Mining, Affordability]

  Yukon Premier and Finance Minister Currie Dixon tabled the Yukon Legislative Assembly's fall economic update and a partial capital plan for 2027, projecting a revised budget deficit of $53.7 million—down from the previously predicted $82 million. Forecasted revenues increased by $23.8 million due to higher federal transfers, taxes, and resource royalties, while projected expenditures dropped by $4.2 million, and net debt is now expected to reach $776.2 million by year-end. The 2027 capital spending plan allocates $138.8 million for the upcoming construction season, targeting projects such as the North Klondike Highway, the Shakwak corridor, the Whitehorse hospital expansion, and housing in Burwash Landing, Mayo, and Teslin. Simultaneously, the territory's economic update projects slower real GDP growth driven by lower production at the Keno Hill mine and placer gold operations, alongside elevated local inflation expected to average 4.6 per cent in 2026 due to higher shelter costs, electricity prices, and a greater reliance on heating oil.

  Read Original

• Cost of living, ‘opioid crisis’ paramount for opposition MLAs as Yukon legislature returns

  Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
  Date: 2026-10-02 11:00:00.0
  Tags: [National, Governance, Healthcare, Affordability, Energy, Mining]

  As the Yukon Legislative Assembly begins its fall sitting, opposition leaders Kate White of the NDP and interim Liberal leader Debra-Leigh Reti are pressing Premier Currie Dixon's majority government on the rising cost of living, regional healthcare gaps, and the territory's opioid crisis. Premier Dixon is seeking federal intervention to raise the Yukon's debt cap from $1.2 billion to $3 billion to fund major energy and health projects. Additionally, the territorial government reported that 52 out of 56 recommendations from the Independent Review Board following the 2024 Eagle gold mine heap leach disaster have been implemented, with the remaining four slated for completion by spring.

  Read Original