• Q&A | Yukon energy minister says power bills could go up by 53% without federal help

  Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
  Date: 2026-10-22 12:31:09.0
  Tags: [National, Energy, Infrastructure, Affordability, Governance]

  Yukon Energy Minister Ted Laking announced that Yukon power bills could increase by 53 per cent without federal funding support to address critical power infrastructure upgrades and a projected 60 per cent rise in grid demand over the next decade. Laking is lobbying the federal government in Ottawa for a 75-25 per cent cost-sharing partnership for infrastructure projects, noting that connecting to the British Columbia power grid is estimated to cost over $4 billion, which far exceeds the territorial government's $2 billion annual budget. In response to recent grid capacity strains, the Yukon government has repealed the Clean Energy Act, reallocated electric vehicle rebates toward home energy efficiency and heat pumps, and planned thermal backup generation utilizing Whitehorse Power Centres.

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• P.E.I. non-profit eyes food hub expansion with possible federal funding

  Source: Prince Edward Island - Regional News
  Date: 2026-10-17 19:47:43.0
  Tags: [Prince Edward Island, National, Agriculture, Infrastructure, Affordability]

  The Prince Edward Island non-profit Growers Station is preparing to apply for federal funding under Ottawa's $3.2 billion, 10-year food security strategy to finance a major physical expansion. The organization aims to double its current operational footprint to increase cold storage capacity, improve distribution for small-scale local Island farmers, and establish an onsite retail and pick-up option alongside its existing online ordering platform. By scaling up physical infrastructure and delivery capacity, the non-profit intends to extend the seasonal availability of local produce and lower operational costs for both producers and small grocers.

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• 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.

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• N.W.T residents feeling strain of rising home heating oil costs

  Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
  Date: 2026-09-15 11:00:00.0
  Tags: [National, Energy, Affordability, Infrastructure]

  Residents across the Northwest Territories face extreme strain as home heating oil prices surge to approximately $2.30 to $3.17 per litre compared to $1.40 the previous winter. While the Government of the Northwest Territories supplies subsidized fuel to 16 communities via its Petroleum Products Program—keeping prices around $2.54 per litre in fly-in communities like Wekweètì—unserviced municipalities such as Norman Wells experience severe cost pressures forcing discussions on winter closures of public buildings. Territorial infrastructure departments point to the existing senior home heating subsidy for low-to-modest income seniors, though many residents, such as Norman Wells Mayor Frank Pope, fall just above qualifying income thresholds.

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