Let’s Keep Going Let’s Keep Going 2 | YUKON LIBERAL PARTY PLATFORM 2021 Yukon Liberal Party Platform 2021 Table of Contents Letter from the Leader 5 Carrying Our Economic Momentum Forward 6 THE GREAT YUKON SUMMER 8 SUPPORTING THE TOURISM INDUSTRY 10 MORE LOCAL FOOD 12 SUPPORTING THE MINING SECTOR 14 Addressing the Climate Crisis 16 OUR CLEAN FUTURE 18 Renewable Energy 20 United Against COVID-19 22 EQUIPPING OUR SYSTEMS TO MANAGE A PANDEMIC 26 UNIVERSAL EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION 27 Healthy, Safe Families 28 HIGH-QUALITY HEALTHCARE FOR ALL 30 INCREASED COMMUNITY WELLNESS 32 SUPPORTIVE EDUCATION FOR EVERYONE 34 SAFETY IN OUR COMMUNITIES 36 SUPPORTS TO ADDRESS SUBSTANCE USE 38 Housing Across the Spectrum 40 Strong Partnerships with First Nations 44 Improving Infrastructure Across the Yukon 46 Accountable Government for All 48 LET’S KEEP GOING | 3 Tracy McPhee RIVERDALE SOUTH Katherine Alexander PELLY-NISUTLIN Ted Adel COPPERBELT NORTH Sheila Robertson COPPERBELT SOUTH Amanda Brown WATSON LAKE Dan Curtis WHITEHORSE CENTRE Jeanie McLean MOUNTAINVIEW John Streicker MOUNT LORNE SOUTHERN LAKES Richard Mostyn WHITEHORSE WEST Sandy Silver KLONDIKE Pauline Frost VUNTUT GWITCHIN Staci McIntosh PORTER CREEK NORTH Raj Murugaiyan TAKHINI KOPPER-KING Ranj Pillai PORTER CREEK SOUTH Jeremy Harper MAYO TATCHUN Paolo Gallina PORTER CREEK CENTRE Tracey Jacobs LAKE LABERGE Luke Campbell KLUANE Nils Clarke RIVERDALE NORTH | 5 Letter from the Leader Dear Yukoners, Your Liberal team has worked tirelessly to make the Yukon a better place to live. We kept Yukoners safe and supported through a pandemic, partnered with other governments to grow the territory’s economy while protecting the environment, and invested in healthier communities. The Yukon has enjoyed economic growth every year since 2016, including during the pandemic. We continue to have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country. We have a plan to tackle climate change and build a strong, resilient, and sustainable future for the territory. This plan will see reduced GHG emissions, less reliance on fossil fuels, and investments in renewable energy. We have built strong relationships with Yukon First Nations to advance reconciliation. The Yukon is the first jurisdiction in Canada with a strategy to respond to the MMIWG2S+ inquiry. We improved health care services, expanded mental health resources, made medical travel more flexible and affordable, and decreased surgical wait times. We have increased housing options for Yukoners and invested in affordable community and seniors’ housing throughout the territory. We have also supported the private sector and NGOs to build more housing units. Our track record is strong and we know we can take the territory even further. Our team is ready to continue serving Yukoners and taking action to make their lives healthier, happier, and more affordable. On April 12, let’s keep going. Sincerely, Sandy Silver Yukon Liberal Party Leader MLA KLONDIKE In 2015, the Yukon was in a recession. Since our Yukon Liberal Government came into office, Yukon’s economy has flourished. Since 2016, we have seen economic growth every year, our unemployment has frequently been the lowest in the country, and retail sales have soared. We have saved businesses millions of dollars by cutting both the small business tax rate and the corporate tax rate. The Yukon’s economy is strong, even in the midst of a pandemic. Our COVID-19 support programs have allowed Yukon businesses to keep operating during the pandemic and kept the economy moving forward. Over the past 4 years, our commitment to local procurement has not wavered. Significant projects such as the Centre scolaire secondaire communautaire Paul-Émile Mercier and the 4th and Jeckell 47-unit housing project have gone to local companies, and we are proud of this track record. That commitment carried through the pandemic. Carrying Our Economic Momentum Forward Between March and September 2020, approximately $197.5 million or 79% of all contracts were awarded to Yukon businesses. 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 1.8 3.8 0.8 0.9 7.9 G D P G R O W T H T O CONTINUE IN 2021 Source: Statistics Canada, Department of Finance The Yukon’s unemployment rate has been among the lowest in the country over the last four years. It has stayed strong, thanks to the economic support programs put in place by the Yukon Liberal Government. 6 | YUKON LIBERAL PARTY PLATFORM 2021 Eliminating the small business tax allowing businesses to hire more staff, and improve products and services. Reducing corporate taxes from 15% to 12%. Modernizing the Yukon business investment tax credit by increasing the amount available - from $800,000 to $4 million, and increased the company size limit to make Yukon an attractive investment jurisdiction. Creating a real 5-year capital plan to inform businesses, First Nations, and municipalities about infrastructure projects to more accurately plan for future projects. By increasing the Yukon basic personal amount tax credit, Yukoners will save $3 million annually in territorial tax bills, in addition to $7 million in federal tax savings by 2023. Releasing the Yukon Tourism Development Strategy, a 10-year vision for tourism that takes a whole of Yukon approach to sustainable tourism. Investing in our innovative entrepreneurs and helping them reach the world stage with a $2 million investment in a technology venture fund with Panache Ventures, which will see significant local training and investment opportunities. Opening the NorthLight Innovation Hub along with our partners, Yukon University, the federal government and Yukonstruct. Designing and implementing the most successful legalized cannabis regime in the country. Creating an immigration pilot program to support employers in rural Yukon and signed a letter of intent with the Republic of the Philippines. In 2016, we made bold commitments to support Yukon businesses, and we delivered: $12m in tax savings for Yukon businesses since 2017 3% Reduction in Corporate Tax Rate $3m Savings through Personal Tax Credit Per Year LET’S KEEP GOING | 7 The next four years will bring enormous opportunities for innovation and expansion in the Yukon. We recognize everyone needs an opportunity to thrive. If re-elected, a Yukon Liberal Government will keep supports for businesses going. Let’s Keep Going 8 | YUKON LIBERAL PARTY PLATFORM 2021 We will implement The Great Yukon Summer campaign that will include: Incentives for Yukon tourism operators to offer Yukoner Rates for tourism products and services for summer 2021 through additional funding opportunities. Free access to the Yukon government’s marketing agencies to Yukon businesses to help them build campaigns to maximize the attraction of Yukoners in the summer of 2021. Establish a $500,000 fund for Yukon organizations to hold local events in the summer of 2021. Support for the Mountain Music Festival, to take place in fall 2021, with MacBride Museum. We will work with each Yukon community to make sure that all COVID-19 precautions are met and they are ready to accept new travellers. We Will: Continue our COVID-19 support programs for businesses as long as needed. Introduce a new immigration strategy to support increased workforce requirements of business and industry. Continue to expand opportunities for innovation by releasing an innovation strategy that will create opportunities for local entrepreneurs. Continue to advance our bid to host the 60th Anniversary of the Canada Winter Games in 2027, sharing our culture, community and courage with the rest of Canada. We began the bid process with the Canada Games Council in January 2021. Continue to foster the growth of the Yukon’s vibrant film industry by supporting initiatives such as long-term planning, marketing, training, and creating connections across sectors. Create workforce development agreements to re-train workers and support the transition to a green economy. Partner with the private sector to develop a flexible fieldhouse complex for athletics and large public conferences and events. Establish an Innovation Commission to attract new technology startups and grow the Yukon’s digital ecosystem. Recognize the important role the non-profit sector plays in our economy by enhancing opportunities for collaboration, shared services and wellness as we move through the pandemic. LET’S KEEP GOING | 9 In 2018, we released the Yukon Tourism Development Strategy: Sustainable Tourism. Our Path. Our Future (YTDS), which takes a whole of Yukon approach to how the Yukon’s tourism industry will thrive over the next 10 years. Nobody anticipated that a global pandemic would wreak havoc on such an important industry, and we know that tourism operators in particular, are hurting this year. That’s why we allocated $15 million towards tourism relief and recovery over the next 3 years, which will help keep tourism operators afloat, and then assist with recovery until we can welcome visitors safely once again. The Yukon’s tourism industry is envied across Canada. Our expansive wilderness adventures provide a glimpse at an environment unique in the world, Yukon communities offer a breadth of experiences from Dawson City to Carcross, and our Indigenous tourism operators, festivals, and businesses are second to none. When the pandemic struck, we moved quickly to support this important sector. We: Created a $15 million support program specific to the tourism industry, one of the most hard hit industries of the pandemic. This includes the creation of several new funding streams; the Tourism Accommodations Sector Support program, the Tourism Non￾Accommodation Sector Support program and the Culture and Tourism Non-Profit Sector Support. Enhanced the Tourism Cooperative Marketing Fund by $1 million to support Yukon businesses. Provided additional support to the Tourism Industry Association of Yukon (TIAY) for their new ELEVATE program, which enables eligible businesses access to up to $20,000 of support funding. Established the Yukon Tourism Advisory Board to help guide our COVID-19 response and to oversee the long term implementation of the YTDS. ECONOMIC MOMENTUM Supporting the Tourism Industry 10 | YUKON LIBERAL PARTY PLATFORM 2021 When the danger of COVID-19 has passed, the Yukon will be one of the most exciting tourism destinations in the world. We will be one of the first jurisdictions in the world to reach herd immunity, and the opportunities will be immense for our tourism operators. We have a vision for Yukon tourism in a post-pandemic world. If re-elected, this Liberal Government will stand with our tourism industry and help them with a successful business recovery. We will: Continue our COVID-19 support programs to help tourism regain its footing after this challenging year and recover faster than any jurisdiction in Canada. We will release and implement the Creative and Cultural Industries strategy, the first of its kind for the Yukon, which will lay out a vision for supporting artists, creatives and those who create cultural and heritage products. Continue to advocate for the Yukon aviation industry by emphasizing the importance of air traffic control at the Erik Nielsen International Airport to NAV Canada. Continue to implement the Yukon Tourism Development Strategy though initiatives such as: • Continuing to develop and support Indigenous tourism and entrepreneurs. • Support the principles of sustainable tourism at every turn and complete the sustainable tourism development measurement framework. • Help our partners develop action plans to advance the unique experiences that they provide. • Working with the Yukon Tourism Advisory Board to ensure that their valuable expertise is reflected in the work that we do. We will work with partners including the federal government, municipalities and the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway to consider bringing back commercial and passenger rail to the Yukon. Support industry adoption of the World Travel and Tourism Safe Travel protocols initiative, and work with our communities to ensure resident support for sustainable tourism. LET’S KEEP GOING | 11 Implement the Great Yukon Summer campaign. The Yukon’s agricultural sector is growing at an incredible pace, and the demand isn’t slowing down. That’s why last July, we released Cultivating Our Future: 2020 Yukon Agriculture Policy, which will guide the Yukon’s agriculture industry over the next decade. The COVID-19 pandemic has only reinforced how important it is to increase the amount of food produced locally. Since 2016, we have bolstered the Yukon’s agriculture industry. We have: Supported farmers markets across the Yukon to help connect producers with consumers. Provided funding for marketing, mentorship, training and food safety for innovative initiatives. Funded research and innovation projects to advance Yukon agriculture. ECONOMIC MOMENTUM More Local Food 12 | YUKON LIBERAL PARTY PLATFORM 2021 If re-elected, we will keep support for our agriculture sector going. To empower the Yukon’s agriculture sector to continue to grow and thrive, we will: Increase the Yukon’s ability to be more self-sufficient in food production. Support the increased production of high quality, local ingredients. Establish an internal Yukon government team that works to maximize local food purchases through procurement. Support farming practices that aim to reduce GHG emissions. Identify, develop and release land parcels suitable for agriculture. Work with the Yukon’s livestock producers to support the significant increase in demand for Yukon meat products. Continue to support the Canadian Agriculture Partnership with the Government of Canada. Since 2018, this program has supported 337 projects geared towards Yukon agriculture projects, including initiatives such as: • Community markets and gardens • Funding for farm business plans • Farm business expansions in areas such as butchery and egg production LET’S KEEP GOING | 13 Our thriving mining sector is the backbone of the Yukon’s economy. We are working with our industry partners to ensure that the Yukon has a flourishing mineral resource sector that everyone can support. Before the previous election, the Yukon was down to one operating mine, and lawsuits had significantly damaged our investment climate. ECONOMIC MOMENTUM Supporting the Mining Sector $1.1m Increase to the Yukon Mineral Exploration Program six Gateway Project Agreements three Mines opened in four years 14 | YUKON LIBERAL PARTY PLATFORM 2021 In only four years, we have: Supported the mining industry by implementing six agreements under the Gateway Project for; the Carmacks by-pass, upgrades to the Nahanni Range Road, the North Canol Road and the Robert Campbell Highway project with the Liard First Nation and the Ross River Dena Council, a project with Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation to upgrade three bridges on the Freegold Road and most recently an agreement with the First Nation of Nacho Nyäk Dun to enhance the safety of the Silver Trail. Created strong economic conditions that have seen three mines open during the last four years: Victoria Gold’s Eagle Mine, Minto Mine, and Alexco Keno Hill mine. This is the first time since 2013 that the Yukon has had three producing mines. Signed a Mining Memorandum of Understanding with Yukon First Nations to advance improvements to all aspects of mineral exploration and development. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we worked swiftly to recognize mining as an essential service due to its critical role in the global supply chain. We increased our investment in mineral exploration to ensure that the summer season would be successful and worked with mining companies to ensure their work could continue while ensuring the health and safety of employees and all Yukoners. Mining remains a crucial component of the Yukon’s successful economic future. We will keep supporting this vital industry in a responsible way. A re-elected Yukon Liberal Government will: Continue to collaborate with major industry partners to ensure they have local-purchase programs to work with Yukon businesses wherever possible. Support junior mining companies operating in the Yukon through the creation of a Mineral Exploration Fund. Carefully analyze the recommendations of the independent Mineral Development Strategy panel, and incorporate their important views into the final strategy, particularly in areas such as: • Modernizing the current legislative framework • Recognizing the importance of land use planning; and • Increasing regulatory clarity. Continue to develop a policy for mining in municipalities that promotes sustainable development and respects community plans and values. We succeeded in gaining alignment with First Nations governments to proceed with regulatory amendments to YESAA. We will continue to work with all levels of government to proceed with regulatory amendments to YESAA that will result in a more streamlined assessment process. We added a $1.1 million investment in the Yukon Mineral Exploration Program for a total of $2.5 million for the 2020-21 exploration season. This resulted in an additional $12 million being leveraged for mining companies. LET’S KEEP GOING | 15 The Yukon Liberal Government will continue to consider the climate crisis at the heart of our decisions. This is the only way we can guarantee a safe future for the next generation of Yukoners. For 14 years the Yukon was led by a conservative government that didn’t balance the economy and the environment. Over the past four years, the Yukon Liberal Government has proven that not only can it be done, but that it is the only way forward. We have a proven record when it comes to protecting the Yukon’s environment, including: Joining partners as a signatory of the final recommended plan from the Peel Watershed Regional Land Use Planning commission in a memorable ceremony in July 2019. We are now working hard with our partners to implement this groundbreaking plan. Successfully implemented the federal carbon price in a way that recognizes the unique circumstances of the North, by returning all funds collected back to Yukoners. Acted to protect fragile alpine areas by creating Off-Road Vehicle regulations for specific alpine regions. Advocating for the protection of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Created legislation to allow for the ban of single-use bags. We anticipate this ban will begin in 2022. Established a Youth Panel on Climate Change to ensure that our youth have a voice in the Yukon’s climate change actions. Developed an extensive network of management plans and habitat areas across Yukon that are protected, including Ch’ihilii Chìk Habitat Protection Area Management Plan (2019), the Herschel Island–Qikiqtaruk Territorial Park Management Plan (2019) and the Ddhaw Ghro Habitat Protection Area Management Plan (2018). Addressing the Climate Crisis 16 | YUKON LIBERAL PARTY PLATFORM 2021 A re-elected Yukon Liberal Government will keep protecting the Yukon’s beautiful environment. We will: Work with the City of Whitehorse, impacted First Nations, and local stakeholders to create McIntyre Creek Park. Partner with City of Whitehorse on public transit improvements. Introduce legislation to enable the development of geothermal projects. Consolidate climate change initiatives and programs under one roof for greater strategic focus. We stand by our commitment - we will continue to ban fracking in the Yukon. Complete the Yukon’s Wetland Strategy within the first year of our new mandate. Work with local stakeholders to plan for creating recreation infrastructure across the Yukon, such as trails, in an ecologically sensitive way, for both motorized and non￾motorized vehicles. Introduce carbon intensity targets for mines and large industrial plants. Complete the Dawson Land Use Planning Process and continue the land use planning process in other Yukon areas as requested by Yukon First Nations. Work with Yukon University to consider the development of a building science program tailored to northern climates. Develop both species at risk and animal protection legislation to ensure that the Yukon’s wildlife and animal population are adequately protected. Let’s Keep Going LET’S KEEP GOING | 17 The Yukon’s approach to addressing climate change needs to be comprehensive and forward-thinking. That’s why we released Our Clean Future, a plan that contains 131 actions over the next ten years and represents a pan-northern approach to tackling climate change. Our plan reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent, ensures Yukoners have access to affordable renewable energy, outlines actions to adapt to climate change and creates opportunities for Yukon companies to be part of the green economy. In 2021/2022 we will spend $50 million supporting the Yukon’s green economy. THE CLIMATE CRISIS Our Clean Future 18 | YUKON LIBERAL PARTY PLATFORM 2021 A Yukon Liberal Government will implement Our Clean Future. We will act swiftly to ensure that the Yukon’s transition to a green economy creates opportunities across the territory, because we need to keep moving towards a clean future. If re-elected, we will: Make it affordable for Yukoners and businesses to buy electric vehicles (EVs) and e-bikes by providing rebates of $5,000.00 for an EV and $750.00 for an e-bike. Work with British Columbia and the Northwest Territories to electrify the highway from Vancouver to Tuktoyaktuk by 2025. Support climate change adaptation plans in all communities to ensure the Yukon is resilient and protected from climate hazards. Partner with First Nations on fighting and preventing wildfires with additional funding, and work with our partners to ensure that these programs can provide leadership and development opportunities for youth. Use wood salvaged in fuel breaks to heat local buildings, transitioning ten large buildings to biomass by 2025. Support Yukoners to transition their home heating systems to renewable sources with a goal of 1,300 homes on smart electric heating systems by 2030. Install more EV charging stations in businesses and building developments. Promote sustainable tourism activities to keep the Yukon’s tourism sector growing while also protecting our environment. We will establish a framework in 2021 to measure the sustainability of tourism growth. Mandate all new Yukon government buildings to use 35% less energy than the targets specified in the National Energy Code. Develop a sustainable wildfire prevention strategy, including fuel breaks for every community. Continue to incentivize Yukoners to build green homes. Partner with communities to develop low-interest loans for residential and commercial energy retrofits. LET’S KEEP GOING | 19 The Yukon’s green future must be built around increasing access to renewable energy. We are currently a leader in the country when it comes to our renewable usage. Still, with a growing population and increased electricity consumption, we need a plan to ensure that our growth is matched by expanding available renewable energy. We have a vision for the Yukon’s energy future. We are making the most significant investments in renewable energy in a generation. This Liberal Government has worked hard to set the foundations for the Yukon’s renewable future. We have: Developed and introduced the Innovative Renewable Energy Initiative, which supports local renewable energy projects with First Nation development corporations, communities and Yukon companies across the territory. Doubled the amount of renewable energy we buy from Independent Power Producers to help meet our future needs. Supported individuals and communities to generate their renewables for themselves through the micro-generation program. Directed the Yukon Utilities Board to include affordable demand-side management into the Yukon’s energy mix. Partnered with the Government of Canada and Yukon Energy to fund a new battery energy storage system in Whitehorse that will store excess electricity from renewable sources to meet demand during peak periods. Allocated up to $30 million annually towards retrofitting older buildings across the Yukon to reduce our carbon footprint. Supported community organizations to develop capacity in emerging energy technologies, including: • Solar projects in Old Crow, Beaver Creek and Whitehorse. • Wind projects in Pelly Crossing, Burwash Landing, Destruction Bay and Whitehorse. • A biomass district heating system in Teslin. • Hydro projects near Dawson City and Carcross. Renewable Energy Under the Liberal Government, the Yukon has become a leader in northern renewable energy development. This year Yukon Energy forecasts that 94% of generation will be from renewable sources that are reliable and affordable. Our vision for the Yukon is to be powered on 97% renewable energy, even while our population grows. 20 | YUKON LIBERAL PARTY PLATFORM 2021 A re-elected Yukon Liberal Government will keep the momentum going. We will: Continue to support solar and micro-energy projects across the Yukon. Support the implementation of sustainable biomass systems across the territory to help advance the Yukon’s green economy. This includes supporting the construction of a biomass plant. Continue to investigate the use of geothermal energy for heat and electricity. Support and implement Yukon Energy’s 10 Year Renewable Plan, which includes: • Constructing a new pumped storage facility at Moon Lake to store extra power not used in the summer for use in the winter. • Purchasing hydropower from the Atlin hydro plant, owned by the Taku River Tlingit First Nation. • Expanding and upgrading the transmission network in the Southern Lakes region to connect projects to the grid and open up future sales opportunities with Skagway. Continue to invest in new legacy renewable projects with our First Nation and community partners. Establish an energy task team within Yukon government dedicated to helping our municipal and First Nations partners advance their energy projects. Let’s Keep Going LET’S KEEP GOING | 21 Last year was more challenging than we could have ever imagined. In the face of an unprecedented pandemic and global uncertainty, Yukoners came together, reminding all of us how much we love this place we call home. The pandemic showed us the true strength of Yukoners and what we can achieve when united. It also showed us that there are areas within our society that need to be rebuilt differently. When COVID-19 was still a term we were getting to know, our team acted quickly, becoming one of the first jurisdictions to cancel a significant event to protect public health - the Arctic Winter Games. Over the next 12 months, we did not rest. We declared a state of emergency, allowing us to put in place border controls and self￾isolation requirements which kept the Yukon safe. The support programs that we put in place in the Yukon have become the gold standard across Canada. We implemented vital programs to ensure that Yukoners, and Yukon businesses, could stay safe. Last spring, we moved quickly to make money available for our community as it grappled with COVID-19. Last year we budgeted over $100 million for our COVID-19 response. This year, we have allocated nearly $50 million to continue those supports. United Against COVID-19 $39.7m for public health responses $26.5m for business relief & recovery $11.9m for pandemic response $10m for aviation industry relief $6.4m for community & municipality relief $3.1m for education supports $1.3m for parents of students $1.1m for mining industry relief $7.6m for tourism & cultural industry supports 22 | YUKON LIBERAL PARTY PLATFORM 2021 Created the Yukon Business Relief Program, which covers fixed costs for businesses in need - up to a total of $100,000 per business, and created a committee of business representatives to provide direct and immediate information to Ministers about what Yukon businesses needed. As of February 2021, $7 million in support funding has been provided to over 615 Yukon businesses. Created a $15 million relief and recovery program specific to the tourism industry, one of the most hard-hit sectors of the pandemic. Along with a recovery plan, the Tourism Relief and Recovery Program includes: • The Tourism Accommodations Sector Support program provides up to $400 per room each month, up to the point of break-even. • The Tourism Non-Accommodation Sector Support program, which will help ensure visitor-dependent businesses can survive through their off-season up to the point of break-even to a maximum of $60,000. • The Culture and Tourism Non-Profit Sector Support assists organizations who have suffered revenue losses related to declines in tourism visitation; organizations are eligible for up to $20,000. Introduced a cancelled event support program to reimburse businesses and NGO’s who lost money from cancelled events, providing over $1.8 million to 43 recipients for 31 cancelled events. Provided support to Air North and other northern airlines to ensure that our vital northern aviation industry remained operational. This included waiving all commercial aviation fees, saving Yukon operators over $1 million dollars. Worked with the Government of Canada to flow over $7 million directly to essential northern air operators, including Air North and Alkan Air. Our support programs are considered the most comprehensive in Canada. To support businesses, we: LET’S KEEP GOING | 23 To support Yukoners and Yukon families, we: Created the Paid Sick Leave rebate, which allows Yukon workers without sick leave to stay at home for up to 10 working days if they are ill or required to self-isolate. So far, almost $450,000 has been provided to 113 Yukon employers, which translates to over 2500 sick days for Yukon employees. Created the Yukon Essential Workers Income Support Program, which provides employers with additional funding to give their workers financial top-ups during the pandemic. Over $3 million has been provided to more than 110 employers to support essential employees. Worked closely with schools and school communities to get Yukon kids back in schools in fall 2020, and Whitehorse high schools back full time in spring 2021. Put in place rent relief and eviction protection to ensure that Yukoners are safe in their homes during this stressful time. Rent relief was accessed by 170 households, with more than $400,000 provided to Yukoners. Provided over $3.7 million to licensed childcare centres to ensure that childcare spaces were covered and in place for essential workers and to support additional infection prevention and control measures. Provided the Yukon Hospital Corporation with $6 million in funding to support COVID-19 preparedness, such as making changes to the emergency room and purchasing additional supplies. $450K Directly to employers for the Paid Sick Leave Rebate $3m Essential Workers Income Support Program $6m To support COVID-19 preparedness in Yukon Hospitals 24 | YUKON LIBERAL PARTY PLATFORM 2021 Here is our plan for how the Yukon will come out of the pandemic stronger than ever. The Yukon is in the very fortunate position of becoming one of the first jurisdictions in Canada to vaccinate a large portion of our population in the first quarter of 2021. This brings exciting possibilities for what is to come. Whitehorse was the first capital city in Canada to open up vaccines to our general population, and we are leading the country in our vaccination rates along with the Northwest Territories. COVID-19 won’t go away overnight. Its impacts will be felt across many industries for years to come. We will continue to support families, individuals and businesses until we are entirely through the pandemic. We will keep supporting Yukoners. A re-elected Yukon Liberal Government will: Continue the Paid Sick Leave rebate, the Yukon Business Relief Program, the Tourism Accommodations Sector Support and the Tourism Non-Accommodation Sector Support to ensure that Yukon businesses have the assistance they need. Continue to work with the Chief Medical Officer of Health to continually re-evaluate the level of restrictions that are put in place to protect Yukoners from COVID-19. Implement a comprehensive, evidence￾based rapid testing program for the Yukon. This will include increasing the use and availability of rapid antigen and molecular COVID-19 tests. Work towards re-opening our borders safely to ensure that the Yukon’s tourism and visitor economy can return to normal as soon as possible. Let’s Keep Going LET’S KEEP GOING | 25 A re-elected Yukon Liberal Government will: Work with First Nations, municipalities, the Legislative Assembly and the business community to improve the Civil Emergency Measures Act and the Public Health and Safety Act. Re-establish a Select Committee to review the Civil Emergency Measures Act, to make sure that the lessons we have learned during the pandemic will inform how we better address emergencies in the future. Create data-sharing arrangements with First Nations to better understand and address population inequities. Offer regular emergency coordination training sessions with First Nations, municipal governments, and unincorporated communities, to keep our collaborative approach going. UNITED AGAINST COVID-19 Equipping Our Systems to Manage a Pandemic Our ability to keep Yukoners safe through the COVID-19 pandemic wasn’t a happy coincidence, it started over three years ago through our investments in modern health systems. In 2019, we invested in 1Health, a modern health information system that allows practitioners across the Yukon to connect and share information and gives Yukoners better access to their health information. This replaced the Meditech system that hadn’t been upgraded in 30 years. This strategic investment meant that our contact tracing and outbreak analysis systems were in place when we needed them, and we were well prepared for a rapid vaccine roll-out. We inherited a financial system that was struggling - and we turned things around and balanced the budget a year ahead of schedule. We created a five-year capital plan that includes all Yukon communities and allows businesses to prepare for many seasons in advance. Thanks to our hard work managing Yukon’s finances, the territory was financially well prepared, and we have been able to put in place the best support programs in Canada. There have been many lessons learned from this unprecedented year, and as we move forward, we need to act so that our response, should there be a next time, will be even better. 26 | YUKON LIBERAL PARTY PLATFORM 2021 ONE CHILD TWO CHILDREN $832 $132 $264 $1664 In the Yukon and across Canada, childcare expenses are significant and often mean that it makes more financial sense for a parent to stay home rather than go back to work and pay for childcare. The COVID-19 pandemic has had the most significant impact on female-dominated industries such as accommodation, food and educational services. In addition, women are often the primary caregiver of a household. This has meant that women have been hit especially hard this past year. We see that, and we are taking action. A re-elected Yukon Liberal Government will fully fund and implement a universal early childhood education program that will begin in April 2021. This is one of the many vital recommendations stemming from the independent Putting People First report that we commissioned in 2018. We will subsidize each licensed childcare space by $700 per month, with additional subsidies for low-income families. That means thousands of dollars in the pockets of families each year. Currently, Yukon families pay an approximate average of $41.50 per day, or $832, per child, per month. Before April 1, a family with two kids in childcare were paying approximately $19,968 per year. After April 1, that will drop to $3,168 per year. These savings will be life-changing. They will provide more disposable income to help pay for rent, mortgages, family essentials or enable a second income. This will lift up families who need the help most and put more money in Yukoners’ pockets. UNITED AGAINST COVID-19 Universal Early Childhood Education $700 SAVED MONTHLY $1400 SAVED MONTHLY Current Average Monthly Childcare Cost Total Childcare Cost With Yukon Subsidy LET’S KEEP GOING | 27 Since being elected in 2016, the Yukon Liberal Government has been dedicated to transforming the Yukon’s health care approach. Unlike previous governments, the Yukon Liberals have focused on improving how people access health care services in their communities. Healthy, Safe Families In 2018 we created an independent panel to review the Yukon’s healthcare system. The panel produced a report, Putting People First, a visionary and transformational examination of how we can do better. A re-elected Yukon Liberal Government will implement the Putting People First report to continue healthcare service improvements. Health High-Quality Healthcare for All Education Supportive Education for Everyone Wellness Increased Community Wellness Safety Safety in our Communities Support Supports to Address Substance Use We are taking action to make our health and social services more integrated, collaborative and people-centred to better meet the needs of Yukoners. To make these changes, a holistic review of the system was needed. Our healthcare system needs to be focused on people - not buildings, or processes. We know that healthcare workers are extremely dedicated to patient care and we need a system that works with them, not against them. 28 | YUKON LIBERAL PARTY PLATFORM 2021 $25.2m for early learning and universal childcare $86.8m for continuing care, home care, respite care, palliative care programs and community day programs $70.2m for social supports, mental wellness and substance-use programs $2.6m for digital learning technologies and infrastructure to help students thrive $10.5m for a new Whistle Bend Elementary School $10m for a new Health and Wellness Centre in Old Crow LET’S KEEP GOING | 29 Here is what we have budgeted to support the health and wellness of Yukoners in 2021-2022. The Yukon Liberal Government has focused on improving health outcomes for Yukoners and creating better client services. We are moving to an approach that considers the health of a population as a whole and puts the person at the centre of all services. One important goal of these changes is to reduce inequities in the system. If we can prevent more health problems earlier, the long-term savings are significant. We have made some big changes over the past 4 years: HEALTHY, SAFE FAMILIES High-Quality Healthcare for All Increasing access to care by extending PTSD coverage to first responders, enhancing virtual care platforms, and expanding pharmacists’ scope of practice to include vaccines and the ability to extend or substitute prescriptions. Investing in the 1Health system - a modern, integrated health information system for Yukon’s Hospitals, health facilities and services. Implementing new regulations around psychological injuries in the workplace, covering issues such as violence and harassment at work, which will be in effect September 2021. Hiring three new orthopedic surgeons, reducing cataract surgery wait-times from 37 months to 9 months and creating the Find a Family Doctor program to connect Yukoners in need of a doctor. Becoming the first jurisdiction in Canada to provide coverage for continuous glucose monitors for all Yukoners with type 1 diabetes. Doubling the medical travel subsidy from $75 per day to $150 and increasing medical travel destinations’ eligibility to better suit Yukoners’ needs. Expanded the Yukon’s healthcare to cover surgeries and other procedures essential to gender transition, which is being recognized as the most comprehensive health coverage for gender-affirming care in North America. Introducing mandatory Indigenous cultural safety and humility training for all Yukon government staff. Becoming the first jurisdiction in Canada to provide Yukon health professionals with training at no cost from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health. Streamlining mental health and substance use services to be delivered together at the Sarah Steele building in Whitehorse. Increasing the Yukon Hospital Corporation’s budget by 27% - from $64.1 million in 2017/18 to $81.3 million in 2021/22. Expanding the Yukon’s vaccine program to cover the shingles and HPV vaccines for at-risk and vulnerable Yukoners. Expanded prescription coverage to include universal coverage of the abortion medication Mifegymiso and the PReP medication for those at risk of contracting HIV. Providing $677,000 to match federal funding of the Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program, which helps community groups connect with pregnant women, new mothers, and their babies. Transforming the Whitehorse Emergency Shelter’s service delivery model to be more accessible - including providing low-barrier shelter services to those in need, on-site nursing and paramedic services, mental health services, and a social and outreach worker to connect clients to resources. 30 | YUKON LIBERAL PARTY PLATFORM 2021 Create an integrated health authority to improve coordinated care between the hospital, long-term care, home care, and social services. Work with the Yukon Medical Association to explore physician payment models that reflect modern healthcare. Create a new Care Coordination and Medical Travel Unit to streamline care across programs and providers, for local and out of territory care. We will work with partners to provide safe and alternative driving services between communities. Support Yukoners in making a reproductive care plan with physician input which includes: • Subsidizing the cost of birth control. • Continuing to integrate midwifery into Yukon’s healthcare system, working towards a fully-funded program by fall 2021. • Subsidizing the cost of period products for those who need it. • Support Yukon families by subsidizing the cost of fertility treatments and travel. Revise the Health Professions Act to improve how we regulate healthcare service professionals and increase coverage to groups such as psychologists, optometrists, and allied health professionals. Create a Bilingual Health Centre in Whitehorse to improve care for the Yukon’s francophone population. Complete the construction of a secure medical unit at Whitehorse General Hospital. Implement the Yukon’s Aging-in-Place strategy, which includes commitments to develop supportive housing for seniors and expand the Home First program. Harmonize and simplify the Government of Yukon’s pharmaceutical programs and work in partnership with the federal government to support a Canada-wide universal pharmacare program model. Provide self or family-managed care funding to enable adult Yukoners with disabilities to live at home for longer. We will keep modernizing our healthcare system and make the Yukon a healthcare service leader in Canada. A re-elected Yukon Liberal Government will: Let’s Keep Going LET’S KEEP GOING | 31 The Yukon Liberal Government has focused on delivering care as close to home as possible, keeping people well and promoting health and wellness in our communities. We have made significant improvements in rural-based health care, including: HEALTHY, SAFE FAMILIES Increased Community Wellness Four new community mental wellness and substance use hubs to support rural Yukon. Created positions for eight new mental wellness and substance use counsellors, two new mental health nurses, and one new mental wellness and substance use therapist. Hiring two nurse practitioners to enhance diagnostic care for rural Yukoners and hiring three additional community health nurses. Integrating community health services by incorporating community health clinics into the Watson Lake and Dawson City hospitals. Improved support for rural Yukoners at the end of their lives by putting in place new funding for end-of-life care. Leading the nation when it comes to mental health action. Premier Silver hosted a national podcast on mental health that was released in March, with Canada’s Premiers. 32 | YUKON LIBERAL PARTY PLATFORM 2021 A re-elected Yukon Liberal Government will keep support for mental health and wellness going. We will: Create a health lodge in Whitehorse for rural residents who are attending medical appointments. Invest additional resources in rural Emergency Medical Services (EMS) by increasing coverage and dispatch services and increasing the training honoraria for volunteer EMS and firefighters, bringing it up to regular active duty pay. Work with families to plan transitions from hospital to home by implementing a patient-oriented care transition model. Improve mental wellness and reduce higher drug and alcohol use rates amongst rural youth by introducing the Planet Youth program. Enhance programs and services at long-term care homes to better support First Nations residents and their families. This includes culturally focused activities, increasing staff knowledge and sensitivity, offering traditional meals, and ensuring residents’ spiritual needs are met. Hire additional nurse practitioners where needed to increase access to primary health care providers in the communities and specialized clinics. Increase services offered in communities through mobile screening and service provisions. Increase the use of video conferencing for medical appointments such as specialist appointments or prescription renewals for rural Yukoners to avoid inconvenient medical travel. Work with Yukon First Nations governments and the Government of Canada to fund a rural, on￾the-land mental health and substance treatment centre, recognizing that this has been identified as a priority action in both the Putting People First report and the Yukon’s MMIWG2S+ strategy. Require mandatory cultural safety and humility training and a continuous education process for all health and social services providers and managers. Increase support for senior’s active living, for example through ElderActive. Let’s Keep Going LET’S KEEP GOING | 33 We have been working towards creating an education system that truly represents the Yukon. In four years, we have: HEALTHY, SAFE FAMILIES Supportive Education for Everyone Adopted and adapted the new BC curriculum to reflect Yukon realities. Worked with Yukon College to become Yukon University, the first University in Canada’s North. Settled the 11-year lawsuit with the Commission scolaire francophone du Yukon and built a new French language secondary school. Committed to establishing early kindergarten in all rural communities by the start of the 2021-22 school year. Invested tens of millions of dollars to modernize Yukon schools and increase the number of learning spaces across the territory, such as: • Building a new elementary school in Whistle Bend. • Adding portables at Golden Horn Elementary, Robert Service School, Selkirk Elementary and Hidden Valley Elementary. • Launched an independent review of inclusive and special education services and support for Yukon students. 34 | YUKON LIBERAL PARTY PLATFORM 2021 We need a forward-looking plan for how we continue to improve education opportunities and outcomes for our students. A re-elected Yukon Liberal Government will: Begin the planning process for the next elementary school replacement in Whitehorse in consultation with school communities and families. Complete the construction of a new school in Burwash Landing by 2024. Ensure students have full access to Individualized Education Plans, Student Learning Plans and Behavior Support Plans. Establish a Yukon First Nations school board to allow Yukon First Nations to gain more authority and control over their children’s education. Work with Yukon University to investigate a varsity sports program. Work with Yukon University to ensure that the increased demand for early childhood educators can be met. Work with communities and stakeholders to develop and implement school safety transportation plans covering safe drop-off and pick-up areas, snow removal, safe crosswalks, speed control, and proper lighting. Complete the construction of a new elementary school in Whistle Bend by 2023 and establish a Whistle Bend School Council in spring 2021. Continue to work with the Chiefs Committee on Education and all Yukon First Nations to improve Yukon First Nations students’ education outcomes. Support Yukon University’s new science building and its inclusion of traditional knowledge. Work with Yukon University to ensure that their innovative Licensed Practical Nursing program will continue with annual intakes. Strengthen training for school based teams and educators to help them better address classroom violence. Let’s Keep Going LET’S KEEP GOING | 35 Everyone should feel safe in their community. We have made significant strides in ensuring that every Yukoner feels secure and has access to the supports they need. We have: HEALTHY, SAFE FAMILIES Safety in Our Communities Created a real, coordinated support program for victims of sexualized assault, the Sexualized Assault Response Team, which has transformed the way services can be accessed when a sexualized assault occurs. Appointed an independent expert to review the Whitehorse Correctional Centre and implemented the recommendations from the report. Released Changing the Story to Upholding Justice and Dignity - Yukon’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Girls and Two Spirit+ People Strategy. Initiated and funded the RCMP Historical Case Unit to investigate unsolved homicides, which has seen several successful convictions. Developed paid and unpaid leave options to support victims of domestic violence. Increased annual funding to legal aid to ensure Yukoners have access to justice services. Supported the development of community safety plans and programs when requested, such as the KDFN Community Safety Officer Program and the Community Security Guard Program developed by Selkirk First Nation. Increased services and supports for the Supervised Residential Housing Services for Justice-Involved Men program. This means more beds, better programming and more supervision with a new service provider, the John Howard Society. Implemented a Gladue Report Writing Pilot Program in partnership with the Council of Yukon First Nations. 36 | YUKON LIBERAL PARTY PLATFORM 2021 A re-elected Yukon Liberal Government will keep working to make communities safer. We will: Enhance our community safety planning program and ensure a consistent approach to funding community safety planning activities across Yukon. We will also consider how this approach might apply to urban neighbourhoods in Whitehorse. Work with stakeholders and community partners and continue to refine and enhance the Sexualized Assault Response Team program and expand the program to include Yukon communities. Continue to work with Yukon First Nations to advance Administration of Justice Agreement negotiations. Establish a program to provide supportive community housing to Justice-Involved Women that will be gender-responsive, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed, which is part of our commitment to increasing community safety and justice through Yukon’s MMIWG2S+ strategy. Let’s Keep Going LET’S KEEP GOING | 37 The Yukon is not immune to the opioid crisis that has gripped the country and we have high rates of alcohol consumption and addictions. Many Yukoners struggle with addiction and require support. We increased the number of rural mental health support positions from 2 to 22. We built mental health hubs in communities, which have significantly improved the services that Yukoners can access without needing to travel, including withdrawal management, rapid access counselling, and the opioid treatment services clinic. In our most recent budget, we allocated over $21 million towards supporting mental wellness and substance use services. HEALTHY, SAFE FAMILIES Supports to Address Substance Use There is more to do. A re-elected Yukon Liberal Government will increase resources available to those who need support. We will create a wet shelter program and develop a safe drug supply program for the Yukon. These innovative programs have been shown to significantly decrease substance related deaths across Canada. We will work with Yukon First Nations governments and the Government of Canada to fund a rural, on-the-land mental health and substance treatment centre, recognizing that this has been identified as a priority action in both the Putting People First Report and the Yukon’s MMIWG2S+ strategy. 38 | YUKON LIBERAL PARTY PLATFORM 2021 LET’S KEEP GOING | 39 Significant progress has been made to increase housing options over the last four years, and we recognize there is much more to do. We will focus on creating housing that can be accessed by all. Previous governments have not taken this crisis seriously – the decision to cancel a significant affordable housing project has only worsened the backlog we face today. Over the past four years, we have placed a real focus on housing those most in need because those in power were not listening to their voices for too long. We have: Opened the first Housing First residence in the North, in Whitehorse. Supported the creation of affordable housing by creating the Housing Initiatives Fund, with over 350 units of affordable housing supported since 2018. Increased housing accessibility by supporting projects such as the Challenge Cornerstone project, Normandy Manor senior’s housing development, and Blood Ties Four Direction’s tiny home project. Building a new 47-unit building in Whitehorse, which will support clients across the housing continuum. Introduced the Canada-Yukon Housing Benefit, which supports households struggling with affordability in the rental market. Since launching in November 2020, it has directly helped over 150 Yukoners with market rental housing. Secured $40 million over the next five years for new construction and revitalization of affordable housing in Yukon through the Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation Northern Carve-Out. Housing Across the Spectrum 40 | YUKON LIBERAL PARTY PLATFORM 2021 Tripled our investment in lot development in comparison to previous governments. We have steadily increased the capital budget of the Yukon Housing Corporation to meet the demands of a growing population. In 2021 YHC’s capital budget was $38.35 million, whereas in 2019 it was $24.1 million. Released over 500 lots for development across the Yukon in the past three years and supported the development of over 600 homes in the Yukon since 2018. Invested $5.4 million in retrofits and renovations of social, seniors, and staff housing through the Yukon Housing Corporation, provided over $23 million towards homeownership programs and supported YHC’s shift towards community housing, to better address Yukoners needs across the housing continuum. Held the largest land lottery ever in Whitehorse this past fall - 257 lots including single-family, townhouse, multi-family, commercial, and country residential lots. Over the last four years, your Liberal Government invested more than $83 million and developed 554 lots across the territory. In comparison, the previous administration invested $29 million and developed only 289 lots in four years. 350 new units of affordable housing since 2018. Tripled the investment in lot development compared to previous governments. 257 new lots released through the largest land lottery ever in Whitehorse. LET’S KEEP GOING | 41 We are working hard to increase land availability by getting lots on the market and into the hands of Yukoners. We have: As the Yukon’s population continues to grow, we need to get ahead of the demand for housing. We will keep up the momentum to create housing across the spectrum, throughout the Yukon. 42 | YUKON LIBERAL PARTY PLATFORM 2021 A re-elected Yukon Liberal Government will: Develop and release 1,000 new lots in the next five years across the Yukon. Work with the private sector on developing the 5th & Rogers land parcel in Whitehorse while ensuring the project helps increase the amount of available housing, in particular, rentals. Raise awareness of the current Yukon Rental Standards through outreach and education, and work with the Residential Tenancies Office to ensure that they can safely and successfully advocate for landlords and tenants. Support the establishment of a Yukon Community Land Trust through a land parcel grant, which will create permanently affordable housing with a rent-to-own or facilitated ownership model. Work with the private sector and the City of Whitehorse to consider the relocation of the grader station in the Marwell area of Whitehorse and remediation of that land to enable future development, which could add several hundred new units to the housing and rental market. Build Yukon’s next Housing First project in Watson Lake. Work with First Nations and private sector partners in Whitehorse to investigate the development of a new, bare land condominium mobile home park. Establish a land bank for housing lots so we can get ahead of the demand. Build new, affordable housing triplexes in Mayo, Watson Lake, and Whitehorse which will be completed and ready for tenants by the end of 2021. Engage with the contracting and homeowner community to ensure that new homes meet a strong standard of quality upon completion. Continue to develop incentives for the construction of affordable housing. Work in partnership with First Nation governments and development corporations to develop and maintain Yukon Government staff housing in rural communities. Increase energy efficiency rebates available for mobile homeowners and support a transition to electrical heating. Work with First Nations in Whitehorse and communities to develop new land parcels to increase housing stock and make land available for housing across the Yukon. LET’S KEEP GOING | 43 In 2016, we made resetting the relationship between the Yukon government and First Nations governments a priority and are so proud of the progress made. Our approach has been to negotiate, not litigate. We have worked in genuine partnership, generating benefits and positive outcomes for all Yukoners. We have: Held the Yukon Forum 4 times per year - as was identified through legislation, but rarely acted upon by previous governments. Through the Yukon Forum, we have: • Collaborated to bring a more unified and strategic approach to our engagement with the federal government. • Signed an agreement to clarify how resource royalties will be shared under Chapter 23 of the Final Agreements. • Signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Heritage Management. The Yukon is the only jurisdiction in Canada that has co-owned, co-managed historical sites with self-governing First Nations. • Finalized and began implementing the Yukon First Nations Procurement Policy. Become the first jurisdiction in Canada to create a comprehensive Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S+) strategy, Changing the Story to Upholding Justice and Dignity, that will guide our actions over the next decade. The strategy outlines 31 actions under four main paths that will guide our response to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. It was created in partnership with MMIWG2S+ survivors, families, Indigenous women’s organizations, First Nations Governments, municipalities and other stakeholders, including the Government of Canada and, the RCMP. Signed the final recommended plan from the Peel Watershed Regional Land Use Planning Commission. Increased First Nations involvement in Yukon school governance through funding for the Yukon Native Language Centre, the First Nations Education Commission and the Chiefs Committee on Education. Established National Indigenous People’s Day as a statutory holiday in the Yukon, our first legislative work as a new government. Strong Partnerships with First Nations 44 | YUKON LIBERAL PARTY PLATFORM 2021 There are so many exciting opportunities on the horizon as we move forward with First Nations governments. These respectful partnerships need to continue. A re-elected Yukon Liberal Government will: Implement the Yukon’s MMIWG2S+ strategy with our partners to help society heal and move forward together. Implement our representative public service plan - Breaking Trail Together, an inclusive public service. This plan is built around barrier-free recruitment, culturally safe and responsive work environments, and training opportunities. It was endorsed by the Yukon Forum in 2019, and we have been working hard on this since. Continue to incorporate Yukon First Nations traditions and practices into the Yukon Legislative Assembly so that it better reflects the people that it represents. Establish a Yukon First Nation school board to allow Yukon First Nations to gain more authority and control over their children’s education. Continue to fulfill our commitment to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. The Yukon Forum Joint Action Plan has focused our efforts on critical areas such as health and social services, education, justice, and heritage. Continue to work actively to uphold and promote the spirit and intent of the Self-Government Agreements and work together to identify and resolve roadblocks. Let’s Keep Going LET’S KEEP GOING | 45 Improving Infrastructure Across the Yukon All Yukon communities deserve access to infrastructure that works and meets their needs. We have taken this to heart over the last four years and have gone to work in every community. From much needed municipal upgrades such as water and wastewater, to new public works facilities and increasing our highway safety, we have put Yukon’s businesses to work in making the Yukon a better place to live. We have matched federal funding with individual community priorities to ensure that priority projects, as identified by local First Nations and municipalities, are the ones getting out the door. There is more work to do. We will keep consulting with communities about their needs and priorities. 46 | YUKON LIBERAL PARTY PLATFORM 2021 Old Crow • Health & Wellness Centre • 10-Unit Mixed-Use Housing Dawson City • Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Youth Centre • Dempster Fibre Project • Recreation Centre • OTAB Retrofit Pelly Crossing • Swimming Pool • Selkirk First Nation Early Childhood Development Centre Beaver Creek • White River Community Centre • New Sewage Lagoon Carmacks • Public Works, Firehall and EMS Building Burwash Landing • Burwash Landing School • Aerodrome Site Improvements • Boat Launch Haines Junction • Land Development in Marshall Creek Subdivision • Water and Wastewater Upgrades Carcross • Lagoon Upgrades • 6-Unit Mixed Use Housing • Health and Wellness Centre Renovation Whitehorse • Whistle Bend Elementary School • Kwanlin Dün First Nation Hub Facility • 47 Unit Mixed-Use Housing • Public Transit Hub • Mt. Sima Upgrades • City Hall Energy Upgrades • Gymnastics and Climbing Facility • Arts and Heritage Resource Centre • Air Tanker Base • Southern Lakes Regional Fire Centre Mayo • Airport Site Improvements • Arena Upgrades • Community Housing Project • Health and Wellness Centre Keno • Mayo to McQuesten Transmission Line Faro • Public Works and Firehall Building • Reservoir Replacement Ross River • Ross River School Stabilization • New Sewage Lagoon • District Office Watson Lake • Public Works and Firehall Building • Community Housing Project • Housing First Project Teslin • Teslin Tlingit Community Centre • Grader Station • Nisutlin Bay Bridge • Firehall These exciting projects are set to begin this summer, or are committed to in our 5 Year Capital Plan. A re-elected Yukon Liberal Government will: Construct the new Health and Wellness Centre in Old Crow. Work with the community of Beaver Creek and the Teslin Tlingit Council on their respective potlatch and community hub projects. Work with Dawson City to continue to upgrade water and wastewater infrastructure and develop a reservoir. Construct a new Nisutlin Bay Bridge in partnership with the Teslin Tlingit Council. Promote healthy lifestyles by supporting Pelly Crossing’s pool, upgrading the Mayo arena and finalizing the Carmacks arena. Continue to work with Porter Creek residents regarding the proposed improvements to the Alaska Highway in their area. Continue to support Kwanlin Dün’s Community Hub, which will provide elders, youth, and citizens with an inclusive space focused around KDFN culture. Construct a new energy-efficient Public Works and Fire Hall building in Faro, work with the town of Watson Lake on their Public Works and Fire Hall building, and with Carmacks on their Public Works, Fire Hall and Emergency Medical Services building. Work with the community of Haines Junction to upgrade the town’s water supply and lagoon. Support a new public transit hub and bus replacement in Whitehorse. Conduct an independent assessment of fire service in rural Yukon to ensure volunteer firefighters are supported in accessing services training and equipment to keep their communities safe. Let’s Keep Going LET’S KEEP GOING | 47 Accountable Government for All The Yukon Government exists to serve Yukoners. The Yukon Liberal Government has been working hard over the past four years to be more accountable and transparent in all our decision-making. We work with our First Nations and municipal governments, not against them, to create a more fair and equitable place for all Yukoners to live and thrive in. 48 | YUKON LIBERAL PARTY PLATFORM 2021 Making It Easier to Get Things Done We have cut red tape and modernized our systems to increase efficiency and make it easier for Yukoners to access the services they need. We have: Created an open data repository to provide Yukoners easier access to information they have a right to have. Modernized the Yukon Government’s approach to engagement to get more Yukoners involved in decision making (engageyukon.ca) Introduced eProcurement and a First Nations Procurement Policy to bring Yukon’s procurement process into the 21st Century. Signed a $28 million agreement with the Government of Canada to support French￾language services across government over the next five years. Introduced a new modernized Workers’ Safety and Compensation Act that enhances worker safety and compensation systems in the territory. Increasing Accountability We have transformed the political sphere, making politicians more accountable by: Creating the Yukon’s first Lobbyist Registry, so Yukoners can see who meets with elected officials and when. Improving the Yukon’s electoral system, including legislating fixed election dates, establishing a permanent voter list, and increasing mail-in ballot availability to increase voting options for Yukoners. Requiring all Yukon government entities to appear before the legislature as witnesses at least once a year. Implementing a new Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (ATIPP), which strengthens privacy protections for Yukoners and increases transparency. A Yukon Everyone Can Call Home When we arrived in office, we faced a considerable amount of outdated, backwards legislation that discriminated against some Yukoners. We took action fast to ensure that the Yukon is the best place in Canada to live for all Yukoners. Over the past four years, we have: Banned conversion therapy. Changed the Yukon’s laws to make them gender-neutral by updating the Vital Statistics Act and the Human Rights Act. Made discrimination based on gender identity illegal in the Yukon through the creation of the new Gender Diversity and Related Amendments Act. Removed the requirement for gender confirming surgery before a person can change the sex on their birth registration. Changed key laws to make them more inclusive of same-sex partners and repealed the Women’s Property Act. Brought forward the Equality of Spouses Statute Law Amendment Act, which amended multiple Yukon legislation pieces with language that is inclusive of LGBTQ2S+ Yukoners. Conducted the first extensive public engagement with the LGBTQ2S+ community. In recognition of the community’s needs, we provided $184,000 in operational funding to Queer Yukon in 2020-21. Introduced gender-inclusive designs into new construction and renovations, such as gender￾inclusive washrooms at the Whitehorse Visitor Information Centre. We changed the Yukon’s healthcare insurance policy to cover surgeries and other procedures essential to gender transition, which is being recognized as the most inclusive policy in Canada. LET’S KEEP GOING | 49 We need to keep working to make Yukon services and laws more open, inclusive and accessible. A re-elected Yukon Liberal Government will: Let’s Keep Going Release an LGBTQ2S+ Action Plan, which will guide the Yukon’s continued shift towards a more inclusive society and continue our approach of “nothing about us, without us” with the Yukon’s LGBTQ2S+ community. Continue to work to reduce red tape to make services easier to access. Consult with Yukoners about their vision for what comes next for electoral reform within six months of re-election. We will update the existing code of ethics for MLAs, and require that all MLAs participate in an accountability pledge. Work with Queer Yukon to make the Yukon Pride Centre a reality, which will provide a safe, welcoming, and supportive gathering place for LGBTQ2S+ Yukoners. Create an accessible online portal where Yukoners can submit feedback and ideas about reducing red tape. Continue to modernize and update the Yukon’s legislative framework to ensure that it reflects all Yukoners and does not discriminate based on gender identity or marital status. Continue modernizing the Yukon’s digital infrastructure and human resources policies to allow greater mobility for Yukoners in both the public and private sector to work from all communities in the Yukon. 50 | YUKON LIBERAL PARTY PLATFORM 2021 CARRYING OUR MOMENTUM FORWARD We will introduce the following pieces of legislation in our next mandate: A modernized Motor Vehicles Act will improve safety for all road users of Yukon highways and address longstanding concerns and issues with the existing Act. An Amended Child and Family Services Act (CFSA) would reflect advice provided by the CFSA Steering Committee. Amend the Vital Statistics Act to reflect modern Yukon families. Amend the Territorial Lands (Yukon) Act to create a comprehensive regulatory framework to manage resource road construction, use, maintenance, access, and closure. Create a Yukon Species at Risk Act that will ensure the Yukon’s vulnerable species’ health and conservation and recognizes the unique circumstances in the Yukon. Amend the Assessment and Taxation Act and the Municipal Act to enable the Better Buildings Loan Program that creates a new program for homeowners to retrofit their homes. Introduce the Clean Energy Act to legislate the Yukon’s GHG emissions targets. Update the Yukon’s Animal Protection Act to create a comprehensive framework to address animal welfare issues, requirements for owners to control their animals and tools to support enforcement. To better equip the Yukon’s response to future emergencies, we will review Yukon’s Civil Emergency Measures Act and Yukon’s Public Health and Safety Act. Introduce legislation to enable the development of geothermal projects. LET’S KEEP GOING | 51 www.ylp.ca twitter.com/yukonliberal facebook.com/yukonliberals Authorized by the official agent for the Yukon Liberal Party. Liberals YUKON