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Yukon government approves more than $70M in special spending warrant

Money will cover Victoria Gold loan, land development and more, government says
yukon-government-building-240612
The legislative building sits under the sun on June 12, 2024. (Dana Hatherly/Yukon News)

Ahead of its next budget, the territorial government is green lighting more than $70 million in spending by special warrant. The lion’s share of the money will be going to the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources to meet commitments including its loan to the receiver overseeing remediation at Victoria Gold’s Eagle Gold Mine. 

This type of spending allows money to be used when the regular budget is not in place yet. A Jan. 23 notice from the government states that the spending is necessary to keep essential programs and operations running until the government’s budget for the next year is approved. According to the notice, funds will keep the departments of Energy, Mines and Resources, Highways and Public Works, and Community Services operating within their mandates until the budget comes through.

The special warrant is for approximately $70.2 million.

About $51.8 million is going to Energy, Mines and Resources to ensure the department can meet commitments made this year including payments as part of its loan to Pricewaterhouse Coopers, the court-appointed receiver working to fix the landslide-damaged Eagle Gold Mine and prevent environmental harm. The court overseeing the matter approved a $55-million borrowing increase for the receiver in early December 2024 and the Yukon government promptly announced it would put up the money. It is secured by the government’s claim on Victoria Gold assets stemming from the receivership. 

A further $10 million is going to Community Services to fund land development work. The government notice states that this is made necessary by productivity in the construction sector that exceeded expectations this fiscal year. 

Another $8.4 million is going to Highways and Public Works for operations and maintenance use that the government states will help cover rising utility costs and sustain transportation infrastructure affected by landslides and washouts earlier in the fiscal year. July 2024 saw a notable rainstorm. Associated slides and washouts included one that blocked the South Klondike Highway. 

“This special warrant ensures the Yukon government can meet its financial commitments and maintain essential services for Yukoners," said Sandy Silver, the Yukon’s Finance minister, who is quoted in the statement announcing the special warrant.

"By providing this funding, we are addressing the immediate needs of our departments to respond to natural disasters, support key economic projects and advance critical infrastructure work. Further, by addressing these needs immediately, in all departments, we will help ensure continuity, avoid additional costs and upholds commitments made to Yukoners." 

The opposition Yukon Party was quick to criticize the special warrant spending, citing its lack of legislative approval and recent supplementary budget increases.

In an Jan. 23 news release, the Official Opposition calls the Victoria Gold response, land development and services rendered by Highways and Public Works mismanaged files.

In the release, the opposition calls for an election.

In February 2024, $65.9 million in government spending was approved by special warrant.

The total value of the government's budget approved in May 2024 was roughly $2.08 billion.

Contact Jim Elliot at jim.elliot@yukon-news.com



Jim Elliot

About the Author: Jim Elliot

I’m a B.C. transplant here in Whitehorse at The News telling stories about the Yukon's people, environment, and culture.
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