Statement from Premier Silver regarding the Kudz Ze Kayah Project

25/01/2021

Premier Sandy Silver released the following statement:

“I am very disappointed with the federal government’s decision to refer the recommendation for the Kudz Ze Kayah Project back to the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board (YESAB) Executive Committee for reconsideration.

Following four years of regulatory assessment, this decision creates unreasonable and unnecessary uncertainty for the proponent and sends a troubling signal.  The Government of Canada absolutely needs to take steps to streamline these processes going forward to ensure greater clarity and certainty for the mining industry.

I have written to Chair of YESAB to inform them that the Yukon government was prepared to accept the recommendations and issue a decision document. Unfortunately, due to the Government of Canada’s decision, we cannot issue a decision document accepting the recommendations at this time.

The Government of Yukon does not agree with the decision to refer the project back to the Executive Committee for reconsideration.

We feel the YESAA process has resulted in a comprehensive review and analysis of the project, and the recommendation to proceed with additional mitigations and monitoring is reasonable.

We remain committed to consulting on the project to ensure potential impacts to Kaska Nations asserted rights are addressed and we will continue to work with all parties to best ensure that we can continue to move forward.”

Contact

Matthew Cameron
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7136
matthew.cameron@yukon.ca

NT5