This is a letter to the editor from Wade Istchenko, MLA for Kluane. 

WHITEHORSE – On July 30^th the United States Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) unanimously passed the most substantial highway legislation in United States history. This legislation contains a key provision that paves the way for renewed funding for the Shakwak portion of the Alaska Highway.

WHITEHORSE – The Liberal government has created unnecessary delays in the Whistle Bend School project after issuing a tender before consulting with key stakeholders. As a result, the tender was cancelled only 24 hours after being issued. 

WHITEHORSE – Despite requests from the Official Opposition to extend consultations and hold open houses in all Yukon communities regarding the development of new thermal generation facility, the Yukon Liberals are once again leaving rural Yukon out in the cold.

WHITEHORSE – On the eve of the federal election campaign the Liberals have made an announcement regarding improvements for the North Klondike Highway. However, their track record with respect to highways funding calls into question both their commitment and their ability to deliver on road infrastructure projects.

WHITEHORSE – The Liberal government continues to stack the deck in their favour on electoral reform. 

WHITEHORSE – The Official Opposition has written to the Liberal Government requesting that they extend their consultation on a new thermal generation facility and to allow for open houses in all Yukon communities to ensure all Yukoners are given the opportunity to be heard.

WHITEHORSE – Last month, Watson Lake MLA Patti McLeod tabled a petition signed by 373 Yukoners which asks the government to install highway lighting on a section of the Robert Campbell Highway. In the Liberal’s response to the petition, they again refused to invest in this important project.

WHITEHORSE – This weekend it was reported by CBC that Skagway is anticipating around a million cruise ship passengers this summer. This represents a huge opportunity for the Yukon tourism industry and private sector economy, and is a market that the Government of Yukon should be actively courting.

WHITEHORSE – The Liberal government has decided that funding the Whitehorse Trolley is not a priority for them, and as a result it will not run this summer.