Yukon’s Premier and Finance Minister, Sandy Silver, delivered the 2018–19 budget yesterday in the Legislative Assembly.
Local construction activity within the Territory will continue to be supported by public spending, in particular for key infrastructure, such as water and wastewater services. As such, the budget features a five-year capital plan profiling the Government of Yukon’s priority infrastructure projects, indicating its long-term plans for capital investment in the territory. It’s stated goal is to make the capital planning process more transparent, and so reduce barriers to First Nations and local businesses in securing government contracts and facilitates planning for upcoming capital projects.
“This budget reflects our government’s focus on strong fiscal management and transparent decision-making, and delivers on our commitment to create a five-year capital plan,” said Silver. “By including the plan with the budget, we are giving local businesses a better opportunity to plan effectively while ensuring that all levels of government can work together to meet the needs of Yukoners in all communities.”
The 2018–19 budget will focus on projects that are eligible for the Clean Water Wastewater Fund, such as sewage lagoons, pump houses, and treatment facilities. Until 2020–21, the government will also access the Small Communities Fund for various upgrades to roads and water systems.
Estimated spending in 2018–19 for Water Resources is just over $3 million, which is somewhat higher than 2017–18 estimated spending, but below forecast final spending in the same yer.
The Government of Yukon also tabled a second Supplementary Estimates for 2017–18 forecasting a $6.3 million surplus for that fiscal year.
