Finance Standing Committee

Tuesday, 16 October 2018 00:53

The Honourable Wayne Easter, MP from P.E.I. is the Chairperson for the standing committee on Finance

A dozen organizations and 4 witness speakers were at the Town Hall to present to Members of Parliament who sit on the standing committee for Finance on pre-consultation tour ahead of the 2019 budget.

This morning the house of Commons standing committee focused on education, mental health, mining and commerce.

Factions each took turns to present to the committee of 5 MPs from across Canada through Chairperson Wayne Easter.

On behalf of Yukon University, president and vice-chancellor Karen Barnes presented the proposal of a funding increase of 21.5 million dollars to build 3 buildings. Including a Science building and a student hub.

Dechinta Centre Research and Learning based out of NWT was represented by Catherine Lafferty and Kelley Wrightson. They have created a land based education program that is inclusive. It welcomes students with children and treats elders as professors. They have spurned other education programs that mimic the structure from the graduates and it saves persons from travelling south for post secondary education. They have asked for 5 million over 5 years to continue and expand this opportunity.

Mental Health Association of Yukon, who have recently expanded their capacity by creating mental health hubs in remote communities helping families stay together as they seek support. MHAY requested the budget rises from 7.2% to 9% of total health costs to address the various mental health concerns and the stigma.

Commerce and mining are a massive part of revenue for the north and the costs are some of the highest carbon intensive industries. Nunavut Resource Corporation propose the Grays Bay road and deep water port. The also plan to build a gravel road for 230 km from the port to Jericho mine. The road also would be the first territorial connection with the rest of the country. The multi billion dollar proposal will also see an air strip built.

The chamber of mines, Samson Hartland requests relaxation of the carbon tax to bolster the competitiveness that phases in the tax over a time that they can also seek ways to absorb the costs.

The five member committee took turns fleshing out the proposals which are going to be looked at before the submission of the 2019 federal budget.

In the second round of House of Commons standing committee on Finance today, the panel featured 4 chiefs of Yukon first nations and the executives of the Women's Transitional Centre, the Association Franco-Yukonaisse and a charitable organization named Actua.

Then four chiefs presented their thoughts to the 5 members of parliament on the committee, missing was Larry Bagnell.

Chief Bob Dickson of Kluane First nation advocated for his stand alone First Nation, void of any municipal connections. He seeks federal support for a school so the community doesn't have to send their children to Haines Junction or Whitehorse.

Trondek Hwetch'in First Nation Chief Roberta Joseph brought Loan Forgiveness to the forefront. She finished by mentioning there would be public congratulations to the federal government and a real opportunity for reconciliation.

Chief Steve Smith of Champagne and Aishihik, seeking to expand the language course that sees 10 students enrolled full-time in immersive Southern Tutchone classes, that will in turn produce teachers.

Chief Richard Sidney was also present on behalf of Teslin Tlingit Council.

Many of the committee members were a little misinformed about Yukon Final Agreements. Chief Smith took them through the history of it and

Finance Standing Committee

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