FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 15, 1999

WHITEHORSE - The Yukon Council on the Economy and the Environment (YCEE) is reviewing the proposed Development Assessment Act (DAP) and will forward its recommendations to the Federal and Territorial Governments and the Council of Yukon First Nations -- the three parties who have negotiated the proposed legislation.

"Our intent is to review the Development Assessment Act and recommend improvements to the legislation and its implementation," said Jennifer Mauro, Chair of the Yukon Council on the Economy and the Environment. "The Council wants to ensure that the legislation helps create certainty for industry by encouraging sustainable development balanced with protection of our environment."

"The Development Assessment Act will have a far reaching impact on how the Yukon's economy and environment are affected by development. This legislation will potentially affect every business, every Yukon person, every Yukon community and every Yukon First Nation," said Mauro.

"The Council has an interest in a sustainable future where Yukon people will enjoy economic prosperity and a healthy environment. For this reason, Council members are working hard to access the impacts of the proposed legislation on the Yukon's economy and the environment. We will endeavour to achieve consensus or to clearly set out a range of options for the parties to consider in our response," Mauro said.

The Council is made up of a broad cross-section of Yukon interests with representatives of the First Nation community, labour, women, business, and environmental organizations. Its mandate is to advise the Yukon Cabinet on issues related to the Yukon's economy and the environment.

The Council has been convening a series of meetings to thoroughly review the draft proposal. It anticipates tabling its report within the next six weeks.

Contact:

Jennifer Mauro
Chair, YCEE
(867) 633-2109