FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 19, 1999

WHITEHORSE - The Yukon Council on the Economy and the Environment (YCEE) has released its review of the Development Assessment Process (DAP).

Council chair, Jennifer Mauro, delivered copies of the review to the Yukon Government Leader, Piers McDonald, Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief, Shirley Adamson, and federal Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs, Jane Stewart recently.

"The Council is vitally aware that the eventual Yukon Development Assessment Process will have a profound impact on the Yukon economy, environment and people for years to come," said Mauro. "We must take every opportunity to make sure that what is put into place now truly reflects the requirements of the Umbrella Final Agreement (UFA) and the needs of Yukon people."

The objectives of a good development assessment process are to promote certainty, efficiency, effectiveness and fairness for all parties involved. The YCEE review suggests the need for improvement in each of these areas in the proposed legislation.

In its review of the proposed development assessment process, the YCEE states that DAP does not adequately meet the objectives of the UFA. The Council feels that more work is necessary if legislation that will be developed addresses issues of sustainable development, avoids duplication and provides certainty to all affected parties.

Above all else, the Council strongly recommends that all governments work together with Yukon people and organizations, and encourages further public discussion.

"This requires a more collaborative consultation process," said Mauro. "This may be time consuming, but it is this type of inclusive process that will ensure that the development assessment legislation will more fully meet the needs of Yukon people, the Yukon economy and the Yukon environment."

YCEE is a round-table of individuals representing Yukon First Nations, mining, business, labour, environmental, women's and municipal communities. The Council's primary role is to advise the Cabinet of the Government of the Yukon on matters related to sustainable development.

Contact:

Jennifer Mauro
Chair, YCEE
(867) 633-2109