FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 27, 1999

Whitehorse -- Jennifer Mauro, Chair of the Yukon Council on the Economy and the Environment (YCEE), has commended the Yukon Government for the workshop it held on the proposed Development Assessment Process (DAP). The workshop, held in Whitehorse on May 13 and 14, was an opportunity for the often contentious debate around DAP to return to a more objective and constructive discussion.

Ms. Mauro noted she was pleased that many of the opinions voiced at the workshop echoed recommendations in the YCEE's own review of DAP. Outside experts in attendance stressed that there must be consultation with key stakeholders in the planning and development of DAP. They also concurred that certainty, efficiency, effectiveness, and fairness in DAP procedures will benefit all interests.

"It was nice to hear representatives from organizations like Cominco, Noranda, and the Sierra Legal Defense Fund reflect what the YCEE recommended", said Mauro. "YCEE is a local body made up of diverse interests. The quality our own analysis of DAP, and the level of local expertise within the YCEE, was affirmed at this workshop. We hope the three parties who are developing DAP will be effectively involving key stakeholders in the continued planning and development of the next draft of the Development Assessment legislation".

YCEE released a report in February which offers 44 recommendations on how draft DAP legislation should be changed to ensure key objectives are clearly articulated. Copies of the report "Building an Effective Yukon Development Process" can be obtained by calling the YCEE Secretariat at (867) 667-5997 or 1-800-661-5792 local 5997 (toll free from outside Whitehorse). Requests can also be e-mailed to ycee@gov.yk.ca.

The YCEE is an independent advisory group to the Yukon Government Cabinet on issues of sustainable development. It is made up of representatives of a broad cross-section of Yukon interests that include business, industry, environment, First Nations, labour, and women.

Contact:

Jennifer Mauro
Chair, YCEE
(867) 633-2109