Government of Yukon provides update on progress towards new minerals legislation

February 20, 2025

The Government of Yukon is making significant progress in co-developing new minerals legislation with First Nations aimed at modernizing the territory’s regulatory framework and ensuring responsible resource development.

The new legislation will create a balanced approach that safeguards the environment, respects Aboriginal rights and supports a strong, sustainable economy. By improving the regulatory system, the Government of Yukon seeks to provide greater clarity for industry while enhancing environmental protections and meaningful involvement of Yukon First Nations in decision-making processes.

A Steering Committee, comprising representatives from the Government of Yukon, the Council of Yukon First Nations, Indigenous governments and groups, has been working diligently to advance a recommended legislative framework. Regular meetings have facilitated progress on key elements of the legislation.

A framework agreement will mark a major milestone in the development of new minerals legislation, ensuring that it reflects the values and interests of all Yukoners. Industry representatives and environmental organizations will continue to be engage; they contribute valuable input and insights to the process.

As the process advances, the government remains committed to ongoing engagement with stakeholders, including recent discussions at the Roundup Mining and Exploration Conference. The objective is to balance regulatory clarity with the flexibility needed to address project-specific circumstances.

The Government of Yukon continues to work diligently to position the territory as a leader in responsible and sustainable mineral development. Further updates on the progress of the new legislation will be shared in the coming months.

The development of new minerals legislation is a crucial step towards modernizing our regulatory framework and ensuring responsible resource development in the Yukon. Our government is working diligently to create legislation that will position our territory as a leader in responsible and sustainable mineral development. We appreciate the ongoing input and collaboration from all parties involved in this process and we look forward to sharing more details as we work towards finalizing this important legislation.

Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources John Streicker

Media contact

Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca

NT4