The recently-released plan recommends protecting 80% from industrial development while allowing the resource industry to work in the other 20%.
Based on the best available scientific analysis available, this plan also reflects the wishes of a majority of Yukoners and the four affected First Nations, said NDP leader Liz Hanson in a news release.
“The commission has listened to the people of the Yukon and produced a plan that provides a blueprint for the protection of this unique and important ecosystem,” she said.
“The plan also recommends a precautionary approach to future development that would ensure maximum socio-economic benefit and minimize potential environmental harm. It is a principled and practical way forward.”
The Yukon Party government has shown nothing but contempt for the planning process, Hanson said. First it refused to ban mineral staking while planning was underway and then it forced its environment department to water down its submission.
“Yukoners are rightly suspect of the current government’s commitment to environmental conservation and responsible resource exploitation,” said Hanson.
The Yukon Liberal Party also says it remains committed to protecting the Peel watershed.
The final recommended plan is a solid blueprint to achieve that goal, says leader Arthur Mitchell in a news release.
“We have been on the public record for some time now with our support for protecting a significant area of the Peel watershed,” said Mitchell.
“The final report is principle based and was reached after an exhaustive examination of each management area within the watershed and extensive public consultation so we can definitely support its findings.”
Now it’s time for the Premier Darrell Pasloski to tell the public where the Yukon Party government stands.
“The new boss is the same as the old boss - both Premiers’ [Dennis] Fentie and Pasloski have refused to say how much of the Peel they think should be protected and how much should be open to development,” said Mitchell.
“We know Mr. Fentie was working behind the scenes to tilt the plan against protection and so far the new premier has refused to clearly state where he stands on the issue.”
With a territorial election on the horizon the Yukon Party government owes it to the public to be open and accountable about how it would proceed in the Peel, he said.
“It’s obvious from its actions the Yukon Party government doesn’t agree with the broad strokes of the commission’s work,” he said.
“It’s time for the new premier to quit ducking the issue and tell Yukoners what he does support in terms of land set aside. His commitment to run a more open government than Mr. Fentie is on the line here.”
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