A statement from the Government of Yukon regarding the Peel regional land use planning case

Press Release

January 19, 2017

Minister of Justice Tracy-Anne McPhee today issued a statement on the Peel regional land use planning case:

“The Government of Yukon filed its factum in the Peel regional land use planning case with the Supreme Court of Canada today.

“The Supreme Court decision will provide all parties with clarity on land use planning and will enable us to continue the land use planning process in Yukon and finalize a Peel land use plan.

“The Yukon government continues to support the principles of the final recommended plan developed by the original Peel Watershed Planning Commission.

“We respect that First Nations and conservation organizations have an interest in receiving the Supreme Court’s interpretation, as do we.

“We are committed to working collaboratively and respectfully with First Nations to implement the Final and Self-Government Agreements and follow the processes outlined in the Agreements.

“Final and Self-Government Agreements are instruments for collaborative nation-building, environmental protection, sustainable economic growth and, most importantly, reconciliation.

“Following the court case we are committed to working in an open, respectful and transparent manner with First Nations, the public and other stakeholders to continue land use planning in the territory.”

Quick facts

• The land use planning process for the Peel Watershed Region was initiated in October 2004 with the establishment of the Peel Watershed Planning Commission. The commission released its Final Recommended Plan in July 2011.
• The following plaintiffs filed a statement of claim against the Government of Yukon in the Supreme Court of Yukon on January 27, 2014: First Nation of Na-cho Nyäk Dun; Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in; Yukon Chapter—Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society; Yukon Conservation Society; Gill Cracknell; and Karen Baltgailis.
• The parties to the Peel Watershed regional planning process are the Gwich’in Tribal Council, the First Nation of Na-cho Nyäk Dun, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in, the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and the Government of Yukon.

Learn more:
Government of Yukon’s Factum
Peel land use planning court case

Contact:

Sunny Patch
Cabinet Communications
867-332-0362
sunny.patch@gov.yk.ca

Dan Cable
Communications, Justice
867-667-3508
dan.cable@gov.yk.ca

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