Government of Yukon and Water Board sign Memorandum of Understanding
Press Release
The Government of Yukon and the Yukon Water Board have signed an agreement to clarify their roles with respect to looking after the territory’s water.
The agreement supports a constructive working relationship between the Yukon Water Board and the Government of Yukon and maintains the independence of the board in dealing with water licence application decisions. It also clarifies the staffing and administrative relationship between the Yukon Water Board and the Government of Yukon.
Both the Government of Yukon and the Yukon Water Board share the aim of balancing the conservation, development and use of water on behalf of all Yukoners and Canadians.
The Government of Yukon and the Yukon Water Board each have valuable roles to play when it comes to regulating the use of water in our territory. We have worked closely together to develop an agreement that clarifies our respective roles and responsibilities while preserving the board’s ability to make independent decisions on water licence applications.
Premier Sandy Silver
The memorandum of understanding helps to provide clarity to the important administrative relationship between the Yukon Water Board and the Government of Yukon. It reinforces the independence of the board in adjudicating licences and encourages dialogue between the parties in improving the regulatory process.
Yukon Water Board Chair Piers McDonald
Quick Facts
- Following the devolution of the federal Northern Affairs Program in 2003, the Government of Yukon took on the control and administration of territorial waters, not including waters in federal conservation areas.
- The Yukon Water Board was established under the Waters Act in 2003 an independent body. The board is responsible for issuing licences for using water and depositing waste in water. The board’s role is also set out in Chapter 14 of Yukon First Nations Final Agreements.
- The Yukon Water Board members and chair are supported administratively by the Water Board Secretariat. While Secretariat staff are Government of Yukon employees under the Public Service Act they take direction from the board.
- As set out in Yukon First Nations Final Agreements, Yukon Water Board members are nominated by the Government of Canada, the Government of Yukon and the Council of Yukon First Nations.
Janine Workman
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7449
janine.workman@gov.yk.ca
Joanna Lilley
Communications, Executive Council Office
867-667-5341
joanna.lilley@gov.yk.ca
Roger Lockwood
Director, Yukon Water Board Secretariat
867-456-3984
roger.lockwood@gov.yk.ca
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