Statement from Premier Dixon on his disappointment with the Government of Canada's announcement

Premier Dixon has issued the following statement:

"The Government of Canada's announcement Thursday was described as "a new plan to defend and transform Canada's Northern and Arctic Region."

"I was surprised and disappointed to see that of the federal government's massive $32 billion investment in defence in Canada's North, none of that money would flow to the Yukon.

"The Yukon is home to the largest city in the North, and more than a third of the total population of the North. Despite this the federal government seems to have completely overlooked the Yukon.

"I am pleased to see the significant investment in our two neighbouring territories, and that the federal government is making such massive investments in both military and civilian infrastructure in Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

"Yukon has a long history of contribution to the sovereignty of our nation. Today, the Yukon is home to the only year-round road connecting southern Canada to the Arctic Ocean and marks the western entry point to the Beaufort Sea.

"A plan to defend and transform Canada's Northern and Arctic region cannot neglect one third of the North.

"I call on the Government of Canada to recognize the Yukon's strategic potential in this plan and to provide financial support to address our urgent energy, road, and health care infrastructure needs vital to the sovereignty of our territory and of Canada."