To the Government of Yukon
Re: Habitat Protection in Future Yukon Mining Acts

Current Status:

Quartz and placer mining in the Yukon is regulated according to the recently passed federal Yukon Quartz and Placer Mining Acts. These acts permit free entry for mining exploration and have regulations which establish degrees of permitting and authorization required for certain levels of exploration and mining activity.

Concern:

Existing federal legislation does not refer to the protection of wildlife habitats since it is considered by the Minister of DIAND to be a territorial jurisdiction. During the recent public review of these acts, none of the proposals for amendments to address habitat protection were accepted by the federal government. Therefore, the only remaining opportunity for such consideration will come with drafting of Yukon mining legislation to replace federal acts following devolution.

RECOMMENDATION to YTG:

In order to ensure that fish and wildlife habitats are adequately protected from negative impacts by mining exploration and development activities, the identification and protection of such habitats must be incorporated into Yukon mining legislation, which will replace existing federal legislation following devolution. The RRDC therefore urges the Government of the Yukon to include appropriate sections in all territorial mining legislation for the protection of fish and wildlife habitats in the Yukon and to subject drafts of such legislation to full public review.