Minister of Environment Nils Clarke has issued the following statement:
“Over the past two days I had the opportunity to meet with federal, provincial and territorial Environment Ministers from across the country to advance our shared goals of reducing plastic waste and creating more resilient communities as the Yukon adapts to a changing climate.
“We discussed how all provinces and territories are experiencing the effects of global warming and how we can work together to prepare for, respond to and recover from the impacts of climate change. I am proud that the Yukon is becoming a Canadian leader in reducing the impacts of climate change. This year alone, we will invest nearly $60 million to address the climate crisis and help meet our actions outlined in Our Clean Future.
“We also spoke about how our jurisdictions and industry leaders are working towards reducing plastic waste and keeping plastics out of our environment. The Government of Yukon is committed to implementing Extended Producer Responsibility in the territory. Extended Producer Responsibility ensures that producers and manufacturers of materials like plastic packaging and hazardous waste are responsible for the full cost and end of life of that product. This supports a sustainable and effective recycling system in our territory.
“In a separate meeting, I had the opportunity to hear from National Indigenous Organizations on water values and better collaboration. In the Yukon, we are proud that many Yukon First Nations are leading their own water stewardship efforts, including the development of water strategies and revitalization of Indigenous water governance.
“Our ability to work across jurisdictions in Canada is key to meeting our climate goals, developing a green economy and building climate resilient communities. I look forward to continuing our shared work to protect our environment now and for future generations of Yukoners and Canadians across the country.”
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca