The Yukon government is consolidating many of its economic initiatives, particularly for COVID-19 support, into one overarching plan.

The move was announced late last Wednesday afternoon during a news conference with Ranj Pillai, the deputy premier and Economic Development minister, and Jeanie McLean, the minister of Tourism and Culture.

The government is calling the new approach an “Economic Resilience Plan”. Pillai called it a “blueprint” for government action.

A news release that followed the news conference stated “the Government of Yukon has released its economic resilience plan to help Yukon’s economy rebound with responsiveness and adaptability while Yukoners remain safe and healthy.

“The economic resilience plan is a strategic response that looks at current planned projects and programs with an eye to maximizing benefits while outlining new initiatives to support Yukoners as we adapt and build economic resilience.”

Pillai explained the plan “charts the government’s economic response to the pandemic and how we are adapting to build economic resilience. It identifies five key areas of focus: people, jobs, business supports, infrastructure development and economic diversification.

“It’s a signal we’re ready to get the economy going,” he said.

It’s also a framework to enable the government to get ready to spend the money allocated in the budget,” he added. The $1.8-billion budget for the 2021-22 fiscal year was tabled last Thursday.

The release boasted “the Yukon led the country in developing vital economic programs and supports in response to the unprecedented impacts of COVID-19.

“The economic resilience plan reflects a commitment to adapt programs to meet the needs of the businesses and sectors so they can contribute to a thriving, prosperous and diversified Yukon economy.”

Pillai said the government has offered more than $44.8 million in supports across the Yukon’s economic sectors through expanded programming, new initiatives and waived or deferred fees.