True to his word, Premier Dennis Fentie tabled a record-high budget this afternoon, toppling last year's at $793.3 million for 2006/2007.

Comparing solely main estimates, it is the largest budget in the Yukon's history.

'(It's) a surplus budget that lays the foundation for forecasting balanced budgets into the foreseeable future beyond our current mandate,' Fentie, who also serves as Finance Minister, said during his budget speech in the legislature.

The budget provides Fentie's government with approximately $9 million more in funds than what was contained in the main estimates for 2005/2006.

That year's budget, though, actually toppled the $818.7-million mark after the Finance Minister requested an additional $40.7 million in the supplementary budget last fall.

There are no tax increases in this year's budget. But the government is still estimating an $8.98-million surplus for the 2006/2007 fiscal year, which will end March 31, 2007.

The year's revenue will hit the $786.5-million mark, of which $558.5 million comes from federal transfers.

The transfers include the $22-million Canada Health Transfer and $13.3 million for the Northern Strategy, as well as a $505-million grant from Canada.

The operation and maintenance (O&M) budget for the year is $601.3 million, of which $59.8 million is recoverable. It places the net O&M at $541 million.

The capital budget for the territory will be $191.7 million. Approximately $81.2 million will be recoverable, with the net capital expenditures for 2006/2007 at $110 million.

'We have utilized our successive budgets starting with our 2004-2005 budget to inject a further $200 (million) to $300 million in increased funding annually into the economy as an added stimulus,' Fentie said.

This is the Yukon Party's second surplus budget. The $8.98-million surplus for the year, however, is a significant drop from 2005/2006. Last year, the surplus was placed at the $37.9 million mark.

The accumulated surplus for the 2006/2007 surplus year is $460.4 million. The amount is based on a new accounting method that enables the government to take into account the value of all the government's assets, including buildings.

Some of the government's increased revenue is expected to come from a $2-million rise in monies coming from personal income tax, which is connected to population growth and incomes. The corporate income tax is also expected to jump by $903,000.

Overall, taxes are expected to bring in $3.2 million more this year compared to 2005/2006 despite the fact there wasn't an increase in their percentages.

'We have utilized our budgets to create more stimulus, more investment in capital and more investment in program and service delivery for Yukoners,' Fentie added.

The Department of Health and Social Services will have the highest costs in operation and maintenance, topping the $175-million mark. The Education department ranks next in line with $108 million.

It is Highways and Public Works, however, that will have the largest capital budget at $72 million. Community Services ranks with the second-largest capital budget at $49 million.

When looking at the total budget, Health and Social Services continues to top the list at $183 million. Highways and Public Works is second with $149 million.

The total budget and operations and maintenance spending for the other departments, include:

• Community Services at $100 million, $50.5 million O&M;

• Economic Development at $17 million, $6.7 million O&M;

• Energy, Mines and Resources at $43 million, $38 million O&M;

• Environment at $23 million, $20 million O&M;

• Justice at $41 million, $39 million O&M;

• Tourism and Culture at $21 million, $15 million O&M; and

• Yukon Housing Corp. at $28 million, $12.5 million O&M;

In the Elections Office, $522,000 has also been put aside to cover the territorial election Fentie must call by November.

The premier also reaffirmed his commitment to conclude the land claim settlements of the White River First Nation, Ross River Dena Council and the Liard First Nation.

'Our government is willing to act as the facilitator or mediator with the Government of Canada and these three Yukon first nations in order to conclude the unsettled business of completing land claims in the Yukon,' said Fentie.

This budget is the fourth Fentie has tabled during his Yukon Party's mandate. He said the four budgets have allowed for his party to fulfill the election commitments that were made in 2002.

'Our budgets reflect a balanced vision for our territory based on fundamental principles of strong fiscal management, co-operative, collaborative government,' said Fentie, adding his government is committed to a balance between economy, environment and strengthening of the Yukon's social fabric.