Massive helpings of federal money continue to pour into the Yukon government’s coffers as election fever mounts in Ottawa.

Canada’s minister of Transportation, Omar Alghabra, along with Yukon MP Larry Bagnell and Highways and Public Works Minister Nils Clarke, announced approximately $180 million for work on the North Klondike Highway from Whitehorse to Dawson City.

“We are enhancing the northern transportation system, and we are increasing its resilience to climate change, and we are ensuring greater connectivity to Canada,” Alghabra said as he made the announcement.

“I am excited to be investing in this important transportation link alongside my federal colleagues,” Clarke said.

“This investment will address the transportation needs of Yukon communities by improving highway safety and road conditions, as well as bolstering economic opportunities including resource development and trade.

“This support will also make the North Klondike Highway more resilient in the face of thawing permafrost, reducing maintenance and remediation costs in the future.”

It didn’t take long for questions linking a potential election to the funding to arise.

“When are you calling the election?” a CBC Yukon reporter bluntly asked Alghabra, during a question and answer period with the media following the announcement.

The federal minister adroitly talked his way around the question, saying it’s a common theme during a minority government situation. He added he would leave it other people to talk about whether an election is coming.

Clarke almost laughed when he was asked what the secret to the Yukon’s success has been when it comes to having the hot hand in receiving funding and having applications approved.

“The short answer is yes, we are that good,” he chuckled.

“We are certainly thankful for the federal government recognizing the importance of transportation corridors in the North.”

Alghabra jumped in to say the Yukon consistently negotiates well and has a “great advocate for the North” in Bagnell.

He praised the “excellent negotiating skills” of Yukon officials, and said Bagnell is a “great champion.”

Bagnell himself said “transportation and distribution of goods are a vital part of our local, regional and national economies.

“The investment announced here today will make our transportation system stronger by helping to modernize one of the major transportation arteries in the Yukon.”

The money is slated to be spent on the reconstruction of the highway between Carmacks and Stewart Crossing.

Ottawa has committed to contributing $135 million to the project through the National Trade Corridors Fund.

The Yukon government is contributing $45 million for a total of $180 million.

The money is to spent over 10 years.

“The North Klondike Highway is a vital link that connects Whitehorse to several Yukon communities and important resource development areas,” a news release stated.

“This funding will support the second phase of a long-term plan to upgrade this important highway between Whitehorse and Dawson City.

“The project will result in improved road safety, increased resilience to the impacts of climate change, the removal of seasonal weight restrictions for heavy trucks and increased economic opportunities for Yukoners.

Portions of the funding will also go to further implementing innovative technologies such as digital highway signs and electric vehicle charging stations. The number of stations planned was not available.

“This funding is for phase two of upgrades to the North Klondike Highway. In 2019, the governments of Yukon and Canada announced $157 million in funding to reconstruct, rehabilitate, replace, and resurface critical portions of the highway between Carmacks and the Dempster Highway cutoff.”