Premier Ranj Pillai said Wednesday the new federal budget includes “significant new investments for health care, and I am pleased that it confirms the renewal of the Territorial Health Investment Fund for a 10-year period.”

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland tabled the $490-billion spending blueprint Tuesday in the House of Commons.

“The budget also takes steps towards improving affordability for Canadians, supporting critical minerals development and addressing Indigenous housing needs,” Pillai said.

He said YG shares the federal government’s vision on transitioning toward a clean economy and supporting renewable energy.

“Yet, we will need further details to understand how Budget 2023 measures address the identified financial need for the Atlin Hydro-electric Expansion Project,” Pillai said.

There may also be support for the proposal to bring electricity to the territory from Atlin, B.C., to reduce the winter time reliance on diesel generators, but the specifics aren’t clear.

The budget mentions the project in association with an electrification program and potential tax credits.

A key project proponent, the Tlingit Homeland Energy Limited Partnership (THELP), said in 2022 the cost of the project has risen to $310 million, up from $230 million, due in part to inflation and supply chain complications.

“Finally, we want to count on federal support for a made-in-Yukon response to the substance use health emergency, building on initiatives already under-way in the territory,” Pillai said.

“We are encouraged by the announcement of funding towards a renewed Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy.

“We will work with the federal government over the coming days and weeks to discuss specific details about these initiatives and how they can be implemented in a way that supports Yukon priorities,” the premier said.