Special warrant authorizes YTG to spend more
The Yukon government has issued a special warrant enabling it to spend $46 million in money that will not be first approved by the legislature.
The Yukon government has issued a special warrant enabling it to spend $46 million in money that will not be first approved by the legislature.
Premier and Finance Minister Darrell Pasloski said Wednesday it was done to "ensure Yukon priorities continue to move forward.”
Barring an emergency, the legislature will not reconvene until after this fall's territorial election.
The warrant provides the additional budgetary authorization of $46 million for this fiscal year without having to be approved by the legislature.
A large portion of the warrant is made up of funds authorized for last year's projects, but not used, Pasloski said.
The remaining portion consists of funding for a number of new items, including:
• Multiple Sclerosis trial support;
• the opening of six additional beds at the Whitehorse General Hospital;
• partnership with the Kaushee's Place Housing Society under the Northern Housing Trust to provide secure, affordable housing for women in crisis
• an interim alternative to the Ross River arena, which was destroyed by fire during the past winter;
• urgent care services for people without family doctors; and
• mine safety equipment.
"The Government of Yukon remains in a very strong financial position, and Yukoners can take comfort in this.” Pasloski said
"Having a surplus and net financial resources, rather than debt, is an enviable position to be in.
"This government will continue to manage Yukon's finances in a prudent and responsible manner, investing in the economy and building a better quality of life for all citizens.”
For this fiscal year, the government is projecting a surplus of $29.5 million and net financial resources, a savings account, of $44 million.
Comments (5)
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bobby bitman on Jul 8, 2011 at 9:54 am
I also agree with Pillman. Enough of pretending that every needy woman is a victim or Mother Teresa, while the men get basically zip. Enough of the sexism already. Let's see a shelter for men who are abused or experiencing an acute breakdown as well.
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Anonymous on Jul 8, 2011 at 8:10 am
I never thought I'd say this but I agree with Francias Pillman. Kaushee's Place does good things but what about the abused men in this town. They are out there but no one ever thinks about them and most of them are too proud to come forward with their problems.
How about more affordable housing for singles parents (men and women alike), affordable housings for seniors, affordable housing for the working class, etc...everyone is having housing issues and all demographics need to be treated equally and fairly in this situation. Spend your money on that.
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bobby bitman on Jul 8, 2011 at 1:57 am
All of the above seemed to be legitimate uses of government funds except for purchasing mining equipment, be it safety equipment or anything else.
The mining industry should not be receiving government welfare. How much of this $46 million is going to the mining industry? We already build roads for them and provide electrical lines. I would like to know how much government welfare goes in total to the Yukon mining industry. But for starters, I'd like to see more details on this one line item - what exactly is being purchased, why, and how much is it costing? And why is the mining industry not buying this equipment for itself?
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Mark Carroll on Jul 7, 2011 at 9:40 am
For this fiscal year, the government is projecting a surplus of $29.5 million and net financial resources, a savings account, of $44 million.
It's not a surplus when you receive more money from Ottawa then you send them, the Yukon is given an allowance, if it does not spend it all it's not called a surplus. If revenue exceeds expenditures it's a surplus. Being given money by Ottawa is revenue from other parts of the country. I love the Yukon, but a fiscal reality check from the Yukon Party would be nice for a change.
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Francias Pillman on Jul 7, 2011 at 8:51 am
How much do women already get with places like kaushees? Where is the money for men in the same situation? Because we all know it exists, but people would rather not talk about it. Your women only policy is hurtful to everyone, including women. Stop dividing people and putting them into certain demographics. I would like an official answer on how much women get and how much men get. Because I bet men get nothing but a dirty look. Stop portraying every women as a victim. I'm getting so sick and tired of that.