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Yukon adds opioid and dental help in post election budget, while deficit falls

May 15, 2021 – The newly elected Yukon government has tabled a revised 2021-22 budget after the Liberals squeaked into office in last month’s election.

Premier and Finance Minister Sandy Silver says capital spending remains the same at $434 million, while the deficit is down from $12.7 million to $6.6 million and the debt also falls to $175.4 million.

Additional post-election commitments include a $1 million investment to address the impacts of opioids and $500,000 to start a plan on providing dental benefits to uninsured Yukon residents.

Silver signed a confidence and supply agreement with the NDP after his Liberal party tied at eight seats each with the Yukon Party in the election on April 12.

The New Democrats’ three members have agreed to support the government until Jan. 31, 2023.

The government says the latest budget has $6.4 million in transfers from the Territorial Health Investment Fund and $5.5 million in COVID-19 supports from the federal government.

“We are making historic investments in Yukon families with a new universal childcare program as well as renewable energy projects that will help us address climate change,” said Silver in a statement.

“The Budget also includes funding for ongoing COVID-19 programs to ensure Yukoners and their businesses have the support they need as we emerge from the pandemic and get on the path to recovery.”