Environmental Stewardship and Policy
The Environmental Stewardship and Policy team provides local advice to Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada on federal environment and environmental assessment legislation. Environmental Stewardship and Policy works with other federal departments and with the Yukon and First Nation governments on environmental and climate change challenges, solutions and stewardship. In addition, Environmental Stewardship and Policy delivers solid waste programing and research into northern pollutants and contaminants.
Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act
This legislation is a requirement under the Yukon First Nation Final Agreements. It provides for a comprehensive and neutral assessment process in Yukon that considers environmental and socio-economic effects of proposed projects. In doing these assessments Yukon’s environmental and heritage resources are protected and maintained. It recognizes the traditional economy of Yukon First Nations and their relationship with the environment. This act also includes opportunities for public participation during the assessment process, ensuring all Yukoners are heard.
The Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board is an independent body, responsible for the assessment responsibilities under the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act legislation and regulations. Specifically, its role is to administer the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act. There are 7 members of the Board.
Northern Participant Funding Program
Funding for Indigenous peoples and other Northerners to participate meaningfully in impact assessments of major projects in Yukon, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories.
First Nation Solid Waste Management Initiative
This initiative provides support to First Nations to develop sustainable waste management systems through modern infrastructure, operations, training and partnerships.
Climate Change Programs
Yukon region helps to support national climate change programs in Yukon. Programs supported in Yukon include:
Northern Contaminants Program
This program promotes and supports research and other science-based activities aimed at understanding and reducing contaminants that make their way into the food chain and into traditional country foods. The program provides funding to partners to monitor contaminants in fish, game, water, air and vegetation in the North, and to analyze their potential impact on human health. This information supports the negotiation of international agreements that reduce these contaminants. To learn more information please visit the Northern Contaminants regional page or the Northern Contaminants national page.
Land and Economic Development Services Program
Land and natural resources are among the most valuable assets held by First Nations and Inuit communities, and their effective sustainable use is critical for Indigenous economic development and their way of life. The Government of Canada supports economic potential of Indigenous peoples, their communities and their businesses by promoting Indigenous partnerships with the provinces and territories and the private sector.
The Lands and Economic Development Services Program helps to increase Indigenous participation in the economy through laws and programs, and allow communities greater control over land management.