The Federal plays a preponderant role in the financing of the various energy infrastructure projects in the territories and, whether due to climate change or population growth, the needs are large, especially in Yukon. This question is therefore at the heart of electoral concerns.
The mayor of Whitehorse, Kirk Cameronqualifies the financial support of Ottawa ofEssential for the future
From the Capital of Yukonnaise, which also faces aging infrastructure.
These three factors push us to tell the government of Yukon and Canada that we need help and that we will continue to need help during the next decade, or more
he said, on the sidelines of the update of the city on the situation of the Robert-Service road escarpment.
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It is a file which alone will require funding from Ottawa, since one of the permanent solutions envisaged to secure the landslide zone includes the realignment of the road, a project that can amount to $ 60 million.
Growing energy needs
In Yukon, where more than 90 % of electricity has come for almost 25 years from renewable sources, the electrical network comes as much as possible from its production capacity. This results in frequent power cuts, especially in winter, and increased use of fossil fuels such as diesel to deal with demand.
Right now, we have a system that was built 70 years ago and which must be updated. This is our priority
assures the Chairman and CEO of Yukon Energy, Chris Milner.
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The majority of Yukon electricity is produced by the Whitehorse hydroelectric dam, that of Mayo and that of Aishihik.
Photo: radio-canada / vincent bonnay
Yukon Energy has also just published its plan for the next five years aimed at stabilizing the electricity network in order to meet the growing demand for electricity. This plan includes, among other things, the construction of two thermal power plants using fossil energy in the region of Whitehorse.
It will be necessary to have the cooperation of all government orders to manage to carry out these projects
noted Chris Milnerstating that the bill amounts to $ 100 million.
While northern Canadian warms three times faster than the rest of the planet, the impact of climate change is also felt on the electrical infrastructure that accuse in particular large variations in water levels
and general unpredictability.
Pour Chris Milnerthere is therefore no doubt that energy is one of the main priorities of this electoral campaign.
Basically, for each of the major challenges, be it housing, health care, education or the economy, energy is behind all this and is necessary to advance the territory. Energy is absolutely a priority to move forward
he says.
The position of Yukon candidates
Gabrielle Dupont
The Greens’ candidate agrees with the fact that the Yukon must develop her electrical network to meet the growing demand in electricity.
We are told that we must have electric cars, electric heating, but at the same time, each winter, we are told that we are on the verge of lacking electricity
she underlines.
For this, she wants to focus on smaller -scale projects in communities such as solar and wind parks. The increase in the quantity of electricity produced in the Yukon would also be economically favorable, she says, since this would attract several industries.
I like to think that we are able to the Yukon to have our own independent network because it also allows us to be autonomous to make our energy decisions.
Brendan Hanley
The Liberal candidate maintains that the federalum must invest in energy efficient infrastructure. It also maintains the importance of the file for the connection of the Yukonnais electricity network with that of British Columbia and the Atlin dam enlargement project.
This also means, ultimately, to facilitate the transition to the abandonment of fossil fuels by going to electrification
he said.
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Four candidates arise for the post of Yukon deputy in Ottawa.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Cheryl Kawaja
Ryan is alive
The conservative candidate considers that the question of energy in the Yukon goes hand in hand with the question of the security of the Arctic and that it is essential to continue investments, especially in small energy projects.
To be able to have a certain level of security, we must be independent energetically. This allows economic growth and growth in our resource development sector
he says.
Katherine McCallum
For the neo-democratic candidate, priority must be placed on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. To do this, it proposes to stop subsidies and tax credits for oil and gas companies in order to reinvest these amounts in renewable energy.
We must reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and we must charge large polluters for our system in order to be able to create renewable energy resources
she says.
With information from Jackie Hong and Virginie Ann
