Federal Issues

Action

WHEREAS municipal governments in the Yukon are responsible for planning, constructing, and maintaining essential infrastructure, including roads, water and wastewater systems, community facilities, and solid waste infrastructure; and

WHEREAS the cost of building and maintaining infrastructure in northern and rural communities is influenced by factors such as remoteness, transportation logistics, shorter construction seasons, limited contractor availability, smaller construction markets, and climate-related design considerations; and

WHEREAS in many Yukon communities, the effective construction season may be limited to only a few months of the year, which can increase project complexity and compress project timelines; and

WHEREAS labour capacity constraints in northern regions may also contribute to longer timelines for planning approvals, permitting processes, engineering services, and infrastructure project delivery; and

WHEREAS some federal departments and programs apply regional cost adjustments or northern cost factors when planning certain infrastructure investments. However, these approaches are often program-specific and do not provide a consistent framework across federal infrastructure programs.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Yukon Communities advocate for the exploration and development of a Northern and Rural Infrastructure Cost Index that would help recognize and quantify the additional and escalating costs associated with building and maintaining infrastructure in northern and rural communities; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Association of Yukon Communities encourage the Government of Yukon to work with Yukon municipalities, Yukon First Nation governments, and the Government of Canada to explore how such an index could be used to inform federal infrastructure planning frameworks and infrastructure funding programs.

Action

WHEREAS the Government of Canada has announced significant investments in northern defence and sovereignty infrastructure, including the development of Northern Operational Support Hubs across the North, with Whitehorse identified as one of the hub locations; and

WHEREAS northern defence investments may create both opportunities and pressures for Yukon communities, including impacts on housing availability, labour capacity, transportation systems, and community infrastructure; and

WHEREAS municipal and community governments are responsible for much of the infrastructure and services that support community readiness, including roads, water and wastewater systems, land-use planning, emergency response, and community services; and

WHEREAS communities are not currently formal participants in many early planning and implementation discussions related to northern defence infrastructure and operational planning; and

WHEREAS improved coordination between federal, territorial, First Nations, and municipal and community governments can help ensure communities are prepared for potential infrastructure demands while supporting local economic participation.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Yukon Communities request that the Government of Yukon and the Government of Canada establish a regular engagement mechanism with Yukon communities regarding northern defence planning and community readiness; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that such engagement include regular coordination meetings with communities and additional consultations when major infrastructure or operational developments are being considered.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the impacted community be the first point of contact of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) communications followed by communications to AYC.

Action

WHEREAS excessive vehicle headlight brightness and glare have become an increasing public safety concern for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, seniors, and individuals with vision impairments; and

WHEREAS advancements in high-intensity, LED, and adaptive lighting technologies, as well as improperly aimed or non-compliant aftermarket lighting, may contribute to reduced nighttime visibility and increased road safety risks; and

WHEREAS regulation of vehicle manufacturing standards falls under federal jurisdiction, while vehicle operation, inspection, and enforcement involve territorial responsibility; and

WHEREAS Yukon’s long winter months and extended periods of darkness amplify the impacts of headlight glare on roadway safety.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Association of Yukon Communities urge the Government of Yukon to review territorial vehicle inspection and enforcement frameworks to ensure vehicle lighting systems are properly aimed, compliant, and do not create undue safety risks; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Association of Yukon Communities request the Government of Yukon advocate to the Government of Canada for clearer, enforceable national standards respecting vehicle low-beam and daytime running headlight brightness, beam patterns, mounting height, and aftermarket lighting compliance to improve roadway safety across Canada.

Action

Minister of Justice collaborate with Commanding Officer of M Division RCMP to allow members who are suitably posted to extend their posting in communities based on feedback from the respective municipalities and to develop more stable and consistent relief staffing strategies for members on extended leave.