Irshadgul News report,
WHITEHORSE – The Yukon government is forecasting a $48.2 million surplus in 2023 with a budget pledging cash for housing, health care, infrastructure and inflation relief.
The document presented by Finance Minister Sandy Silver is the first budget of new premier Ranja Pillai, who took over the top post from Silver earlier this year.
Silver told the legislature that the government is providing programs and services that meet today’s needs while investing in infrastructure for the future.
The 2023 budget includes nearly $10 million in inflation relief measures, $3.6 million for the region’s new dental program, $26 million in land development projects and more than $40 million to encourage housing development.
Silver said there is also $61.4 million for infrastructure including local projects such as community centers, recreation facilities, boat launches, fire halls, EMS stations and public works buildings.
The budget sets aside $4 million for efforts to increase health care staffing in the region.
Overall, the sector is forecasting $484 million in capital expenditures and $1.45 billion in operation and maintenance expenditures for this fiscal year.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on March 2, 2023.
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