Photo: CKRW file.
Whitehorse, YT – Yukon’s finances took an almost $91 million swing from an original forecast of a $48 million surplus to an over $42 million deficit over increased government spending.
Yesterday, the Yukon Government released the 2023-24 Public Accounts which detail the territory’s financial health as of March 31st and outline the territory’s non-consolidated deficit reached $42.7 million.
A government statement credits the swing to increased spending on remediating the Minto Mine, responding to floods and wildfires and supporting the delivery of health-care services.
The statement also links more spending to a new collective agreement with the Yukon Employee’s Union.
The Auditor General of Canada gave a positive accounts review, confirming they meet Canadian public accounting standards.
By the end of March, Yukon’s net financial debt reached $495.5 million.
Finance Minister Sandy Silver says that these numbers reflect important government spending to solve critical issues.
“This outcome reflects our commitment to meeting the needs of Yukoners through necessary and strategic spending.”
