Statement from Premier Pillai on meeting with US Consul General DeHart

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

“Yesterday, I was pleased to meet with the new US Consul General in Vancouver, Jim DeHart, to discuss the Yukon’s relationship with the United States and areas where our governments can collaborate further.

“We discussed the need for funding from the United States Government to support upgrades to the Alaska Highway. This corridor is a vital link between central Alaska and the contiguous United States, which is essential to maintain critical supply chains to and from Alaska and for Yukon communities.

“We also explored other aspects of the Yukon's relationship with the United States, including border operations, our continued access to the Port of Skagway and the Yukon’s strategic role in developing critical minerals for use in the North American market.

“All these items are strongly linked to Arctic security and we recognize the shared responsibility to safeguard our regional interests. Amid growing international attention on the Arctic, we will work to ensure the Yukon’s distinct perspectives, needs, ambitions and opportunities are recognized within Canada and abroad.

“I look forward to continuing to strengthen relations with the United States Government and advancing common objectives that serve to improve the prosperity, stability and wellbeing of our territory.”