Anti-fracking protesters greet Yukon legislature
Anti-fracking protesters gathered outside the Yukon legislature this afternoon as the house resumed today for its fall sitting.
About 60 people showed up to oppose fracking in the territory.
Dianne Homan was among them. “I just feel as though big business expects people to get tired,” she says. “Sometimes I think they figure it will get drowned out by more day to day concerns."
Opponents worry about the large amount of water that's used in the fracking process.
They're also concerned about contamination of groundwater and emissions that could contribute to climate change.
The Yukon Government has committed to a public review process before fracking is permitted in the territory. However, many people believe the practise is dangerous and should be kept out of the territory.
The Yukon Party is entering its third year at the helm.
In this session, members are expected to discuss the Peel watershed, mining projects and expensive construction debacles.
Opposition leader Liz Hansen is calling on the Yukon party to play fair with First Nations.
"This is about how the government to government relationship can and should be working," Hansen says.
Yukon premier Darrell Pasloki has bolstered his ranks with Vuntut MLA Darius Elias, who will add the only aboriginal voice to the government's line when it comes to the Peel and fracking.
Pasloski insists the economic picture is rosy....despite several big mining projects that haven't gotten off the ground.
"We continue to work on creating wealth for Yukoners," Pasloski says. "We want to continue to encourage private sector investment in our territory."
Big ticket infrastructure items, like the Watson Lake and Dawson City hospitals, FH Collins School and affordable housing are also expected to come up for debate this session.
The sitting is set to wrap up by December 19th.
