April 11, 2022 Whitehorse, Yukon Natural Resources Canada
Across the country, communities are identifying clean, reliable energy as key to fighting climate change while building a more secure and resilient future. The Government of Canada is investing in community-led clean energy projects with remote Indigenous communities to displace fossil fuels and advance reconciliation and self-determination.
In Budget 2022, the Government of Canada made targeted and responsible investments to create jobs and prosperity today, and build a stronger economic future for all Canadians.
Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, joined by the Honourable Sandy Silver, Premier of Yukon; the Honourable John Streicker, Minister responsible for the Yukon Development Corporation and the Yukon Energy Corporation; and Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for Yukon, announced a $32.2 million investment through the Low Carbon Economy Fund to Tlingit Homeland Energy Limited Partnership for the Atlin Hydro Expansion Project.
This project will expand the existing Indigenous-owned and operated two-megawatt (MW) hydropower facility in Atlin B.C. by an additional eight and half megawatts of winter energy, and export this new power to Yukon's grid through a new transmission line. This project will deliver clean electricity to the Yukon, help the territory reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet their targets set in the Our Clean Future strategy while ensuring that electricity rates remain low for Yukoners.
Natural Resources Canada has committed up tol $50 million through the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program, and will continue working with Tlingit Homeland Energy LP to advance their project application. In the Government of Yukon's 2022 Budget, the Yukon government has committed $50 million over the next five years toward the Atlin Hydro Expansion Project, including $15 million for the project this year.
Through initiatives like the Low Carbon Economy Fund and the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program, the Government of Canada continues to work with partners across the country to cut pollution and build strong, resilient communities, while creating good jobs and growing a sustainable, clean economy.
