Big spending, no tax increases in Yukon budget, premier promises

Yukon Premier Darrell Pasloskiis promising another big-spending territorial budget this year, with new investments in technology and tourism, butno tax increases for residents or businesses.

Pasloski spoke about the budget at a Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Wednesday, a day before the budget is unveiled.It will be the last budget before the Yukon Party's mandate runs out this fall, and Pasloski said it will be largely consistent with previous years.

"We've budgeted about $300 million in capital work every single year in our mandate, and this year will be no different," Pasloskisaid.

"Virtually every community around the territory is going to see job-creating investments at a time when Yukoners need a kickstart."

Pasloskipromised no tax increases for individuals or businesses, explicitly rulingout any sort of carbon tax.

He also touted the territory's fiscal record, saying that if the economic trend continues in Alberta,Yukon may soon beCanada's only debt-free jurisdiction. Hedid not indicate how much of Yukon's budget is covered byfederaltransfer payments.

Tourism, technology, and training

The premier acknowledged that the territory's fortunes typically rise and fall with commodity markets, andthis year will be another lean one for mining and exploration companies.

"Trends outside of our control willmakethis a difficult year, and the downturn in themineralsector has a real impact on our revenues,"Pasloskisaid, but "we can't sit around waiting for commodity prices to rebound."

Pasloski promised new spending on infrastructure, tourism, education and training, and something to help "every single parent with the costs that come every September."

The premier also singled out the technology sector, which he said is key to diversifyingYukon's economy, and creatingnewjobs.Pasloski said the budget will include "the largest-ever single-year investment in I.T. and technology," increasing investments in I.T. by $3 million.

The budget will be unveiled Thursday, as the spring sitting of the Legislative Assembly gets underway.