Liberal-NDP Coalition Drives Yukoners Off Financial Cliff

WHITEHORSE – The Liberal government tabled an election-year budget that hopes to make up for years of neglect regarding the health care system and abandons any sense of fiscal responsibility. The reckless budget shows that territorial government spending is far beyond its means.

The Liberal-NDP government plans to rack up Yukoners’ credit card, saddling future governments with $774 million of total debt at the end of 2025/2026. This quadruples the Yukon debt from 2016/2017.

“As Yukoners look at the turmoil and chaos that we see in the world today, they are thinking about what it means for them and their families, and they are looking to their territorial government for security, stability, and certainty,” said Yukon Party Official Opposition Leader Currie Dixon. “Instead, this government has been characterized by chaos, instability, and a profound lack of focus. Today was their last chance to correct that; unfortunately, they have squandered it. In the face of a trade war with our American neighbours, the Liberals and NDP have leaned into long-term borrowing in an election year.”

Meanwhile, government expenses continue to grow faster than revenue. Total revenue is forecast to grow by 6 per cent, while Net Operations & Maintenance expenses are budgeted to increase by a whopping 19.3 per cent.

“The out-of-control spending by the Liberal-NDP coalition will have negative long-term consequences for future generations,” said Finance Critic Brad Cathers. “Today, as we find ourselves on the precipice of a trade war and some of the most uncertain and chaotic economic times any of us have ever seen, the territorial government plans to borrow hundreds of millions in long-term debt, public finances are a mess, and the economy is in decline. Yukoners are rightfully concerned about where this is all heading and want to see a change.”

Yukoners have indicated they are done with this Liberal-NDP government and are ready for change. According to a Leger poll released in January, over 70 per cent of Yukoners want an election now. Only Kate White and the NDP are standing in the way of Yukoners going to the polls.

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Contact:
Tim Kucharuk
Press Secretary
(867) 393-7026