YG Urged to Delay Extended Producer Responsibility Implementation

WHITEHORSE – The Yukon Party Official Opposition urges the Liberal government to listen to concerns from the Yukon business community and delay the implementation of the new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) recycling system until December 31, 2025, to address outstanding issues.

The Yukon Chamber of Commerce sent a letter on behalf of the industry and called for a delay as they deal with many other external factors that will affect businesses in the near future. Businesses say the current version of EPR does not address compliance costs and program clarity. The Chamber also asked for enhanced engagement.

“This is not the time to impose any cost increases on businesses and consumers,” said Kluane MLA Wade Istchenko. “With the threat of incoming tariffs from the Trump administration, increases in the overall cost of doing business, and the uncertainty ahead, the Liberal government must take some time to get it right. Businesses have also indicated they are not pleased with the consultation process over the past few years, so such a delay would ensure the voice of the business community and consumers are heard.”

It appears that the government continues to ignore feedback from the business community regarding the planning and implementation of the EPR program. The Minister of Environment responded in a letter dated January 15, 2025, and declined to delay implementation as requested by Yukon businesses.

“This is another case of the Liberals not listening to Yukoners,” added Istchenko. “The business community has told the government there are issues with EPR, but the Liberals are pushing ahead anyway. They are implementing a program that will create uncertainty for businesses when they already feel the pinch of doing business; a delay in the program’s implementation could address their concerns.”

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