Yukon’s Government Faces Scrutiny Over Victoria Gold Leak Response

The response of Yukon’s government to the Victoria Gold Corporation heap leach failure is under intense scrutiny following a significant environmental incident on June 24, 2024. The failure resulted in metal leaks into the environment, leading to employment losses, the company entering receivership, and a growing chorus of public concern regarding the government’s handling of the situation.

A request for information was filed under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (ATIPPA), seeking details about government discussions related to the heap leach facility failure. On February 17, 2025, the Department of Environment provided a limited number of documents, disclosing only 14 of the 33 available records. The department cited various exceptions within the ATIPPA for redacting or withholding other documents, claiming urgency in the situation.

The individual who filed the request sought a review of the disclosure process from the Yukon Information and Privacy Commissioner (IPC). On September 4, 2025, the IPC published a review indicating that the Department of Environment had been unreasonable in its selection of what information was shared with the public. The review criticized the government for rejecting requests without adequate justification, highlighting an important aspect of the ATIPPA that aims to maintain transparency while protecting personal privacy.

The IPC’s review acknowledged that while some exceptions are valid, the government must provide evidence when claiming that disclosure could harm relationships with third parties. In this instance, the Department of Environment argued that revealing certain records could deter third parties from communicating freely with the government. The IPC adjudicator found that the department did not substantiate this claim with concrete evidence.

The IPC recommended that the withheld records be released; however, the deputy minister of the Department of Environment has declined to comply. They maintain that the decision to withhold information will only change if directed by the territorial attorney general. This refusal raises concerns about respect for the IPC’s authority, as their recommendations are currently not binding.

In other Canadian jurisdictions, IPCs can issue binding orders, which compel government bodies to comply. The current situation in Yukon indicates a potential need for reform to ensure that government transparency is upheld. The individual behind the ATIPPA request, having already endured over six months of delays and receiving only partial information, may now have to pursue legal action to obtain the full disclosure they seek.

As Yukon’s government prepares for upcoming elections, the pressure is mounting for a clearer and more accountable response to the Victoria Gold Corporation incident. The community is eager for answers, and the handling of this situation may significantly influence public perception and voter sentiment. The ongoing struggle for transparency in government operations highlights the essential role of the ATIPPA in safeguarding citizens’ rights to know how their government operates, especially in the wake of significant environmental incidents.