Dawson – Klondike Placer Miners’ Association (KPMA) held a successful Annual General Meeting last week at the YOOP Hall which saw the re-election of board members Dan Caley, Mike Heisey, Neil Loveless, John McConnell and Stuart Schmidt. KPMA bylaws determine that approximately one half of the directors be elected every other year for a two-year term to maintain continuity among the board. Mike McDougall was also reaffirmed to continue serving as President.
“I am once again honoured that our members have placed their trust in me to lead this illustrious organization,” McDougall said. “There is much work left to accomplish to ensure the longevity and prosperity of Yukon’s founding industry, and I look forward to continuing with it.”
Deputy Chief Babe Titus of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation provided welcoming remarks and guests included Energy, Mines and Resources Minister Ranj Pillai, Environment Minister Pauline Frost and officials from Yukon government.
A motion updating membership classification and schedule of dues was passed, and matters including permitting challenges in wetland areas and the nomination of Trondek-Klondike for UNESCO World Heritage designation were discussed.
“I was particularly intrigued by Minister Pillai’s commitment for his office to act as a direct conduit to UNESCO to bring forward our industry’s outstanding questions regarding potential effects of the nomination on our members’ livelihoods,” continued McDougall. “We are all very eager to have these concerns addressed and I encourage affected stakeholders to take the Minister up on his offer.”