Yukon draft fracking strategy was unseen by caucus: gov't

The Yukon government has responded to a CBC News story that published internal government documents revealing the government's draft strategy for hydraulic fracturing in the territory.

In a news release issued Sunday, the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources says the documents, which illustrate advanced preparations for fracking in the territory, "had not yet been seen or approved by caucus or the EMR Minister."

It also says the documents were "accidentally forwarded to a member of the local media" and that the department regrets the error.

"The Yukon government acknowledges that this is an important issue for Yukoners and it is moving forward to complete an approved response to the suite of recommendations in the Select Committees report."

Opposition politicians were quick to respond.

Liberal MLA Sandy Silver, who was a member of the Yukon Legislature select committee, says "If this is any indication of the forward progression that we're going to see from the Yukon Party, then, I would suggest, why even bother having the select committee to begin with, if you've already made up your mind beforehand?"

Yukon NDP leader Liz Hanson says the government isn't being open with Yukoners.

"I think the Yukon Party government is going to have a difficult time explaining itself out of this one," she said. "You can't sell this, and that seems to be the intent."

Hanson says while government may call the documents a draft, it's clear that cabinet provided the initial direction to pursue a policy to develop regulations and attract the industry to the territory.