A recent federal announcement has placed the Yukon and parts of Northwest British Columbia squarely in the spotlight as Canada ramps up investment in infrastructure and clean energy to support critical mineral development.

Among the projects announced in the second phase of Budget 2025: Canada Strong, the federal government formally referred the Northwest Critical Conservation Corridor — a vast stretch covering mineral-rich territory in the Yukon and Northwest B.C. - to the Major Projects Office (MPO). The move signals a federal intent to streamline and accelerate development in this remote, but strategically important, region.

For companies like White Gold Corp., which operates a large portfolio of exploration properties across the White Gold District in west-central Yukon, the announcement reinforces a long-standing belief that the territory is emerging as one of Canada’s most critical mineral jurisdictions.

“These recent announcements reinforce what we and many others in the industry have long believed: the Yukon is one of Canada’s most important mineral jurisdictions,” said David D’Onofrio, CEO of White Gold Corp.

The federal government’s message is clear: unlocking Canada’s mineral wealth - especially critical minerals used in clean energy technologies - requires building out infrastructure and improving access to remote regions.

The Northwest Critical Conservation Corridor, as described by officials, “sits atop vast deposits of critical minerals and has the potential to unlock world-class resources.” Ottawa is also prioritizing the Yukon-B.C. Grid Connect project, which would link the Yukon’s isolated grid to the broader Canadian power network. The aim is to bring clean electricity north, reduce diesel reliance, and improve the viability of new mining and exploration projects.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasized that extending transmission lines through the corridor could not only serve local communities but also enhance Canada’s ability to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) using clean power - a connection that signals broader ambitions for both economic and environmental gains.

A Welcome Sign for Explorers - With Caveats

While the news has been well received by many in the mining and exploration space, including White Gold, not everyone is rushing to celebrate. Some observers point out that announcements don’t always translate into fast progress - especially when large-scale projects in Canada still face regulatory, environmental, and Indigenous consultation hurdles.

Environmental advocates, for instance, have raised concerns that speeding up resource development - even in the name of clean energy - could come at the cost of ecosystem preservation. Others urge a more measured pace that ensures meaningful collaboration with First Nations governments and local communities, especially in regions like the Yukon where Indigenous land rights are a central part of the political landscape.

That said, the Yukon government - now under new leadership following a recent territorial election - has signaled a continued commitment to economic development through partnerships with industry and Indigenous communities. This could provide a supportive backdrop for both infrastructure projects and mineral exploration.

White Gold Corp., a TSX Venture-listed company (TSX.V: WGO), controls over 20 properties across the White Gold District - one of Canada’s most prospective and historically significant gold regions. The company’s portfolio includes the Golden Saddle, Arc, VG, and Ryan’s Surprise deposits, collectively hosting over 1.7 million ounces of indicated and 1.2 million ounces of inferred gold resources, according to their latest technical estimates.

The area isn’t short on company. Major players like Newmont Corporation (owner of the nearby Coffee Project) and Western Copper and Gold (developer of the Casino Project) have invested heavily in adjacent properties, further cementing the region’s status as a mining hotspot.

White Gold’s properties were originally assembled by acclaimed prospector Shawn Ryan, a key figure behind multiple discoveries in the Yukon. The company says it is fully funded for its 2025–2026 exploration plans and will continue advancing both resource expansion and new target drilling.

While the recent federal announcement provides optimism for companies operating in Canada’s north, it also underlines the balancing act facing policymakers and industry alike. Fast-tracking mineral development can support clean energy goals and economic growth — but must also be weighed against environmental impacts, regulatory complexity, and the rights of Indigenous communities.

Still, for firms like White Gold and others with stakes in the Yukon, the momentum appears to be building. With infrastructure and policy support starting to align, the region may be on the cusp of a new era - one where Canada’s critical minerals story is increasingly written in the north.