Ignatius Kobbina Yankey

• Lead high-level assessments and strategic analysis of Yukon’s regulatory and policy frameworks to identify barriers, disincentives, and gaps affecting economic development and competitiveness.
• Develop and recommend policy reforms, regulatory streamlining measures, and incentive frameworks to support immigration, labor market, trade, investment, and regional economic growth.
• Represent Yukon in national and international trade negotiations, including the development, compliance monitoring, and dispute resolution processes for trade agreements (e.g., CFTA, CETA, CPTPP).
• Formulate policy positions and strategic plans on trade and economic development, ensuring alignment with national standards and regional priorities.
• Conduct cross-disciplinary research and analysis on complex regulatory and trade issues, including socio-economic impact assessments, and sustainable development planning.
• Collaborate with key territorial departments (Energy, Mines, and Resources, Finance) and First Nations to coordinate economic strategies and resolve intergovernmental policy conflicts.
• Draft Yukon’s positions and technical input for federal, provincial, and territorial trade committees such as C-Trade and WCTO, influencing policy at multiple governmental levels.
• Evaluate the economic implications of legislative proposals and policy initiatives across jurisdictions, and recommend strategies to enhance Yukon’s competitive position.
• Author briefing materials, meeting notes, policy reports, and legislative returns for the Premier, Minister, and Deputy Minister, providing expert advice on mineral resources, immigration, trade, regulatory reform, and economic policy.

Development of a Geothermal Resources Act

• Develop a work plan for legislation development (led by the Strategic Alliance) in conjunction with the Council of Yukon First Nations and First Nation government representatives; the process continuation date is pending TBD.
• Continue the development of the policy framework for new legislation with support from the Corporate Policy and Planning branch.
• Set up contracts for outside technical assistance, with certain elements of the Geothermal Act, and final policy review.
• Continue regular meetings with YG stakeholders with overlapping interests (e.g., Land Management Branch, Land Use Planning Branch, Yukon Geological Survey, Department of Environment and Justice, etc.).
• Continue regular meetings with the Yukon First Nation government and other stakeholders, e.g.,. Industry, academia/researchers, and other regulatory agencies, as questions/issues arise.
• Prepare for periodic meetings with Canada, the Government of the Northwest Territories, and the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation on the Offshore Accord implementation.
• Represent the Yukon Government on the Western Arctic Offshore Review Committee. Participate in and review technical documents designed by the Committee. This work is expected to continue as long as the Five-Year Review and Committee Work continue.
• Lead Yukon initiatives related to the Western Arctic Offshore Accord, and represent the Yukon in the development of the science-based report for presentation to ministers responsible for petroleum management and regulation in the Yukon and Northwest Territories.
• Prepare briefing materials and cabinet submissions for a variety of audiences (A/DMs, ministers, and First Nation governments).

Support for Oil and Gas Management Branch (OGMB) activities and outreach.

• Act as the Director of the Geothermal and Petroleum Branch Resources when required.
• Responding to other requests from the oil and gas management branch as needed, including judicial matters, casework files, First Nations, and public inquiries.
• Provide advice and recommendations on complex issues to decision-makers on petroleum and geothermal resource management.
• Effectively draft information and session notes in a timely manner for sessions and issue-specific concerns, such as hydrocarbons and alternative energy sources. This work occurs as needed by A/DMs, ministers, and First Nations governments.
• Participate in the Northern Intergovernmental Oil and Gas Forum working group and subcommittees.
• Represent the Yukon government on intergovernmental committees dealing with oil and gas development, and regulatory matters.
• Lead and manage large projects, including permitting, contracting, and budgeting, related to the Kotaneelee-L38 sour gas well in southeast Yukon.

Chance Oil and Gas File

• Co-manage with the Director of GPR on various aspects of this file, including tenure extensions, benefits agreements, and other aspects of the Yukon Oil and Gas Act.
• Advise, interact, and communicate effectively with development partners and all levels of management. Tailor communications at senior management levels based on the audience.
• Collaborate with multi-functional teams to lead projects and major change requests.

• Conducted extensive analysis and research on operational policy topics, recommending guidelines, policies, statutory alternatives, and strategic positions to senior leadership.
• Reviewed and provided technical feedback on major draft documents and YG-wide policies, including the Yukon Wetland Stewardship Policy and Dawson Regional Land Use Plan.
• Supported policy implementation by developing operational procedures and guidelines in collaboration with Mining Lands staff.
• Drafted briefing notes, session summaries, and informational materials for strategic sessions, public events (e.g., Geoscience), and issue-specific initiatives (e.g., critical minerals), ensuring timely, accurate information flow for decision-making.
• Collaborated with Mining Recorders during bi-weekly meetings, identifying operational policy issues and prioritizing development initiatives, such as abandonment policy, debarment policy, and drone use guidelines.
• Updated and maintained operational procedures and guidance documents for mining lands management, addressing key operational topics like debarment, vesting procedures, and corporate/operator status determinations.
• Provided subject matter expertise for the ongoing development of new mineral resources legislation, including reviewing technical documents, advising the Steering Committee, and contributing to public engagement materials.
• Represented the Mineral Planning and Development unit in intergovernmental forums, notably the Taku River Tlingit First Nation G2G Agreement discussions, focusing on caribou habitat protection and consultation/engagement processes.
• Engaged with Yukon First Nations governments on their respective lands and resources legislation processes, ensuring integration with assessment, consultation, and decision document procedures for mining projects.
• Conducted in-depth analysis on royalty management issues, including deductions, reassessments, unpaid royalties, production commencement, and regulatory terms and conditions relevant to mining project authorizations.
• Worked directly with the manager of Mineral Planning and Development on the Quartz Mining Act Royalty Regulation, drafting an operational policy manual for royalties, and tracking procedural updates.
• Collaborated with the Department of Finance and EMR Finance to forecast mineral royalties based on company reports and operational data, establishing engagement schedules and procedures with mine operators.
• Planned, organized, and coordinated quarterly Intergovernmental Water Directors Committee meetings, facilitating cross-government discussions on water management, wastewater deposits, abandoned sites, adaptive management plans, and major mine projects.

Acting Positions at the Energy, Mines, and Resources — Various Periods, Oct 2022 — June 2024.

Senior Advisor, the Office of the Deputy Minister.

• Acted as the primary liaison between the Deputy Minister, Cabinet staff, and Assistant Deputy Ministers, ensuring that strategic direction was translated into actionable plans.
• Provided strategic guidance and expert policy advice on politically sensitive and high-profile issues, including the Mount Nansen Mine reclamation file, in response to concerns raised by the First Nation.
• Advised DM and senior executive members on existing water license conditions, coordinated independent environmental assessments, and guided public engagement strategies.
• Organized and coordinated bilateral meetings between the Deputy Minister and Minister/ADMs to support effective governance and decision-making.
• Worked with senior management to ensure alignment of department policies with DM objectives and government mandates.
• Liaised with key internal and external stakeholders to inform or consult on important policy initiatives within the deputy minister's purview.

Strategic Policy Advisor — Energy, Mines and Resources

• Led the annual branch planning process and provided support to the branch regulators for all phases of mining (mineral tenure, exploration, placer, and major mines).
• Represented the branch on interdepartmental committees, and provided strategic recommendations and advice on branch issues to senior management.
• Ensured research, evaluation, and analysis were conducted in alignment with current practices and requirements, as well as corporate and department mandates.
• Led the development of policies and procedures in the Mineral Resources Branch.

• Provided research, analysis, support, and advice on energy security, mineral resources, water politics, stakeholder’s engagement, and environmental issues across the Newfoundland and Labrador Province.
• Identified potential adverse effects of projects on environmental values and recommended mitigations strategies to avoid potential impacts.
• Developed and delivered programs, strategies and decision-making documents on wetlands, watersheds, and other sensitive environmental areas for protection in Newfoundland.
• Ensured there were technical staff on the site to monitor any potential impacts and have a chance-find protocol in place in case of cultural materials disturbance.
• Provided strategic advice and support to the executive team that aligned with the objectives of the strategic plan on a diverse range of environmental issues, including plant species recovery in the Northern Peninsula, fisheries management, and water politics.
• Liaised and worked with a variety of NL First Nations (Inuit and Metis Government), ENGOs and stakeholders to gather data and assess data on climate change, water security, transportation systems and networks, and identify solutions and strategies to existing and emerging issues.
• Engaged and collaboratively worked with the NL Ikkarumiklua and Mi’kma First Nations communities and other stakeholder groups in the Great Northern Peninsula to develop community-based fisheries management (CBFM) plan to restore the decline of fisheries in the GNP.
• Engaged and collaboratively worked with the Bay St. George Mi’kmaq Cultural Revival Committee team on the Sandy Point Cultural Restoration Project.
• Led integrated natural resource management and decision-making on a complex array of biophysical, social, and economic environments consisting of the allocation of resources, formulation of policies, consulting and engaging NL First Nations, and manipulations of natural systems in Newfoundland
• Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
• Managed time and collaborated efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.

• Assisted with the lecturing, coordinating, presenting, and grading of the following courses:
• ENSU 4000 Integrated Approaches to Resource Management and Decision Analysis
• ENSU 4021/ENVP, 6055-Environmental Impact Assessment
• POSC2600- Introduction to Public Policy and Administration.
• Lead practice and breakout sessions and class participation on stakeholders’ engagement and public participation.
• Lectured both graduate and undergraduate students and provided constructive feedback on assignments on global environmental laws, public policy, and governance.
• Presented and lectured on stages of policy development and participatory and deliberative best practices on environmental resources management.
• Led classes on the preparation of policy documents, including briefing notes, discussion papers, and consultation plans for management decision-making.

• Ensured International Liaison Officers performed their roles and met targets as expected.
• Represented and promoted the organization at international conferences, meetings, and other events.
• Managed, supervised, supported, and provided leadership to our 25 Country Directors in Africa and the United Kingdom.
• Worked closely with the Program Director to ensure projects were accomplished.
• Worked in collaboration with the CEO, and Vice President in charge of International Partnership & Development to develop and maintain close links and cooperation with key stakeholders.
• Recruited and organized programs for country directors and representatives of the organizations.
• Provided strategic direction, advice, and recommendations on complex and diverse issues.
• Resolved conflict among diverse teams and delegates with a high degree of professionalism and diplomacy.

• Advised Ministers and Members of Parliament on national issues such as policy initiatives and projects.
• Undertake research, evaluation and review of complex, sensitive or topical issues relevant to the Department’s portfolio.
• Liaised with Indigenous communities regarding community investment and capacity development opportunities
• Facilitated relationship building workshops for other team members, including leadership, with community members
• Built and maintained collaborative relationships with key stakeholders, internal and external, and facilitate their engagement with Natural Resource Ministry.
• Provided recommendations to senior management on the best practices of consultation based on rigorous policy and research, and analysis of options.
• Facilitated public engagement sessions and conducted stakeholder and mini-public deliberations on integrated resource management.
• Provided project management assistance for strategic and operational projects as required.
• Interpret legislation and technical advice and draft clear Departmental and Ministerial advice.
• Provided advice and recommendations to the Minister’s Office and Departmental Executive on government and parliamentary processes.

• Reviewed and reformulated the existing policies and societal bylaws
• Led a team on the administration of the Emergency Livelihood Empowerment against Poverty (LEAP) program.
• Developed a variety of written documentation and presentations such as briefing notes, minister’s questions, etc.
• Responded to action requests on time by setting priorities and meeting tight deadlines.
• Documented social and domestic cases for administration and public law” case or “care proceedings.”
• Coordinated and facilitated social and domestic activities of NGOs in remote and rural communities.
• Aided in the settlement of marital disputes, juvenile cases, etc.