Yukon News Releases
Statement from Minister McPhee on National Seniors Day
Minister for Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:
"Today, on National Seniors Day, we celebrate the invaluable contributions of our Seniors and Elders. They have shaped our communities, built our families and laid the foundation for a better future for all of us.
“Our government is committed to supporting their wellbeing through a range of services that help Yukoners age with dignity, independence and security.
Statement from Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee on International Safe Abortion Day
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:
“September 28 marked International Safe Abortion Day, a global day of advocacy and action to demand access to safe and legal abortions for women, girls and gender-diverse individuals everywhere.
Statement from Minister McPhee and Minister Streicker on leveraging technologies to increase access to Yukon health care services in French
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee and Minister responsible for French Language Services Directorate John Streicker have issued the following statement:
"Last week, the Government of Canada announced a new funding partnership with the Government of Yukon to enhance access to French-language health care services in the Yukon through leveraging technologies.
Government of Yukon signs letter of intent on work permits for foreign nationals in the Yukon
The Yukon has entered into an agreement with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to facilitate the issuance of work permits to prospective applicants of the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP). Foreign nationals living in the Yukon with work permits that have expired since May 16, 2024, or that are set to expire before December 31, 2024, will be eligible to apply for a new Yukon-specific work permit. This permit will be valid for up to two years.
Government of Yukon announces location for new École Whitehorse Elementary School
The Government of Yukon has selected the site for the new École Whitehorse Elementary School, which will be built at the northwest corner of the Takhini Educational Land Reserve. The project aligns with the Government of Yukon's commitment to modern, state-of-the-art educational facilities that meet community needs and environmental standards.
New policy allows Yukon First Nations to offer high school credits for cultural learning
The Government of Yukon has introduced the Accreditation of Yukon First Nations Traditional Knowledge, Cultural and Language Learning Policy, enabling Yukon First Nations to deliver and assess credit programs for high school students. The new policy allows students to earn elective credits toward their graduation requirements through participating in cultural, language and traditional knowledge learning activities led by Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and other community members.
Outstanding recreation leaders honoured at 24th Annual Recreation Gathering
Recreation leaders from across the Yukon gathered in Whitehorse from September 24 to 25 for the 24th annual Recreation Gathering, themed Reimagining Outdoor Active Recreation.
Statement from Minister of Education Jeanie McLean on a new downtown Whitehorse school
Minister of Education Jeanie McLean has issued the following statement:
“Our government is exploring options to build a new school in downtown Whitehorse. In the coming months, we will be engaging with partners, stakeholders and the community to understand future needs and working to identify potential school locations.
Statement from Premier Pillai on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“Monday, September 30, is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. It is a day to honour the Survivors of residential schools and grieve the loss of the children who never returned home.
“This day weighs heavy on all our hearts. It is a time for Yukoners to come together and stand in solidarity with Survivors, families and communities who continue to be deeply impacted by the painful legacy of residential schools.
Statement from Minister Streicker on World Tourism Day
Minister of Tourism and Culture John Streicker has issued the following statement:
“Every year on September 27, we celebrate World Tourism Day, recognizing the importance and impact the tourism sector has globally and here at home.
Governments of Canada and Yukon announce the renewal of the Canada Community-Building Fund for the next 10 years
This is a joint news release between the Government of Canada and the Government of Yukon.
The governments of Canada and the Yukon have signed a new 10-year agreement for the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF) to provide predictable, long-term and stable funding to communities across the territory. Over the first five years, the Yukon will receive $94.5 million, which will total over $200 million over the next ten years to address local infrastructure priorities.
Government of Yukon provides latest update on heap leach failure at Victoria Gold’s Eagle Gold Mine
The Government of Yukon continues to closely monitor and respond to the impacts of the June 24, 2024, heap leach facility failure at Victoria Gold Corporation’s Eagle Gold Mine on the Traditional Territory of the First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun.
Independent technical review of Eagle Gold mine failure begins
In keeping with its promise to investigate causes and factors contributing to the June 24, 2024, heap-leach failure at Victoria Gold’s Eagle Gold mine, the Government of Yukon has launched an Independent Review Board. The Independent Review Board process is consistent with the Yukon’s Mine Waste Facilities Management Guidelines.
The independent review is a part of the Government of Yukon’s response, as a responsible regulator, to the catastrophic failure and its impact on the environment and human health and safety.
Statement from Minister McPhee on International Overdose Awareness Day
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:
Outstanding Yukoners awarded Yukon 125 anniversary medals
The Government of Yukon is commemorating the territory’s 125th anniversary by awarding 125 medals to Yukoners who embody the values of leadership and reconciliation and contributed significantly to the wellbeing of the territory.
Today’s announcement celebrates the first 25 of the 125 recipients. Over the course of the next month, another 25 recipients will be announced each week.
Government of Yukon continues work to support safe and inclusive schools
The Government of Yukon is committed to ensuring schools are safe and inclusive environments for all students. The Government of Yukon recently provided a six-month progress report to the Yukon Ombudsman related to the recommendations provided by that office in February 2024.
Over the past year, significant steps have been made to strengthen policies, enhance training and improve school infrastructure to support students across the territory, including:
Statement from Premier Pillai on Labour Day
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“Labour Day is an opportunity to celebrate the incredible commitment and hard work of the Yukon’s entire workforce. From Whitehorse to rural communities, each worker plays a vital role in keeping our territory moving forward.
Senior leadership appointments in the Government of Yukon public service
Premier Ranj Pillai has made three senior leadership appointments.
Dennis Berry has been appointed as the Deputy Minister of Environment.
