Yukon News Releases
Yukon University Act proclaimed
The Yukon University Act has been proclaimed into force by the Commissioner in Executive Council, replacing the Yukon College Act. The new act enables Yukon College to transition to Yukon University, the first university in Canada north of 60.
The official launch for Yukon University will be on May 8, 2020, with a convocation ceremony for its first graduates, and a community celebration on May 9, 2020.
Three regulations have been established under the Yukon University Act that mirror those that existed under the Yukon College Act.
Government of Yukon and Yukon First Nations meet for First Yukon Forum of 2020
Joint news release with the Council of Yukon First Nations and Yukon First Nations governments
Yukon’s Premier, Cabinet members, Council of Yukon First Nations' Grand Chief and Yukon First Nations Chiefs met today at the Nàkwät’à Kų̀ Potlatch House in Whitehorse for the first Yukon Forum of 2020.
Yukon’s minimum wage increasing to $13.71 per hour
Yukon’s minimum wage will increase to $13.71 per hour on April 1, up from $12.71. This change represents a two-per-cent increase based on the 2019 Consumer Price Index for Whitehorse plus an additional $0.75.
The Government of Yukon approved the increase following an order made by the Employment Standards Board. In making its most recent order, the Employment Standards Board considered criteria including:
Independent review of inclusive and special education in Yukon begins
The Government of Yukon has arranged for Nikki Yee, an educator and current doctoral candidate in Special Education at the University of British Columbia, to conduct an independent review of inclusive and special education in Yukon. The review will include opportunities for students, families, educators, Yukon First Nations, school communities and partners in education to share their perspectives and experiences.
New affordable housing underway through Housing Initiatives Fund
The third call for projects for the annual $3.6 million Housing Initiatives Fund recently supported 12 more shovel-ready projects across Yukon. Over the last three years, the fund has supported projects that will result in more than 350 new housing units in the territory.
In Whitehorse, Ramza Developments Limited completed an 18-unit building in June 2019 with funding from the June 2018 Housing Initiatives Fund. In Carmacks, two four-unit projects that received funding from previous program intakes are complete. Many other projects are well underway.
Project coordination committee struck for Brewery Creek Mine
This is a joint news release with Golden Predator Mining Corp.
The Government of Yukon and Golden Predator Mining Corp. established a project coordination committee pertaining to the Brewery Creek Mine, effective January 6, 2020. The committee had its first meeting during the Mineral Exploration Roundup Mining Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, last month. The committee will enhance communications with respect to the development and production plans for the Brewery Creek project located near Dawson City, Yukon.
Yukon Renewable Electricity Panel final report released
The Yukon Renewable Electricity Panel final report is now available to the public. The report follows public engagement on Yukon’s renewable energy future organized by the Government of Yukon, the Yukon Energy Corporation and Yukon Development Corporation. The expert panel hosted public conversations, and gathered input on renewable electricity from students, non-government organizations, advocacy groups, electricity stakeholder groups, and Yukon First Nations.
Statement from Premier Sandy Silver regarding the passing of Elder Pearl Keenan
It is with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of Teslin Tlingit Elder Pearl Keenan.
Mrs. Keenan was a champion of the Tlingit language as well as traditional First Nations culture and knowledge. She was a passionate advocate of education committed to engaging youth and raising awareness of environmental issues.
Eliza Building in Dawson expands territory’s affordable housing
Dawson City’s new Eliza Building is expanding affordable housing options in the territory.
The Chief Isaac Group of Companies recently completed a 14-unit structure in Dawson City, named the Eliza Building. This project was built with support from the Government of Yukon and the Government of Canada through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
The building includes a mix of bachelor, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, as well as one commercial space. Nine of the 13 residential units will be maintained as affordable housing for the next 10 years.
Public risk for novel coronavirus remains low in Yukon
To date, there have been no cases of illness caused by the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Yukon and the risk for Yukoners acquiring this illness remains low.
Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Brendan Hanley, is working closely with counterparts across the country and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) on the latest updates on this viral infection.
Funding available for Yukon projects that prevent crime or support victims
The spring 2020 intake has opened for applications to the Crime Prevention and Victim Services Trust. Project funding is available from the Crime Prevention and Victim Services Trust for non-profit community groups, school councils, municipalities or First Nations governments.
The funding supports community-led projects that work to reduce crime, prevent gender-based violence or address the root causes of criminal behaviour. The Trust also supports projects that provide services or programming for victims of crime.
British Columbia and Yukon partner on strategies to feed the North
Joint news release with the Government of British Columbia
Farmers, ranchers and food processors in Yukon and Northern British Columbia may soon have more local customers as the two governments connect to build food security and increase the supply and production of local food in the North.
Dawson City ice bridge open to heavy traffic
Construction of the ice bridge between Dawson City and West Dawson is now complete.
The 40-metre-wide lane is suitable for vehicles and loads up to 40,000 kilograms and has been certified as safe for use by Associated Engineering’s NOR-EX and Big Ice. They have also provided ice training to the maintenance crew in Dawson, who will continue to maintain the crossing into the spring.
Commissioner of Yukon to present new literary prize
The BC and Yukon Book Prizes and the Office of the Commissioner of Yukon are happy to announce the first-ever literary prize for the Yukon writing and publishing community.
The Borealis Prize: The Commissioner of Yukon Award for Literary Contribution will be administered by the BC and Yukon Book Prizes and awarded annually by the Commissioner of Yukon. This award will be presented at the Dawson Daily News Print and Publishing Festival in Dawson City, Yukon which takes place each year in May or June.
Owner’s Advisor contract awarded for Whistle Bend elementary school
Colliers Project Leaders has been awarded the Owner’s Advisor contract for the Whistle Bend elementary school. The contract will be awarded in four phases with the first phase worth $145,619. The total value of the contract is $765,225.
Colliers Project Leaders will work with the Government of Yukon to develop the conceptual design and tender documents for the school’s design-build contract, as well as provide technical advisory services during the detailed design, construction and warranty phases.
Second Yukon Resource Gateway Project agreement reached
The Quick facts section of this news release has been corrected and updated.
The Government of Yukon and the Liard First Nation have reached an agreement for the first phase of the Nahanni Range Road component of the Yukon Resource Gateway Project.
New deputy minister for the Department of Finance
Premier Sandy Silver announced today that Scott Thompson has been appointed as the new deputy minister for the Department of Finance.
Commissioner of Yukon one of 10 most influential personalities in Canadian Francophone community
The Commissioner of Yukon, Angélique Bernard, has been named one of the 10 most influential personalities in the Canadian Francophone community outside of Quebec. The individuals who are being recognized have worked hard to promote the French language and culture in Canada. The list was compiled by print and radio journalists from Canada’s French-speaking community outside of Quebec.
Youth encouraged to apply for Arctic Winter Games 2020 Youth Ambassador Program
Joint news release with BYTE – Empowering Youth Society
The Government of Yukon and BYTE – Empowering Youth Society are encouraging Yukoners aged 16 to 24 to apply to be a part of the Yukon Youth Ambassador Program for the 2020 Arctic Winter Games.
Public engagement on seasonal time change launches
The Government of Yukon is opening a public engagement today on seasonal time change.
Yukoners are being asked whether they want to keep the twice-annual time change or permanently adopt a single time. The public engagement also asks Yukoners whether they’d prefer Pacific Daylight Saving Time or Pacific Standard Time if the time change is dropped. Yukon currently observes Pacific Standard Time in the winter months and Pacific Daylight Saving Time in the summer.
