Yukon News Releases
Government responds to Child and Youth Advocate recommendations
This spring the Yukon Child and Youth Advocate’s Office completed a review of Yukon’s system for children and youth in care. The report, Empty Spaces – Caring Connections: The Experiences of Child and Youth in Yukon Group Care, included 30 recommendations for the Government of Yukon.
Yukon working collaboratively with regional partners to increase economic prosperity
Yukon MLA Paolo Gallina was in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan this week to attend the 2019 Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) Annual Summit in his capacity as the Yukon Representative for the PNWER Executive Committee.
Whitehorse residents to benefit from improved public transit services and local roads infrastructure
Joint news release with the Government of Canada
Today, Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for Yukon, Yukon Minister of Community Services John Streicker; and Mayor of the City of Whitehorse Dan Curtis announced funding for two public transit and two local road projects in Whitehorse.
The Government of Canada is investing $13.2 million in these projects through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan. The Government of Yukon is providing over $3.3 million to the project, with the City of Whitehorse contributing $245,000.
Residents of Pelly Crossing to benefit from better social infrastructure and water services
Joint news release with the Government of Canada and Selkirk First Nation
Investing in local infrastructure, such as social facilities and water services is essential to ensuring Yukoners have dynamic, healthy, and inclusive communities where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Major improvements planned for North Klondike Highway
The North Klondike Highway will receive major upgrades to improve safety and increase capacity on one of Yukon’s busiest highways.
Yukon Member of Parliament Larry Bagnell, on behalf Canada’s Minister of Transportation Marc Garneau, and Yukon’s Minister of Highways and Public Works Richard Mostyn announced a total of $157 million in funding for the reconstruction project today at the Yukon Transportation Museum.
28 community projects receive support from Community Development Fund
28 community projects across Yukon are receiving a total of $909,409 in Tier 1 and Tier 2 funding through the Community Development Fund.
Funding recipients include Watson Lake Riding Association for construction and building improvements, Kluane First Nation for a memorial park, Whistle Bend Community Garden Coalition to establish a community garden, Whitehorse Firefighters Charitable Society for a textile baler to help with the redistribution and sale of reusable clothing, and the Boys and Girls Club of Yukon to host a national youth development conference.
Yukon Employees’ Union and Government of Yukon ratify new collective agreement
Joint news release with Yukon Employees' Union
The Government of Yukon and the government’s largest employee group, represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada and Yukon Employees’ Union members, have ratified a new three-year collective agreement. The agreement will expire on December 31, 2021.
In addition to a general wage increase, the revised agreement includes improvements to other provisions: shift premiums; community living allowances; critical incident leave; and market adjustments for specific groups of employees.
Yukon priorities discussed at Canada’s Ministers of Agriculture annual conference
Yukon’s Minister responsible for Agriculture Ranj Pillai shared Yukon’s priorities at the annual meeting of Canada’s agriculture ministers on July 18 and 19 in Quebec City. The future of local agriculture, the priorities of young farmers and employment labour programs were among the agenda items.
Court petition filed to appoint receiver for Yukon Zinc
The Government of Yukon has filed a petition with the Supreme Court of Yukon seeking the appointment of a receiver to act for Yukon Zinc Corporation at the Wolverine mine site. This action is to move forward on several outstanding issues with the mine’s owner. These issues include financial security owed and non-compliance related to water management at the mine site.
The petition is scheduled to be heard by the Supreme Court of Yukon on August 1, 2019.
Yukon to host 2020 Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference
Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources Ranj Pillai concluded a successful conference of Canada’s Energy and Mines Ministers in Cranbrook, British Columbia today with an invitation to host next year’s event in Whitehorse.
Minister Pillai discussed how Yukon builders are constructing near-net zero homes with the highest energy efficiency standards in Canada, and Yukon’s national recognition on the shift to renewable energy generation, particularly in remote communities.
Respectful hunting in Yukon
The Government of Yukon is reminding hunters that conservation and cooperation should be a priority when out on the land as they prepare for another hunting season.
The Wildlife Act and hunting regulations continue to apply across the territory, including in the Ross River area. Only a valid 2019–20 Yukon hunting licence with applicable tags, seals and permits are required. Hunters are reminded to take only what they need, be respectful of the land and other hunters, use all that they take and have a safe and responsible season.
Independent Commission on Electoral Reform members appointed
Three Yukoners have been appointed to form the territory’s first ever Independent Commission on Electoral Reform: Jessica Lott Thompson, Beverly Buckway and Jean-Sébastien Blais. Thompson has been appointed as Chair of the Commission.
Premier Silver discusses growing the economy at Council of the Federation
Premier Sandy Silver met with Canadian Premiers during the Council of the Federation in Saskatoon from July 9 to 11.
Meetings focused on shared priorities such as growing local and regional economies through pan-Canadian economic or “utility” corridors, while reducing red tape for internal trade and labour mobility.
Residents of Faro to benefit from improved roads, water and wastewater infrastructure
Joint news release with the Government of Canada
The renewal of public roads and local water and wastewater systems is key to improving Yukoners’ quality of life by creating jobs, protecting waterways and positioning communities for growth.
Commissioner unveils Order of Yukon design, personal Coat of Arms and new exhibit at the Taylor House
The long awaited design of the Order of Yukon was unveiled today in the front yard of the Taylor House. The design incorporates the Yukon Crest over a fireweed on a ribbon in the colours of the flag of Yukon.
The Order of Yukon was established in 2018 to recognize individuals who have demonstrated excellence and achievement and made outstanding contributions to the social, cultural or economic well-being of Yukon and its residents.
Air quality advisory for Yukon
The office of Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health is updating its air quality advisory for Yukon due to forecasts for increasing concentrations of wildfire smoke.
Wildfires in Alaska and central Yukon continue to produce smoke throughout the territory. Local conditions will affect the smoke concentration in each community. Current forecasts predict that the densest smoke will affect central Yukon communities starting Wednesday, July 10.
Education Agreement signed between Government of Yukon and Kwanlin Dün First Nation
Joint news release with Kwanlin Dün First Nation
Whitehorse residents to benefit from improved compost facility
Joint news release with the Government of Canada
A thriving economy needs strategic investments in green infrastructure solutions to improve the lives of citizens while limiting impacts on the local environment. Investing in innovative green infrastructure also helps create jobs and improve the quality of life of Northerners.
Kwanlin Dün First Nation Citizens to benefit from new community space
Investing in social infrastructure where Yukoners can come together, share ideas and access vital resources helps build dynamic and inclusive communities where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
National travelling exhibit showcased at Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre
Museums’ Choice: Fossil Favourites from Across Canada is being hosted at the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre in Whitehorse. The national travelling exhibit features a 125,000-year-old camel toe bone first discovered at Hunker Creek and will be on display until the end of September.
