Yukon News Releases
Special warrant issued for infrastructure and land development spending
The Government of Yukon has issued a special warrant to meet the demand for infrastructure and land development projects across the territory this fiscal year.
The special warrant provides additional budgetary authorization for up to $20 million to maximize benefits to Yukon communities, with $15 million for infrastructure development and $5 million for land development.
Public engagement begins on regulatory approach to off-road vehicles
Public engagement is now open on the Government of Yukon’s proposed approach for regulating off-road vehicle use in Yukon. The Government of Yukon is also consulting with Yukon First Nations and transboundary Indigenous groups on the development of this off-road vehicle regulation.
The proposed approach to regulation will provide an effective regime to prevent, reduce and mitigate the environmental impacts of off-road vehicle use on public land, while recognizing the needs of responsible off-road vehicle users.
New administrator of Culture Quest Fund announced
Joint news release with the Dawson City Arts Society
The Dawson City Arts Society (DCAS) will assume administration of the Culture Quest funding program starting in April 2019.
The Culture Quest program makes $157,000 available annually to inspire the growth of culture and arts in Yukon by supporting cultural crafts and skills, as well as visual, literary and performing arts. It also supports First Nations cultural gatherings and festivals around Yukon, and the preparation and development of work to be showcased nationally and internationally.
New senior-level Department of Education position focuses on First Nations initiatives
Joint news release with Ta’an Kwäch’än Council
The Government of Yukon and the Council of Yukon First Nations’ Chiefs’ Committee on Education are working together to establish a new assistant deputy minister (ADM) of First Nations Initiatives position within the Department of Education. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Call to Action #62 calls on governments to establish senior level positions dedicated to Aboriginal content in education.
Government of Yukon attending Mineral Exploration Roundup
Premier Sandy Silver and Energy, Mines and Resources Minister Ranj Pillai are in Vancouver this week to promote the Yukon’s mineral resources at the annual Mineral Exploration Roundup. The Premier and Minister will hold a number of meetings while at the conference to highlight Yukon’s mineral potential while supporting responsible resource development and sound environmental management in the mineral sector.
Government of Yukon’s Independent Power Production policy implemented
The Government of Yukon has fully implemented the Independent Power Production policy, allowing First Nation governments, communities and entrepreneurs to generate renewable energy and feed it into the electrical grid to help meet local demands.
Commissioner Bernard presents Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers to Jean Smeeton
Commissioner Angélique Bernard visited Jean Smeeton at her home to present a certificate and the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers on behalf of Governor General Julie Payette.
Jean Smeeton has been serving the patients and staff of the Whitehorse General Hospital for more than 44 years. As part of her long and faithful service with the Women's Auxiliary, her tasks have ranged from fundraising and pushing the tuck cart to providing secretarial services. She is committed to making the hospital a friendlier place for everyone.
Draft Condominium Regulations released for extended consultation
The Government of Yukon is releasing draft regulations for the Condominium Act and extending the consultation period until March 1, 2019.
Originally, the consultation period was to run from November 27, 2018, to January 25, 2019 using detailed consultation documents. During the first month of the consultation and at the initial meeting members of the public asked to see the current draft regulations themselves and asked for an extension of the consultation to review the draft regulations.
Cannabis Licensing Board announced
The Government of Yukon has appointed five members to form Yukon’s first Cannabis Licensing Board. This represents a significant step toward establishing the private cannabis retail model.
The Cannabis Control and Regulations Act provides the board with the sole authority to approve licences, determine licensing conditions, and hold hearings related to a licence application. The board is arm's-length from the Government of Yukon in its decision-making and authority.
The five Cannabis Licensing Board members are:
2019 Housing Initiatives Fund open for submissions
The Government of Yukon opened the $3.6 million 2019 Housing Initiatives Fund for project submissions today. This call for projects supports more affordable housing options for Yukoners by funding new housing across the territory.
First Nations governments, First Nations Development Corporations, developers, contractors, community organizations and the general public can apply for this funding with projects that will increase affordable housing options in their community.
Leadership shuffle in Government of Yukon departments
Premier Sandy Silver has made changes to the leadership positions in the Executive Council Office, the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources, the Department of Community Services and the Yukon Liquor Corporation.
Stephen Mills will move from his role as Deputy Minister with the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources to the role of Deputy Minister with the Executive Council Office and Cabinet secretary. Mills is replacing Jim Connell who is retiring from government.
Proposed framework for Government of Yukon carbon price rebate announced
The Government of Yukon has released its proposed framework for the territory’s carbon price rebate, which will form the basis of new territorial legislation to return carbon pricing revenues to Yukoners.
The framework outlines the amount, frequency and requirements for each group set to receive a territorial rebate.
The Government of Yukon has made a commitment to return all revenues returned from the Government of Canada to individuals, businesses, First Nations governments and municipal governments.
Yukon Teachers’ Association and the Government of Yukon ratify new collective agreement
Joint news release with the Yukon Teachers’ Association
On January 14, members of the Yukon Teachers’ Association (YTA) voted to ratify a new three-year collective agreement with the Government of Yukon. The new agreement will expire on June 30, 2021.
The revised agreement includes a range of provisions including changes to maternity and parental leave, defining the criteria to convert temporary employees to indeterminate employees, and enabling substitutes to be included in the YTA bargaining unit.
Dawson City wastewater treatment plant not sustainable, Government of Yukon begins work with City of Dawson on a solution
The Government of Yukon has started conversations with the City of Dawson on the future of its wastewater treatment plant. The lifecycle of the plant has been severely limited by rising costs and performance issues. The government is supporting the City of Dawson to begin planning on a new wastewater treatment option, which will be operational by 2026 or earlier.
Regulation for private cannabis retail licensing announced
The Government of Yukon has introduced new regulations under the Cannabis Control and Regulation Act for private retail sales of non-medical cannabis in the territory.
The Cannabis Licensing Regulation outlines what is required for a Yukon business to become a cannabis retailer and how to operate under a standard licence. This includes the application process, fees, physical location restrictions and regular reporting requirements.
New accessible duplex opens in Porter Creek
Joint news release with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Two new homes in Porter Creek are ready for Yukon Housing Corporation tenants to move in. The duplex has accessible two-bedroom units on both sides that are 1,000 square feet each, energy-efficient and built to an EnerGuide 85 rating.
These accessible units replaced an old social housing unit that was not economically feasible to repair. Yukon Housing Corporation will own and operate these homes as part of the Rent-Geared-to-Income program.
FireSmart projects prepare and protect Yukon communities
Over 25 FireSmart projects are underway to make Yukon communities more resilient and to defend them against wildfires.
Each year the Government of Yukon provides funding to organizations for FireSmart projects that space trees and clean underbrush in forests in and around Yukon communities. Municipal governments, First Nations governments, non-for-profit organizations and community organizations are eligible to apply for FireSmart funding.
Government of Yukon partners with Skookum Jim Friendship Centre to support Yukon youth
Joint news release with Skookum Jim Friendship Centre
The Government of Yukon and Skookum Jim Friendship Centre (SJFC) have reached an agreement to provide youth access to services following the scheduled closure of the Integrated Supports for Yukon Youth (ISYY) office in February 2019.
In order to maintain continuity of services and support for youth who access ISYY, the SJFC will hire two outreach youth support workers in the coming weeks. Following the closure of ISYY, youth will have access to the same level of service through the SJFC offices.
20 community projects receive over $700,000 in support from the Community Development Fund
The Government of Yukon’s Community Development Fund is supporting 20 community projects that bring economic, social and cultural benefits to Yukoners. In addition to employment opportunities, the projects support recreation, skill development, language revitalization, cultural and educational initiatives, and improvements to community infrastructure.
Government of Yukon and Salvation Army reach transfer agreement
The Government of Yukon and The Salvation Army have reached an agreement in principle to transfer the ownership and operations of the Centre of Hope to the Government of Yukon. The agreement is subject to Management Board approval.
The agreement in principle was reached through a collaborative process undertaken between the two parties. Both organizations have a keen interest in ensuring that vulnerable and at risk Yukoners receive the services and supports that they need, and that interest has been a driving force in this process.
