Yukon News Releases
Protecting our wild sheep from disease
The Government of Yukon is putting rules in place to keep all domestic sheep and goats separate from wild sheep and goats to reduce the risk of transmitting respiratory disease to wildlife.
The Control Order, scheduled to take effect January 1, 2020, includes conditions for the keeping of domestic sheep and goats, such as approved enclosures, permanent identification, record keeping, annual testing for diseases, permits for movement, and measures for dealing with escaped animals.
Equality of Spouses Act receives assent
The Yukon Legislative Assembly has passed the Equality of Spouses Statute Law Amendment Act 2018. The new Act amends multiple pieces of Yukon legislation with language that is inclusive of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, Two-Spirit plus (LGBTQ2S+) Yukoners and repeals the Married Women’s Property Act.
Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport getting new passenger bridge
One of the passenger bridges at the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport is being replaced this fall. The new bridge is powered by a ground power unit and is more energy efficient than the current bridge, which was built in 1984 and is past its useful life.
Seeking input for climate change, energy and green economy strategy
The Government of Yukon, Yukon First Nations, transboundary Indigenous groups and local municipalities are collaborating to engage the public on the development of a new approach to climate change, energy and green economy.
The groups want to find out what is important to Yukoners when it comes to meeting energy needs and sustaining a strong, green economy while also addressing climate change.
Rent supplement program funding increased
Yukon Housing Corporation’s rent supplement program is being increased by $200,000, with $100,000 dedicated to rent subsidies for Yukoners experiencing homelessness. The $1.4 million rent supplement program currently helps over 100 Yukon families to pay rent by providing a rent subsidy to individuals and families eligible for social housing who live in private market rental housing.
Yukon and Alaska governments collaborate on funding request for Shakwak Project
Joint news release with the State of Alaska
The governments of Yukon and Alaska are working together to secure funding to improve the Shakwak Project – the section of highway from Haines, Alaska, to Beaver Creek, Yukon. The State of Alaska and the Government of Yukon collaborated on a $25 million (USD) submission to the new United States Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) fund.
Yukon advocate celebrated as a 2018 recipient of the Governor General Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case
Charlotte Hrenchuk of the Yukon Status of Women Council has been named as an award recipient for the 2018 Governor General Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case.
The following is a statement from the Minister responsible for the Women’s Directorate Jeanie Dendys:
Eight affordable housing units under construction in Dawson
Joint news release with the Government of Canada and the Klondike Development Organization
An eight-unit affordable rental housing project is receiving support from the governments of Yukon and Canada. Under construction by the Klondike Development Organization in Dawson, the project received $900,000 through Yukon Housing Corporation’s Affordable Housing Construction Program and the Municipal Matching Construction Program.
Help set Yukon standards for animal care
Yukoners are being asked to help improve the legal framework that governs the protection and control of animals in the Yukon. The Government of Yukon will be visiting communities around the territory this fall to engage on standards around the protection and control of domestic, feral and exotic animals in order to keep communities safe and make sure animals have proper care.
Cannabis Yukon opens for business October 17
Cannabis Yukon, the territory’s first cannabis retail store, will open on Wednesday, October 17, at 11 am, along with CannabisYukon.org, the Yukon government’s ecommerce retail site.
Governments of Canada and Yukon announce joint funding for women’s movement
Joint news release with Status of Women Canada
By working in a spirit of collaboration, federal, territorial and provincial governments have an exceptional opportunity to help advance gender equality across Canada.
Government of Yukon releases What We Heard on new ATIPP Act
Yukoners voiced their thoughts on the changes contained in the modernized Access to Information and Privacy Act (ATIPP) currently before the Legislative Assembly. The summary of comments and survey results on proposed changes to the Act were released today.
The public engagement period from May to July 2018 saw more than 200 survey responses and over 350 comments on 9 proposed changes. Public input was incorporated into the proposed legislation and will contribute to clear regulations for the public, stakeholders and government.
Partners break ground for innovative tiny house project
Joint news release with Champagne and Aishihik First Nations and the Government of Canada
A community ground-breaking event in Dakwäkäda (Haines Junction) today kicked off an exciting tiny house project, a partnership between the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN), the Government of Yukon and the Government of Canada.
Government of Yukon tables Technical Amendments Act (No. 2), 2018
The Technical Amendments Act (No.2), 2018 proposes to fix practical and policy issues with legislation that were unforeseen when the original legislation was drafted. Minister of Justice Tracy-Anne McPhee tabled the Bill, which includes amendments to the Human Rights Act and the Territorial Court Act.
The amendment to the Human Rights Act allows a member of the Human Rights Panel of Adjudicators – whose term is set to expire – to remain a member of the panel and continue to hear a matter until a decision has been delivered.
Government of Yukon plans the future of the Dawson City ice bridge
The Government of Yukon and the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) have released a report which looks at some of the possible reasons why the Yukon River in Dawson City has not frozen for the past two winters.
Lobbyists Registration and Electoral District Boundaries Bills tabled
A publicly-disclosed lobbyist registry is being proposed by the Government of Yukon. Premier Sandy Silver tabled the proposed Lobbyists Registration Act in the Legislative Assembly today.
Lobbying is the process through which individuals and groups communicate with public office holders in an attempt to influence public policy and decision making. The proposed Bill will make registration mandatory, ensuring that lobbyists are accountable for disclosing their activities.
Yukoners asked to share their priorities for electoral reform
The Government of Yukon wants to understand the public’s priorities for electoral reform. These priorities will inform the mandate of an independent commission on electoral reform, which will begin work in the spring of 2019. The commission will be asked to deliver its final report and recommendations for fall 2019.
New ATIPP legislation tabled in the Legislative Assembly
The Government of Yukon proposes to increase access to government data, improve transparency and clarify privacy rules through a new Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (ATIPP).
The proposed Act will increase transparency around government decision-making and make large amounts of government data available to the public. It will also clarify roles and responsibilities for how personal information should be received, handled and destroyed by the government while being responsive to changes in technology.
Advisory committee for Yukon education resumes work
On September 20, 2018, the Advisory committee for Yukon education met to resume its work providing input and advice on supporting students and improving the public education system in Yukon.
At this meeting, government staff reported progress to the committee on various initiatives, including the implementation of Yukon’s redesigned school curriculum. They presented on how classroom assessment practices, teacher evaluations, school growth plans, technology and learning spaces are changing to meet the needs of Yukon students and school communities.
Equality of Spouses Act tabled
Minister responsible for the Women’s Directorate Jeanie Dendys tabled Bill No. 21 today, the Equality of Spouses Act. The Bill continues the Government of Yukon’s ongoing work to make Yukon laws non-discriminatory and inclusive of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, Two-Spirit plus (LGBTQ2S+) Yukoners.
