Yukon News Releases
Child and Youth Advocate to undertake review of Government of Yukon group homes
The Government of Yukon is cooperating with the Yukon Child and Youth Advocate to conduct a systemic review of the Transitional Support Services (TSS) program.
The government approached the Child and Youth Advocate, who has agreed to conduct the independent and impartial systemic review of the TSS program for the three-year period dating from April 1, 2015, to April 1, 2018.
Team Yukon heads to Northwest Territories for 2018 Arctic Winter Games
Approximately 265 athletes and six cultural participants, as well as coaches, mission staff and officials, are en route to the South Slave region of Northwest Territories for the 2018 Arctic Winter Games.
Athletes will compete in a range of events, including Arctic sports, Dene games, cross country skiing and hockey. The culture contingent is composed of six dancers who will be showcasing their talents alongside the other jurisdictions during the games, culminating in a gala performance.
Upgrades to track and field facilities at F.H. Collins Secondary School to provide Whitehorse residents with improved recreational opportunities
Joint news release with the Government of Canada
Rural and northern communities have unique infrastructure needs. The governments of Canada and Yukon recognize that strategic investments in recreational infrastructure play a key role in supporting dynamic communities while creating good jobs and improving quality of life for those living and working in the North.
Remediation to get underway at Marwell Tar Pit
The Government of Yukon is preparing for the next phase of the remediation at the Marwell Tar Pit site in Whitehorse – which will begin this year.
The seasonally dependent work will include site preparation, excavation of contaminated soils, segregation of impacted soils and on-site treatment of contaminated soil.
This is the second of three phases of addressing contamination at the site. The whole project is expected to take more than a decade to complete with monitoring for years to come.
Sheldon Kennedy speaks at symposium focused on youth and sexualized violence
Sheldon Kennedy and partners from the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre were in Yukon to participate in Prevention, Awareness and Response: Conversations about Yukon youth and sexualized assault. The two-day symposium brought together more than 100 government and non-government officials to share insight on how to best support children, youth and families who are impacted by sexualized abuse.
Government of Yukon supports new Yukon Innovation Hub
The Governments of Canada and Yukon are providing over $3 million to support the YuKonstruct Makerspace Society in the creation of the Yukon Innovation Hub. The hub will support innovation and entrepreneurship through a shared space with business assistance, networking and mentorship opportunities.
New Whistle Bend lots to be available for 2018 building season
The Government of Yukon is releasing 80 lots in Whistle Bend, including townhouse, multi-family and residential lots, to builders and the public by lottery and public tender.
The land sale will take place on April 5, in time for the 2018 building season. Tender bids and lottery applications will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 3.
This release of building lots continues the government’s efforts to increase land and housing availability to support healthy and vibrant communities.
Community Wellness Court receives permanent funding
The Government of Yukon will now provide the Community Wellness Court with permanent annual funding of $459,000, effective April 1. The innovative court provides sentencing alternatives for offenders with mental health, addictions problems and disabilities such as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
New Commissioner appointed by federal government
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau today announced the appointment of Angélique Bernard as Yukon’s new Commissioner and Adeline Webber as the territory’s new Administrator.
As the 26th Commissioner of Yukon, Angélique Bernard is the ceremonial head of the government. To allow the new Commissioner to immediately fulfil their duties, such as assenting to bills and signing Orders-in-Council, the new Commissioner will be sworn in during a private ceremony on Monday, March 12 10:30 a.m. at Taylor House.
Yukon shares mineral potential on a global stage
Minister Pillai and officials from the departments of Energy, Mines and Resources and Economic Development were in Ontario this week promoting Yukon as a world class destination for mining investment and exploration at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) annual conference. Held from March 4–7 in Toronto, the conference is considered the largest event of its kind in the world.
Trouble puppet show tours Whitehorse daycare centres
The Trouble puppet show will be visiting several Whitehorse daycares over March break this spring. This will be the third tour of the popular performance for young children. Trouble combines Yukon-based storytelling and a strong message of non-violence to help develop skills on how to express and manage feelings.
Government of Yukon tables Cannabis Control and Regulation Act
Today, the Government of Yukon tabled Bill No. 15, the Cannabis Control and Regulation Act. The Act governs the distribution, retail, consumption, personal cultivation and possession of non-medical cannabis in Yukon.
The proposed Act will provide for legal, controlled access to cannabis with the goal of displacing illegal activity. It puts a priority on health, safety and harm reduction with a focus on protecting youth from negative health effects.
Klondike Placer Miners’ Association funds metal shop expansion at Robert Service School
Joint news release with Klondike Placer Miners' Association
Premier Sandy Silver was in Dawson last week to join the Klondike Placer Miners’ Association as they donated $10,000 to Robert Service School to enhance the school’s metal shop program.
Robert Service School will use the funds to purchase materials and equipment for the metal shop, including safety gear, metal works tools and consumable materials such as welding rods, steel and wires.
Government of Yukon tables a new Technical Amendments Act
The Government of Yukon tabled Bill No. 16 today, which includes amendments to five different Acts for which the Minister of Justice is responsible: Condominium Act, 2015; Judicature Act; Lord’s Day Act; Motor Vehicles Act; and Supreme Court Act.
Government tables new Gender Diversity and Related Amendments Act
The Government of Yukon reinforced its commitment to lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, Two-Spirit plus (LGBTQ2S+) non-discrimination by introducing a new Gender Diversity and Related Amendments bill today.
The bill promotes more cultural, regional and gender diversity on four Government of Yukon boards and committees. These changes will support more inclusive decision-making in key areas – including child care, violence prevention, social assistance and provision of care.
New RCMP Historical Case Unit being created
The Government of Yukon is providing $442,000 per year for the next three years to the RCMP “M” Division for the creation of a Historical Case Unit. This funding will expand the RCMP’s capacity to investigate unsolved homicides and missing person investigations.
The resources will support three additional full-time RCMP officers who will investigate historic homicides and missing persons cases, and be available to support the Major Crimes Unit if needed when suspicious deaths occur.
Minister of Justice calls for nominations for Community Safety Awards
Yukoners are encouraged to recognize those that are making Yukon communities safer by nominating them for a Minister of Justice Community Safety Award.
The nominating committee reviews nominations and selects recipients who are making a significant difference in the lives of Yukoners through their job duties or as volunteers. Past award nominees have included youth, volunteers, first responders, law enforcement officers and community groups or programs.
Act to create the Order of Yukon tabled
The Government of Yukon today tabled legislation to create the Order of Yukon.
The Order of Yukon will allow Yukoners to formally recognize those individuals who have made a significant contribution to the territory and the well-being of others. This includes high achievement from any discipline, such as sports, First Nations governance, environmental stewardship, the arts, heritage and cultural development, business, volunteerism and the support of seniors and youth.
Government of Yukon releases performance plan and progress report
The Government of Yukon has released its first performance plan and progress report outlining the steps it has taken and plans to take to move the territory forward over the next several years.
The performance plan is outcome-focused and builds on the mandate letters presented to each Cabinet minister in early 2017. It also includes an outlook of upcoming initiatives that are poised to create tangible benefits and positive outcomes for Yukoners across the territory.
Government of Yukon and the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun reach agreement on ATAC tote road
Joint news release with First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun
The Government of Yukon and the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun have reached an agreement that may lead to the construction of an all-season tote road by ATAC Resources to their mineral exploration site north of Mayo. The agreement came into force upon issuance of the joint Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board decision document for the project.
