Yukon News Releases
What We Heard report released on new minerals legislation
This news release has been updated to correct information on consultations.
The Government of Yukon has released a What We Heard report following an extensive public engagement on new minerals legislation.
The report presents feedback received during a three-month public engagement in spring 2023, which included meetings across the territory and consultations with Indigenous governments.
Statement from Premier Ranj Pillai on the Kluane First Nation election
This news release has been updated to reflect the traditional title of Kwänathi inlį (Chief) of Kluane First Nation.
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“On behalf of the Government of Yukon, I congratulate Robert (Bob) Dickson on his re-election as Kwänathi inlį (Chief) of Kluane First Nation.
“The Government of Yukon values our government-to-government relationship with Kluane First Nation. I look forward to our continued collaboration to advance our shared priorities.
Statement from Minister McLean welcoming students and staff back to school
Minister of Education Jeanie McLean has issued the following statement:
“As summer break ends and the new school year begins, we wish all Yukon students a school year filled with high spirits and meaningful learning. From our youngest learners taking their first steps into kindergarten to the Grade 12s nearing high school completion, we encourage all students to embrace curiosity and enjoy the unique learning opportunities offered in Yukon schools.
Yukon firefighters meet in Dawson for training conference
You can never be too prepared for an emergency. That’s why last week, firefighters from across the Yukon came together to learn and train at the Fire Rescue Yukon 2024 Conference, organized by the Association of Yukon Fire Chiefs (AYFC), took place August 22 to 24 in Dawson.
Update on staffing in Yukon schools for the 2024–25 school year
The Government of Yukon provides human resource services to two of the Yukon’s three school authorities. The following update relates to these two authorities, Yukon Education and the Commission scolaire francophone du Yukon. The First Nation School Board manages staffing for their 11 schools and can be contacted directly with any questions.
As of August 22, 2024, for the 21 schools managed by Yukon Education:
Government of Yukon provides eighth technical briefing on heap leach failure at Victoria Gold’s Eagle Gold Mine
On August 23, 2024, Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources John Streicker joined by officials and technical experts from the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources and the Department of Environment, held the Government of Yukon’s eighth technical briefing since the heap leach failure at Victoria Gold’s Eagle Gold Mine site on June 24, 2024.
The Government of Yukon will continue to update the Victoria Gold Corporation Eagle Mine heap leach failure online hub, found at yukon.ca/victoria-gold-updates.
The Government of Yukon supports educator’s professional development with Welcome Week activities
The Government of Yukon is excited to announce the return of Welcome Week for Yukon Education staff. This week was a comprehensive four-day orientation, training and development event designed to support and connect new and returning educators from across the territory. This year marks the first time since 2019 that Welcome Week will be hosted, following a hiatus due to the pandemic.
Yukon Housing Corporation hosts tri-territorial housing meeting
This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon, the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Government of Nunavut.
Yukon Housing Corporation hosted senior government officials from Housing Northwest Territories and the Nunavut Housing Corporation at a tri-territorial housing meeting to discuss housing priorities across the North.
Statement from Premier Pillai on Ukrainian Independence Day
Premier Pillai has issued the following statement:
“This Saturday, August 24, 2024, is the 33rd anniversary of Ukrainian Independence Day. In 1991, the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine was adopted by the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, creating the country’s own pathway for independent governance and sovereignty. This declaration affirms that the state of Ukraine is indivisible and will be ruled only by its own constitution.
Residential lot lotteries open for Faro, Carmacks and Lone Tree subdivision
As part of its efforts to work in collaboration with municipalities and Yukon First Nations governments to address housing and business space needs across the territory, the Government of Yukon has released 33 new residential lots across the Yukon. Twelve lots are available in Carmacks and Faro and 21 country residential lots are now available in the Lone Tree subdivision north of Teslin. Lot availability is guided by official area plans and community input, and interested buyers can participate in a public lottery to secure these new properties.
Statement from Minister Richard Mostyn on joint investment in wildland firefighting with Government of Canada
Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn has issued the following statement:
Today we joined our federal partners the Government of Canada at Wildland Fire Management’s Yukon Fire Centre in Whitehorse. We are proud to officially announce a joint funding agreement which will increase the Yukon’s capacity to respond to wildfires in communities across the territory.
The Government of Yukon wishes Team Yukon ‘Good Luck’ ahead of the Canada 55+ Games
The Government of Yukon extends its best wishes to the athletes, organizing committee, mission staff and cheerleaders representing the territory at the Canada 55+ Games, taking place August 27 to 30 in Quebec City.
The Government of Yukon is proud to support and fund Team Yukon’s participation in this major sporting event, providing $75,000 in funding. Additionally, the Sport and Recreation Branch supports Team Yukon by helping with administration and organizational efforts before, during and after the Games.
Government of Yukon and Safe at Home Society announce progress in transforming the former High Country Inn
The Government of Yukon and the Safe at Home Society continue to make progress in transforming the former High Country Inn into The Hearth, a 67-unit permanent supportive housing project.
Demolition on The Hearth project is near completion and structural and exterior envelope upgrades are underway. This will allow interior construction to proceed through the winter months. The project remains on schedule, with a goal to open in late winter 2026.
Statement from Ministers on the transfer of two lots in Dawson from Parks Canada to the Government of Yukon
Minister of Tourism and Culture John Streicker and acting Minister of Highways and Public Works Richard Mostyn have issued the following statement:
“The Government of Yukon strives to conserve our territory’s rich history by protecting heritage buildings and sites. It ensures that future generations can access places where history happened, fostering a deeper understanding of our shared past and building stronger communities.
Government of Yukon provides seventh technical briefing on the heap leach failure at Victoria Gold’s Eagle Gold Mine
On August 16, 2024, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice Tracy-Anne McPhee provided an update on the Government of Yukon’s recent legal action concerning Victoria Gold Corporation. Additional technical briefing materials were provided by the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources and the Department of Environment.
School bus routes available for 2024–25 school year
Whitehorse school bus routes for the 2024–25 school year can be found online. People registering on time has made it easier to plan effective bus routes.
Families who registered for the bus by June 14 received an email with their assigned bus route last week. Families who registered before the deadline and did not receive an email should contact student.transportation@yukon.ca or call 867-667-5172.
Government of Yukon releases What We Heard report on resource roads regulation
The Government of Yukon has released a What We Heard report following engagement on the proposed modernized regulation for resource roads. This report highlights feedback on resource roads regulation from Yukon First Nations, Indigenous transboundary groups, industry, the public and other stakeholders. This feedback will inform the new regulations being developed to ensure resource roads are managed in a sustainable manner reflective of Yukoners’ values.
Yukoners who participated in the public engagement opportunity told the Government of Yukon the following.
Additional leadership added to Energy, Mines and Resources to support the Eagle Mine emergency response
Effective immediately for a period of six months, Premier Ranj Pillai has appointed Dennis Berry, President of the Yukon Liquor Corporation as an interim Deputy Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources. Dennis Berry will continue to hold his responsibilities for the Yukon Liquor Corporation.
As the head of the Eagle Mine emergency response, Deputy Minister Lauren Haney will continue to be responsible for the following branches: Mineral Resources, Yukon Geological Survey, Assessment and Abandoned Mines and Compliance, Monitoring and Inspection.
Senior leadership appointments in the Government of Yukon public service
Premier Ranj Pillai has appointed Meagan Lang as Public Service Commissioner. Tracy Allen has been appointed as Deputy Minister of Highways and Public Works, as current Deputy Minister Catherine Harwood is retiring.
Meagan Lang is an experienced lawyer in labour and employment law, administrative law and commercial litigation. Ms. Lang will start on September 3, 2024.
Tracy Allen is a seasoned executive leader with 24 years of experience in strategic leadership, capital and operational planning, and construction. Ms. Allen will start on September 3, 2024.
Nine Yukon community projects funded by the Crime Prevention and Victim Services Trust through spring 2024 intake
Through the Crime Prevention and Victim Services Trust, nine community-led projects received $407,974 during the spring 2024 funding intake. This funding helps Yukon organizations achieve their goals and develop projects that ultimately increase the health and wellness of Yukoners while building safer, more connected communities.
