Yukon News Releases
Statement from Premier Pillai on Holodomor Memorial Day
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“As we commemorate Holodomor Memorial Day tomorrow, we solemnly remember one of the darkest chapters in human history, where millions of Ukrainians lost their lives due to human-made famine in the early 1930s. This day serves as a painful reminder of the suffering and hardship endured by countless individuals and families.
The 2023 fall sitting of the Yukon Legislative Assembly has concluded
With the conclusion of the Fall 2023 Legislative Assembly, the Government of Yukon is making significant progress to make life safer and more affordable for Yukoners.
Today, the 2023-2024 First Supplementary Estimates passed with the support of Liberal and NDP caucuses. The estimates include a $17 million funding increase for the Yukon Hospital Corporation, to help them meet their budgetary needs for the remainder of the fiscal year. This is in addition to the increase in core funding to the Yukon Hospital Corporation in the 2023-2024 Budget.
Bates Crescent is partially closed for Riverdale incident investigation
The Yukon Fire Marshal’s Office is conducting a cause and origin investigation, in coordination with the RCMP, of the November 14 incident in Whitehorse. As a result, Bates Crescent is partially closed – from house numbers 15 to 19 – as of Wednesday, November 22.
The Yukon’s 2023 State of the Environment report released
Today, the Minister of Environment Nils Clarke tabled the State of the Environment report for 2023 in the Yukon Legislative Assembly. The report tracks environmental indicators that show trends in the Yukon’s environment through the lens of climate change, air, water, land and fish and wildlife indicators.
The report includes information as of the end of the 2022 calendar year. This year’s report includes three new indicators, which are avian influenza, biodiversity and groundwater levels in the Yukon Observation Well Network.
The Yukon receives increase in 2023 allocations under the Yukon Nominee Program
The Government of Yukon is listening to local businesses across the territory and is committed to helping them meet their labour needs.
In order to help businesses respond to the labour shortage, the Government of Yukon has successfully advocated with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for an increased allocation in 2023 to the Yukon Nominee Program. The Yukon has received an increase of 150 to its 2023 allocations, for a total allocation of 580.
Statement from Premier Ranj Pillai on the Government of Canada’s 2023 Fall Economic Statement
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“Yesterday, Canada’s Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland delivered an update on the state of Canada’s finances and economy in the 2023 Fall Economic Statement.
Housing Initiatives Fund launches latest intake process for affordable housing projects across the Yukon
To support Yukoners’ access to affordable housing, the Government of Yukon is now accepting applications for the seventh intake of the Housing Initiatives Fund.
The Housing Initiatives Fund is designed to increase the number of new, quality, affordable units in the territory by providing capital grants to community housing providers, First Nations governments and development corporations, municipalities, and private sector entities and individuals in order to support their efforts to build new affordable housing units across the territory.
2022–23 Public Accounts Report released
Today, Minister of Finance Sandy Silver tabled the 2022–23 Public Accounts in the Yukon Legislative Assembly. The Public Accounts report the actual audited financial results for the prior fiscal year and the financial position at the end of that fiscal year.
The Office of the Auditor General of Canada is responsible for verifying that the consolidated financial statements fairly represent its financial results in accordance with Canadian public sector accounting standards.
The Government of Yukon releases Yukon Health Status Report 2022
The Government of Yukon has tabled the 2022 Health Status Report in the Yukon Legislative Assembly. The comprehensive report is issued by the Chief Medical Officer of Health every three years and updated annually. This update provides additional information on communicable diseases and immunizations in the Yukon.
Statement from Minister Mostyn on winter emergency preparedness
Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn has issued the following statement:
“Winter is here. This is an exciting time for Yukoners as we break out the skis, tune up our sleds, and get ready to enjoy the winter’s wonders.
“Winter brings its own dangers and hazards. Whether it’s fire, floods, ice storms or power outages, our government is ready and works closely with our partners to protect the health and safety of all Yukoners.
“Getting ready for winter involves keeping a few simple things in mind.
The Government of Yukon recognizes excellence in responsible mineral exploration
The winner of the 2023 Robert E. Leckie Award for Excellence in Environmental Stewardship was announced yesterday evening at the 51st Annual Geoscience Forum & Trade Show banquet.
This year’s recipient is Snowline Gold Corporation. The company’s mineral exploration work about 220 kilometres east of Mayo stands as an excellent example of progressive reclamation, cleaning up as you go. In addition, they have made efforts to clean up historic exploration camps on their properties.
Statement from the Minister McPhee and Minister McLean on Transgender Day of Remembrance
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee and Minister of Education and Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean have issued the following statement:
“Every year on November 20, we observe Transgender Day of Remembrance. On this day, we mourn and remember transgender people whose lives were lost to violence and rededicate our efforts to ensure that transgender, Two-Spirit+, and gender non-conforming people are able to live life to the fullest, without experiencing hate, discrimination, abuse or violence.
Government of Yukon begins review of Child Care Act
High quality early learning and child care environments support improved outcomes for Yukon children, which is key for later success in school and life. The Government of Yukon is working to update the Child Care Act, which came into force on July 1, 1990. Changes to this legislation will consider the key principles of quality, affordability, inclusivity and accessibility.
Statement from Minister McPhee on National Addictions Awareness Week
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:
“This week is National Addictions Awareness Week, a time dedicated to deepening our understanding of substance use and addiction in the Yukon and across Canada.
“This year, under the theme of 'Inspiration, Innovation and Inclusion,' we acknowledge that substance use is a complex challenge with far-reaching implications.
Minister Silver provides update on 2022–23 Public Accounts
Minister Sandy Silver has issued the following statement:
“On October 30, I promised to keep Yukoners informed about the ongoing progress and development of the 2022–23 Public Accounts. The scheduled date for tabling the Public Accounts for the 2022–23 fiscal year will be November 22, 2023.
“As the Minister of Finance, I am committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in sharing information about the Government of Yukon's financial activities.
Yukon delegation gains valuable insights from visit to Southcentral Foundation, a world-leading expert in health system transformation
This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and the Council of Yukon First Nations.
Last week, representatives from the Government of Yukon, Yukon First Nations governments, the Chiefs Committee on Health, and the Health Transformation Advisory Committee visited Southcentral Foundation in Anchorage, Alaska to learn about successful ways to work together to transform health care. The foundation is one of the world’s leading experts in health system transformation.
Statement from Premier Pillai on Global Entrepreneurship Week
Premier and Minister of Economic Development Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“This November 13 to 19 is Global Entrepreneurship Week. This annual event is celebrated in over 180 countries worldwide. Organized by the Global Entrepreneurship Network’s partners, the week provides an opportunity for businesses, non-profits, entrepreneurs and ecosystem champions to organize events focused on key themes related to entrepreneurship. These themes include education, ecosystems and inclusion.
Minister’s Advisory Council on Women and Gender Equity is recruiting new members
The Women and Gender Equity Directorate is looking for new board members to join the Minister’s Advisory Council on Women and Gender Equity (formerly known as the Yukon Advisory Council on Women’s Issues). The Council will provide advice to the Minister responsible for Women and Gender Equity Directorate and other ministers on policies, programs and legislation related to gender equity, sexual orientation and women’s issues.
Statement from Premier Pillai and Minister McPhee on downtown Whitehorse community safety
This statement has been updated to reflect that plans to place a community outreach worker at the Whitehorse Public Library will begin November, 2023.
Premier Ranj Pillai and Health and Social Services Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee issued the following statement:
“On behalf of the Government of Yukon, we want to express our ongoing commitment to fostering safe and thriving communities across the territory.
Fiduciaries Access to Digital Assets Act receives assent
The Fiduciaries Access to Digital Assets Act (2023) has received assent in the Yukon Legislative Assembly.
A fiduciary is a person who acts on behalf of another person and is bound both legally and ethically to act in that person’s best interests.
The Act clarifies fiduciaries’ access to the digital assets of deceased or incapable individuals, while respecting their privacy and final wishes.
The Fiduciaries Access to Digital Assets Act:
