Yukon News Releases
Yukon government encourages athletes to try out for 2024 Arctic Winter Games
Yukon athletes have a track record of achieving success at the regional, national, and international levels and in just over five months, 355 members of Team Yukon will be travelling to the Mat-Su Borough of Alaska to participate in the 2024 Arctic Winter Games. These games will be held March 10 to 16, 2024, and will give Yukon athletes an opportunity to compete against their northern peers in 20 different sports.
Statement from Minister McLean on World Teachers’ Day
Minister of Education Jeanie McLean has issued the following statement:
“World Teachers’ Day commemorates the anniversary of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) October 5, 1966, adoption of the ‘Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers’, and acknowledges the essential role of teachers in advancing education, as well as the importance of their contributions towards the development of society and humankind.
Statement from Minister McPhee on Mental Illness Awareness Week
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:
“October 1 to 7 marks Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW). First established by the Canadian Psychiatric Association and now steered by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH), it serves as a reminder for Yukoners to approach mental illness with empathy, understanding and support.
Supplementary Estimates meets collective agreement commitments and ensures protection for Yukoners and the environment
Keeping with the Government of Yukon’s commitment to make life more affordable for Yukoners while practising responsible management of the territory’s fiscal position, Finance Minister Sandy Silver tabled the 2023–24 First Supplementary Estimates in the Yukon Legislative Assembly today. It includes increases of $105.9 million in net operations and maintenance (O&M) and no changes to gross capital funding.
Amendments to Elections Act tabled
In response to shifting populations and demographics across the territory, including significant growth in Whitehorse’s Whistle Bend community, the Government of Yukon is working to ensure Yukoners are represented more equitably in the Yukon Legislative Assembly. Today, Premier Ranj Pillai tabled a proposed amendment to the Elections Act that will allow for the establishment of an Electoral District Boundaries Commission.
Statement from Premier Pillai on Manitoba’s election
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“On behalf of the Government of Yukon, I would like to congratulate Manitoba Premier-designate Wab Kinew on his success in yesterday’s provincial election. Our governments have a longstanding history of cooperation and I look forward to continuing our strong partnership for the benefit of all Yukoners and Manitobans.
Statement from Minister of Health and Social Services on the two-year anniversary of the Supervised Consumption Site
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:
“September 29, 2023, marked the second anniversary of the Supervised Consumption Site (SCS), a beacon of hope and safety in Whitehorse. It stands as a testament to our government's commitment to addressing problematic substance use through a public health approach grounded in empathy, understanding and harm reduction initiatives.
The Government of Yukon releases a new edition of the Pathways magazine
The Government of Yukon has released the second edition of the Pathways magazine, which shares stories of collaboration, partnership and reconciliation.
This issue reflects on collaborative work with First Nations governments and organizations to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
The magazine features stories on the work of the Yukon Residential Schools and Missing Children Project, the evolution of the Yukon’s education system, child welfare, justice, sport and recreation and much more.
Haeckel Hill wind turbine project reaches milestone towards a strong, sustainable Yukon
The shift to clean, sustainable energy production in the Yukon has taken another step forward with the unveiling of four new wind turbines on Haeckel Hill.
Today, Minister responsible for Yukon Development Corporation John Streicker, Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn and Kwanlin Dün First Nation Chief Sean Smith announced the completion of the Haeckel Hill Wind Project.
Government of Yukon encourages all Yukoners to celebrate National Library Month
October is National Library Month and Yukon Public Libraries is joining libraries across the country in celebrating and raising awareness of the valuable role of libraries.
Libraries provide more than just books. Libraries promote cultural awareness, strengthen community, provide educational programs and support expression.
Statement from Premier Ranj Pillai on Small Business Month
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“October is Small Business Month, which includes Small Business Week from October 15 to 21. This represents a national opportunity to recognize the achievements of Canadian entrepreneurs and celebrate the many contributions of small businesses to the economy and to our communities.
“Here in the Yukon, the positive impacts of our small business community cannot be overstated. It is especially important that we take this time to recognize their hard work.
Statement from Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn
Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn has issued the following statement:
“On Friday, September 29, 2023, the Government of Canada and the Government of Yukon, along with Watson Lake Mayor Christopher Irvin, announced funding to strengthen the municipal water system, sewers and roads.
“I am pleased that Deputy Premier Jeanie McLean could be in Watson Lake on my behalf to celebrate this announcement.
Celebrating a great first season at the Pelly Crossing pool
As August came to an end, so did a great first season at the new Pelly Crossing seasonal community pool. This infrastructure project, which took place following investments from the Government of Yukon and the Government of Canada, consisted of designing and constructing a new pool to replace the existing covered below-ground facility, which was built in 1984 and was at the end of its serviceable life.
Rugged Apprentices complete five community projects leaving the Yukon with improved tourism infrastructure and attractions
From September 12 to 15, 49 volunteers from across Canada were in the Yukon to work on a tourism-related community project in one of five Yukon communities as part of the Government of Yukon’s Rugged Apprentices program. Volunteers received a unique tourism experience, while also giving back to the Yukon by helping to improve visitor infrastructure and attractions in the territory.
Statement from Premier Pillai on Sukkot
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“As we mark the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, I extend my warmest wishes to all Yukoners celebrating the occasion over the next seven days. Sukkot holds profound significance for the Jewish community and resonates with our diverse and inclusive territory.
“The symbolism of the sukkah, a temporary structure open to the elements, calls attention to the importance of shelter and security.
Statement from Premier Ranj Pillai on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“Tomorrow, on September 30th, we recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, remembering the children who never returned home from residential schools, and the Survivors of those institutions and their communities who are impacted by this tragic history to this day. This is an opportunity to honour the Survivors of residential schools and grieve for the children who never returned home. 2023 marks the first time we will observe this day as a statutory holiday in the Yukon.
The Government of Yukon urges Yukoners to test their smoke alarms
The Yukon is joining jurisdictions across Canada to mark the territory’s first Test Your Smoke Alarm Day.
As part of Test Your Smoke Alarm Day, all Yukoners are encouraged to learn more about smoke alarms, fire safety and home fire escape planning. Learning about fire safety can save lives.
Statement from the Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health on the rise of syphilis in the Yukon
“In February, Yukoners were alerted to the concerning increase in syphilis cases in the territory. Last year, the rate of syphilis in the Yukon continued to escalate, surpassing any recorded rate in the territory since at least 1979.
Leaders meet for Yukon Forum in Dawson
This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon, the Council of Yukon First Nations and Yukon First Nations governments.
Premier Ranj Pillai, Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston, members of the Yukon government Cabinet and Yukon First Nations Chiefs met over two days at Äłät Nëhëjël (Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin Community Hall) in Dawson for the Yukon Forum.
Statement from Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee regarding the death of RCMP Constable Rick O’Brien
Minister of Justice Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:
“It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the death of Constable Rick O’Brien, who served as an officer of the Ridge Meadows RCMP in British Columbia.
“Constable O’Brien was a well-respected member of the RCMP, whose passing left a profound impact on his colleagues and his community.
“This loss is heightened due to our close relationship with British Columbia and the numerous family, work and community connections that we share between our jurisdictions.
