Yukon News Releases
The Government of Yukon and the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency launch new Forestry Support Program
The Government of Yukon and the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency combined financial contributions to launch a new support program offering funding for commercial harvesters and retailers.
Commercial harvesters and retailers can now apply for reimbursements of up to $15,000 for purchases, repairs and upgrades to harvest equipment, vehicles, trailers, personal protective equipment and other equipment. For larger harvesting businesses, the funds can be used for things like planning and administrative costs.
25 Yukon fire personnel deployed to Northwest Territories
Since publishing this news release we have corrected the number of fire personnel sent to the NWT and the type of personnel.
The Government of Yukon has sent wildland fire personnel to support wildfire response operations in the Northwest Territories.
Statement from Minister McPhee on International Overdose Awareness Day
“Today, on International Overdose Awareness Day, we come together to acknowledge a profound challenge that too often remains in the shadows. Overdose, much like the broader Substance Use Health Emergency, is a complex issue that knows no boundaries. It affects our families, our friends and our communities. Behind every statistic, there is a human story of parents, children, siblings, friends and loved ones. Every life lost is a heartbreaking reminder of the work still ahead of us.
Premier, Minister and Yukon business delegation traveling to Asia to strengthen ties and promote economic growth
In September, Premier Ranj Pillai and Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources and Tourism and Culture John Streicker, accompanied by a delegation of Yukon-based business leaders and government officials, will embark on a mission to Japan and India.
The aim of this mission is to develop partnerships to address health and human resource challenges, promote innovation and collaboration in critical minerals and technology, create lasting relationships that will increase business investment in the Yukon and increase tourism from Asia.
Government of Yukon making life more affordable across the territory
The Yukon has enjoyed economic growth every year since 2016, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the territory continues to have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country. However, many Yukoners are feeling financial pressures due to inflation.
To alleviate these pressures, the Government of Yukon has introduced a number of measures to make life more affordable for all Yukoners.
Some of the ways that the Government of Yukon is making housing more affordable for everyone include:
The Government of Yukon highlights 14 initial actions from the Substance Use Health Emergency Strategy
On August 23, 2023, the Substance Use Health Emergency Strategy was introduced as a result of partnership and a shared commitment to the health and wellbeing of all Yukoners. Building on this foundation of collaboration and transparency, the Government of Yukon will continue to work closely with partners and the recently-established Yukon First Nations Chiefs Committee on Health to advance and implement the recommendations as well as identify future actions.
Housing First complex under construction in Watson Lake
The Government of Yukon, with the support of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, is pleased to announce that construction of a 10-unit Housing First Complex in Watson Lake is now underway.
The complex was designed with input from the Liard First Nation Chief and Council, the Town of Watson Lake Mayor and Council, and local community members.
Four Yukon youth receive Outstanding Youth Achievement Awards for community contributions
Four Yukon youth have been awarded the Outstanding Youth Achievement Award for their devotion and contribution to their communities.
The 2023 recipients are Steven Domingo of Carmacks, Shanine Villaver of Faro, Jack Walcher-Wegmann of Mount Lorne and Kalie Bennett of Whitehorse.
The awards recognize these individuals for their positive impact on the Yukon, demonstrated through outstanding performance in areas such as the arts, athletics, academics, community engagement and exemplary role modelling.
Statement from Premier Pillai on Ukrainian Independence Day
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“Today, we recognize and celebrate Ukrainian Independence Day, as we have done since 1991.
“Similar to last year, these celebrations are tinged with sadness and anger in recognition that Ukraine is not truly free. Today marks 18 months since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the effects of which have been horrific. Ukrainian sovereignty and the democratic values of freedom and justice that so many have worked so hard to establish have been ripped from the country by this unjust war.
Joint Statement from Mayor Cabott and Minister Mostyn on Emergency Preparedness in Whitehorse
City of Whitehorse Mayor Laura Cabott and Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn released the following joint statement:
“This year, wildfires have had – and continue to have – a devastating impact on communities across the North, throughout Canada and across North America.
“Here in the Yukon, we have seen the impacts of climate change, with flooding in the Klondike and severe fires leading to the evacuation of Old Crow and the Village of Mayo. We also see communities across Canada and the United States dealing with the impacts of natural disasters.
New Substance Use Health Emergency Strategy supports the health and safety of all Yukoners and communities
This is a joint news release between the Council of Yukon First Nations and the Government of Yukon.
Today, the Government of Yukon, in partnership with First Nations governments, the Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) and in conversations with the Yukon Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), launched the Substance Use Health Emergency Strategy.
Statement from Premier Pillai on meeting with US Consul General DeHart
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“Yesterday, I was pleased to meet with the new US Consul General in Vancouver, Jim DeHart, to discuss the Yukon’s relationship with the United States and areas where our governments can collaborate further.
“We discussed the need for funding from the United States Government to support upgrades to the Alaska Highway. This corridor is a vital link between central Alaska and the contiguous United States, which is essential to maintain critical supply chains to and from Alaska and for Yukon communities.
Government of Yukon and Teslin Tlingit Council sign heat purchase agreement for biomass at Khàtìnas.àxh School in Teslin
Today, the Government of Yukon and the Teslin Tlingit Council signed a heat purchase agreement. This agreement will supply the Khàtìnas.àxh Community School in Teslin with heat from the Teslin Tlingit Council’s biomass facility, a renewable energy source.
Joint Statement from Premier Pillai and Minister of the Public Service Commission Sandy Silver on Public Service Pride Week
Premier Ranj Pillai and Minister of the Public Service Commission Sandy Silver have issued the following statement:
“August 21 to 25 marks the fifth anniversary of Public Service Pride Week, a celebration of 2SLGBTQIA+ public servants, as well as diversity, pride and authenticity more broadly.
Statement from Premier Pillai and Minister of Education Jeanie McLean on back to school
Premier Ranj Pillai and Minister of Education Jeanie McLean have issued the following statement:
“As young Yukoners head back to school, we would like to wish them a happy and productive school year.
“Whether you are just starting school in kindergarten or counting down the days to high school graduation, we hope you take advantage of opportunities to learn and grow offered to you throughout your educational journey.
Statement from Premier Pillai on visit with Consul General of the Philippines Arlene Magno
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“I was delighted to welcome Consul General Arlene Magno of the Philippines to the Yukon today to build on the long-standing cooperation between our jurisdictions.
“We continued discussions about the importance of continued Filipino immigration to the Yukon to support our growing economy, reunite families and develop a strong labour market in the territory.
Recipients announced for the 2023-24 intake of the Prevention of Violence against Aboriginal Women Fund
The Government of Yukon has awarded $25,000 each to the Whitehorse Aboriginal Women’s Circle and Carcross/Tagish First Nation for one-year projects under the Prevention of Violence against Aboriginal Women Fund.
Government of Yukon supporting Northwest Territories
The Government of Yukon is assisting with emergency response operations in the Northwest Territories (NWT) and supporting Yellowknife residents who are evacuating their homes.
Four individuals from the Fire Marshal’s Office (three Special Heavy Operations Team (SHOT) members and one Deputy Fire Marshal) were deployed along with five City of Whitehorse firefighters to work directly with the City of Yellowknife Fire Department.
Statement from Premier Pillai on Discovery Day
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“On the third Monday of August each year, Discovery Day commemorates the discovery of gold at Bonanza Creek near Dawson City and offers us an opportunity to learn more about the Yukon’s unique history.
“Discovery Day is an important milestone for the Yukon. It marked the start of the Klondike Gold Rush, led to the formation of our territory and had significant impacts on the traditional territories and ways of life of Yukon First Nations.
The Government of Yukon expands Ready-to-Learn Schools initiative to eight additional schools
The Government of Yukon is committed to supporting the wellbeing of students, educators, support staff, families and caregivers throughout the upcoming school year, promoting a lifelong learning journey for all Yukoners that strengthens the entire territory.
As part of this, the Ready-to-Learn (R2L) Schools initiative will be introduced at eight additional schools in the coming academic year. This initiative supports the Government of Yukon’s commitment to fostering safe, inclusive and culturally responsive learning environments for all Yukon students.
