Yukon News Releases
Tipping fees holiday extended for Southern Lakes region affected by windstorms
The Government of Yukon is extending the waiving of tipping fees until September 3 for brush, trees and clean wood brought to the Deep Creek, Marsh Lake, Mount Lorne, Tagish and Carcross solid waste facilities during normal business hours.
Windstorms in late July created issues with windblown debris. The tipping-fee-holiday extension is meant to provide area residents with additional time to clean up downed trees and encourage disposal of brush piles that could otherwise increase wildland-fire risks.
Statement from the Government of Yukon regarding wildfire-related evacuations
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee and Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn issued the following statement regarding the Vuntut Gwitchin Government’s evacuation order for Old Crow:
“The Government of Yukon is supporting the Vuntut Gwitchin Government’s evacuation order for Old Crow. This order is due to forecasted weather and potential wildfire activity.
Statement from Premier Pillai on new accessible duplexes open in Mayo and Carmacks
While events in Mayo were postponed due to fire threats in the region, Premier Ranj Pillai Minister responsible for the Yukon Housing Corporation, issued the following statement marking the opening of new accessible duplexes in Mayo and Carmacks.
“The mission of the Government of Yukon and the Yukon Housing Corporation is to make it so that in our territory, everyone has a place to call home.
“A home is more than just bricks and mortar; it is a sanctuary that shapes our lives and nurtures our dreams. Building strong communities begins with one home at a time.
Statement from Premier Pillai on mineral tour with Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“Yesterday, federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne and I had the privilege of touring a number of Yukon mineral projects while discussing infrastructure development to support our economic growth. Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources John Streicker and Mayo-Tatchun MLA Jeremy Harper joined for this tour, which included Western Copper and Gold Corporation’s Casino project, Newmont Corporation’s Coffee Gold project and other projects in the Dawson range.
Statement from Premier Pillai on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“Every year on August 9, we observe International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, which promotes the rights and needs of Indigenous Peoples while celebrating Indigenous communities and knowledge.
“Reconciliation is a journey, not a destination, and today provides an opportunity to look back at our progress and recognize the path that still lies ahead. The path to reconciliation is one that we must walk together.
Government of Yukon Declares State of Emergency for Mayo and Surrounding Area
Following a special meeting of the Executive Council and conversations with Mayo Mayor Trevor Ellis and First Nation of Na-cho Nyäk Dun Chief Dawna Hope, the Government of Yukon has declared a state of emergency under the Civil Emergency Measures Act for Mayo and surrounding areas affected by, or at risk of, wildfire.
This is a localized state of emergency that covers a 15 km radius from the centre of the community. This declaration supports the municipal state of emergency declared by the Village of Mayo on Sunday August 6, which expired today at 3:30 pm.
Joint statement on investment from Government of Canada to support the Yukon’s climate action and greenhouse gas reduction
Today, the Government of Yukon, together with the Government of Canada, announced an investment of up to $8.4 million from Canada’s Low Carbon Economy Challenge Fund to support climate action and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the Yukon. The Government of Canada has also allocated up to $36.4 million for the Yukon under the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund.
Minister of Highways and Public Works Nils Clarke has issued the following statement:
Joint Statement from Minister responsible for French Language Services Directorate John Streicker and Minister responsible for Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean on funding to strengthen Les Essentielles
Minister responsible for French Language Services Directorate John Streicker and Minister responsible for Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean have issued the following statement:
“Today, the Government of Canada and the Government of Yukon announced joint funding to allow Les Essentielles to buy the building that houses their organization. This project is a unique opportunity to help strengthen Les Essentielles and the Yukon Francophone community, helping ensure they thrive for generations to come.
School bus routes available for the 2023-24 school year
Whitehorse school bus routes for the 2023–24 school year are now finalized and can be found online.
If you have registered your student for the bus, you will receive an email with their assigned bus route by Wednesday, August 9. If you do not receive an email by August 9, please email student.transportation@yukon.ca or call 867-667-5172.
Government of Yukon invests in new positions and student supports to strengthen learning and wellbeing
The Government of Yukon is committed to building a strong, resilient future by investing in students’ academic, wellness and cultural needs and believes in prioritizing the mental wellness and wellbeing of school-age Yukoners across the territory.
Statement from Premier Ranj Pillai, Minister Jeanie McLean and Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee on Pride celebrations in the Yukon
Premier Ranj Pillai, Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean and Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee have issued the following statement:
“Today, as we raise the Pride flag at the Jim Smith Building, we reaffirm our government’s commitment to helping ensure that 2SLGBTQIA+ Yukoners feel safe and supported across the territory. This commitment extends to leading initiatives that centre the rights and needs of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Statement from Minister John Streicker on Food Day Canada
Minister John Streicker has issued the following statement:
“August 5 is Food Day Canada: a day to celebrate the local food producers behind your favourite meals.
“Yukon’s fresh produce is at its best right now. I encourage Yukoners to seek out homegrown products at a community or farmers’ market, or at your local grocery store. It’s a great way to support the Yukon’s farmers and food producers who work hard to put food on our tables.
Government of Yukon to regulate psychologist profession
To ensure the highest quality of care is available to Yukoners, the Government of Yukon has initiated work to regulate the psychologist profession in the territory. The regulation will align psychologists with other Yukon-regulated health professions, national standards and practices under the Health Professions Act.
The regulation is anticipated to be in place in 2024 and will be a valuable tool for enhancing safety for Yukoners and the longer-term project of modernizing the Health Professions Act.
Statement from the Minister Responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean on the annual meeting of the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean has issued the following statement:
“I was honoured to represent the Government of Yukon at the 41st annual meeting of the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women, held in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island on the Traditional Territory of the Mi’kmaw people. It was an opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience and to share best practices to advance equality for women and gender-diverse people across different jurisdictions.
Employment Standards Office shares wage recovery information for former employees of Minto Metals Corporation
The closure of the Minto mine has affected Yukoners and others across the country. The Government of Yukon and the Yukon Employment Standards Office want to help ensure that former Minto employees are aware of the supports available to them.
Signing ceremony held for Gindèhchik / Rampart House and Zheh Gwatsàl / LaPierre House historic sites
This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and the Vuntut Gwitchin Government
On July 27, the Government of Yukon and the Vuntut Gwitchin Government signed the updated management plan for the Gindèhchik / Rampart House and Zheh Gwatsàl / LaPierre House historic sites.
Government of Yukon introduces new online student financial assistance application portal
The Government of Yukon is committed to supporting education and growth opportunities of all Yukoners. As part of this commitment, the Yukon government has introduced a new online student financial assistance application portal. This means that post-secondary students from the Yukon can conveniently apply for grants and loans online, check the status of their applications and view funding decision letters, all on one connected and convenient platform.
Statement from Premier Pillai on Emancipation Day
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“August 1, 1834, marks the day that the Slavery Abolition Act came into effect across the British Empire. Today we recognize Emancipation Day, a day of commemoration and a celebration of freedom.
Statement from the Government of Yukon on the death of a wildfire fighter in British Columbia
Premier Ranj Pillai, Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn and the Yukon Wildland Fire Management branch have issued the following statement:
“The Government of Yukon and Wildland Fire Management send our deepest condolences to British Columbia and Ontario following the death of a wildfire fighter from Ontario who was responding to a fire in northeastern British Columbia (B.C).
Statement from Minister of Environment Nils Clarke on the Canadian Council for Ministers of Environment meeting
Minister of Environment Nils Clarke has issued the following statement:
“Over the past two days I had the opportunity to meet with federal, provincial and territorial Environment Ministers from across the country to advance our shared goals of reducing plastic waste and creating more resilient communities as the Yukon adapts to a changing climate.
