Yukon News Releases
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.
Statement from Minister of Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons
Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean has issued the following statement:
“July 30 is World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. On this day we recognize and raise awareness for the victims of human trafficking – the act of force, fraud or coercion to exploit people.
“World Day against Trafficking in Persons was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. The focus of this year's campaign is to reach every trafficking victim, offering support to survivors and safeguarding vulnerable groups from traffickers.
Statement from Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee on health centre service reductions and staffing shortages
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee issued the following statement:
“Many Yukoners, especially in the communities, are concerned about staffing shortages and service reductions at their local health care facilities, especially in remote and rural communities. On behalf of the Government of Yukon, I want to assure you that we hear your concerns, appreciate your patience and are working hard to address the situation.
Yukon government waives tipping fees for Southern Lakes region affected by windstorms
To support residents in the Southern Lakes region affected by recent windstorms, the Government of Yukon is waiving tipping fees 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 from July 28 to August 6.
Recent windstorms downed trees and created windblown debris. Waiving tipping fees will assist residents with cleaning up and encourages disposal of brush piles that could otherwise increase wildland-fire risks.
Health Human Resources Steering Committee formed to help bolster Yukon healthcare
In response to the global shortage of health and social services workers, a Health Human Resources Steering Committee, jointly led by the Government of Yukon and the Yukon Hospital Corporation, has been formed to help address the Yukon’s health human resource challenges.
Government of Yukon announces support for 2026 Arctic Winter Games bid
The Government of Yukon is proud to announce its support for a bid for the 2026 Arctic Winter Games.
The Yukon government has committed financial and in-kind support of $4.35 million for the event. Going forward, the Government of Yukon will work towards an agreement with the City of Whitehorse and territorial sport organizations to formalize roles and responsibilities to help ensure a successful event.
The City of Whitehorse has a proven track record of hosting national and international level games and has shown it can be a world-class sport city.
Government of Yukon provides update on Minto mine
A court decision on Monday, July 24 addressed unpaid royalties for Selkirk First Nations (SFN) and confirmed the Government of Yukon may advance planning for reclamation and closure of Minto mine site.
It also appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers as receiver for Minto Metals Corporation. As appointed receiver, PricewaterhouseCoopers will manage the Minto Metal Corporation business and property in the best interest of creditors. PricewaterhouseCoopers can seek sale of the mine and assets, if possible, in its entirety to a single purchaser.
Statement from Minister Streicker on the Haa Ḵusteeyí celebration
Minister John Streicker has issued the following statement:
“It is with great pleasure that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Inland Tlingit Nations on organizing the upcoming Haa Ḵusteeyí celebration. This remarkable event from July 28 to 30 is a time to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Tlingit People.
“This celebration would not be possible without the tireless work of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation and Teslin Tlingit Council, along with this year's host, the Taku River Tlingit First Nation and countless volunteers.
Yukon retains ‘AA Stable’ credit rating from S&P Global Ratings for 2023
In March 2023, the Government of Yukon presented a robust, transparent capital plan outlining its commitment to grow and diversify the territory’s economy while ensuring the Yukon is a place that everyone can call home. Yesterday, S&P Global Ratings (S&P) affirmed the territory’s strong financial position, issuing an ‘AA Stable’ credit rating and stable outlook for the territory.
Governments of Yukon and Nova Scotia to work together to enhance training, recruitment, retention and labour mobility for Health Human Resources
Health care workers are the backbone of our health care system, providing compassionate care for Yukoners to improve their health and well-being. The national shortage of health care workers requires a collaborative approach across jurisdictions to identify and implement solutions to address health care workforce needs.
Statement from Premier Pillai on Tisha B’Av
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“Today I join the Yukon’s Jewish community and Jewish people around the world in solemnly marking the observance of Tisha B’Av, an annual Jewish fast day that commemorates several tragic events that have befallen Jewish people throughout the ages.
Change underway in Yukon firefighting as communities launch new fire programs
To ensure that fire services are meeting the needs of Yukoners across the territory, the Yukon Fire Marshal’s Office is implementing a new “levels of fire service” model in unincorporated communities.
Defining levels of service was recommended by the 2021 Review of the Yukon Fire Marshal’s Office and since 2022, Destruction Bay, Keno, Old Crow, Pelly Crossing and Ross River have launched new fire programs. This innovative model offers multiple levels of fire service to match the needs and capacities of individual Yukon communities.
Crime Prevention and Victim Services Trust funds eight community projects
The Government of Yukon strongly believes in working with communities and community groups to find ways to prevent crime and support victims of crime. Through the spring 2023 intake of the Crime Prevention and Victims Services Trust (CPVST), the Government of Yukon is providing over $343,000 in funding to eight community projects intended to reduce crime, prevent gender-based violence and violence against women and children, provide services and information for victims of crime, or provide information about crime prevention and victimization.
The Government of Yukon continues to invest in supportive housing options for seniors and Elders
The Government of Yukon is continuing to increase access to supportive housing options for low-income seniors and Elders by signing a second lease to provide an additional 16 units, for a total of 26 inclusive rental suites, at the Normandy Living Independent Seniors Living Community in Whitehorse.
These additional suites are available for low-income seniors and Elders through the Yukon Housing Corporation. Eligible clients will pay 25 per cent of their income towards rent and 40 per cent of their income towards services, which include meals, housekeeping and laundry.
The Government of Yukon congratulates all North American Indigenous Games participants
Team Yukon, consisting of more than 130 athletes, coaches and mission staff, returned home after participating in the North American Indigenous Games in Halifax. This multi-sport event brought together representatives from 756 Indigenous Nations to celebrate, share and reconnect through sports and culture in Kjipuktuk (Halifax), Dartmouth and Millbrook First Nation.
