Yukon News Releases
Proactive maintenance continues this summer at Yukon schools
Recognizing the importance of maintaining educational facilities, the Government of Yukon undertakes a range of maintenance activities in Yukon schools every year. This work addresses infrastructure service needs to ensure Yukon schools are safe environments for all students and staff.
Some notable examples of larger projects in the past year include:
Whitehorse Public Library temporarily changing its hours
The Whitehorse Public Library will have new temporary public hours beginning July 12.
On Mondays, the library will be open from 12 pm to 6 pm and from Tuesday to Sunday it will be open from 10 am to 6 pm. These temporarily reduced hours will be in effect until July 31.
This change only affects the Whitehorse Public Library.
The e-library, the drop box and other online resources will be available 24/7. All scheduled programming will continue as planned. Patrons can look forward to the library returning to regular hours in August.
Government of Yukon accepts housing recommendations from the Yukon Standing Committee on Public Accounts
The Yukon government is committed to creating meaningful change that benefits vulnerable Yukoners and will continue to work with partners and stakeholders to ensure that all Yukoners have a place to call home.
On behalf of the Government of Yukon, the Yukon Housing Corporation (YHC) and the Department of Health and Social Services (HSS) have accepted all recommendations from the Fifth Report of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.
Northern Premiers issue Pan-Northern Statement on Senate Committee’s Arctic Security Report
Premier of the Northwest Territories and Chair of the Northern Premiers’ Forum Caroline Cochrane, Premier Ranj Pillai and Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok have issued the following statement on the Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs’ report entitled Arctic Security Under Threat: Urgent needs in a changing geopolitical and environmental landscape:
Government of Yukon expands organics composting to Carcross, Tagish, Deep Creek and Marsh Lake solid waste facilities
The Government of Yukon is taking another important step towards a modern and sustainable solid waste management system across the territory. Effective July 5, 2023, users of the Carcross, Tagish, Deep Creek and Marsh Lake solid waste facilities can compost their organic waste.
Premier Pillai to attend Council of the Federation meeting
Premier Ranj Pillai will attend the Council of the Federation meeting of Canadian Premiers from July 10 to 12 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The meeting presents an opportunity to share the priorities of Yukoners, while engaging on common issues facing all Canadians.
On July 11, discussions will focus on the state of the federation, health care, labour force and immigration, public safety, Arctic security and sovereignty, and affordability and housing.
Joint Statement from Premier Ranj Pillai and Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee on Disability Pride Month
Premier Ranj Pillai and Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee have issued the following statement:
“July is Disability Pride Month, an opportunity to honour and commemorate the accomplishments of individuals with disabilities while acknowledging their unique lived experiences.
“This month was designated to commemorate the efforts of Canadians living with disabilities, which led to the enactment of the Accessible Canada Act on July 11, 2019. The Act aims to find, remove and prevent barriers that people with disabilities face.
The Government of Yukon invests in supports for strong and resilient communities
The Government of Yukon’s Community Development Fund (CDF) has awarded $728,187 in funding for 16 projects that benefit Yukoners while enhancing the availability of community resources and opportunities.
This support marks the most recent round of Tier 2 funding by the Community Development Fund. Recipients include the Friends of Mount Sima Society, Yukon Little League, Champagne Community Association and the Food Action Hub Society, among others. Tier 2 funding is specific to projects between $20,000 and $75,000.
Forest Resources Act and Regulation “What We Heard” report now available
A report on the feedback the Government of Yukon received on the proposed recommended changes to the Forest Resources Act and Regulation is now available.
In spring 2023, the Yukon government asked Yukoners to review a list of proposed changes to the Forest Resources Act and Regulation. The proposed changes will help ensure the legislation continues to be effective for the Government of Yukon, First Nations, industry and communities. Proposed changes to the Act and Regulation include:
The Government of Yukon and the Government of Canada reach an Agreement in Principle to improve health care services for Yukoners
Yukoners take great pride in the territory’s universal, accessible, and publicly-funded healthcare system. Yukon health care workers face significant challenges delivering the level of care that patients deserve. The Government of Canada and the Government of Yukon are partnering to deliver immediate and collaborative action to improve healthcare services for all Yukoners.
Statement from Minister Clarke on Plastic Free July
Minister of Environment Nils Clarke has issued the following statement:
“This month is Plastic Free July, a global initiative built on sharing plastic free resources and solutions, with an overall vision of seeing a world free of plastic waste. For the month of July, we are encouraging Yukoners to take part and do what we can to reduce dependence on plastics.
Yukoners encouraged to apply to second intake of the Yukon Home Ownership Loan Program
The Government of Yukon has launched the second intake of the Home Ownership Loan Program to support Yukoners with buying or building a home.
The program was launched in 2020 and was initially open for rural properties only. Changes were made in April 2023 to include applications from Whitehorse residents to help address the growing need for safe, affordable and stable housing.
The Home Ownership Loan Program can be combined with Good Energy rebates on renovations and upgrades to make homes more energy efficient.
Applications open for special one-time prize available for projects marking the Yukon’s 125th anniversary
Yukoners are invited to mark the Yukon’s 125th anniversary of joining the Confederation of Canada by applying for the new 125 Prize. As Yukoners look ahead to the next 125 years of the territory, three to five exceptional Yukon-based projects will be selected to receive up to $125,000 to achieve something extraordinary.
What We Heard report available for Extended Producer Responsibility engagement
The Government of Yukon has released the What We Heard report for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) following public and stakeholder engagement on waste diversion and the future of recycling in the territory.
Recovery funding now available for Yukoners affected by Klondike Valley flooding
Today, the Government of Yukon launched the 2023 Flood Recovery Funding Program for the Klondike Valley. The program provides financial assistance to Yukoners for uninsured damages to their property and possessions caused by recent flooding in the Klondike Valley.
Eligible residents, farmers and business owners can access funding through three streams:
Statement from Premier Pillai on Canada Day
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“Canada Day is an opportunity to celebrate our country and everyone who calls it home.
“It is a time to gather together and celebrate the culture and values that defines our country at home and abroad, while also reflecting on aspects of our history that continue to challenge us today. By recognizing these realities, we strengthen our commitment to creating a more inclusive and fair society for all.
Statement from Premier Pillai on the Council of Yukon First Nations General Assembly
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement following his participation in the CYFN General Assembly:
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Yukon Chiefs and Grand Chief for the invitation to attend the Council of Yukon First Nations' (CYFN) General Assembly (GA), held in the stunning Traditional Territory of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations.
Minister of Community Services, Richard Mostyn on the Gymnastics and Climbing facility funding announcement
Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn has issued the following statement:
“Today, our government, alongside the Government of Canada, members of the Polarettes Gymnastics Club and Climb Yukon, celebrated funding towards a new gymnastics and climbing facility in Whitehorse.
“This modern facility will be capable of supporting new competitions. Along with gymnastics and climbing, the facility will host parkour, dance and bouldering and will have multipurpose rooms.
Premier Pillai meets with Village of Haines Junction and Champagne and Aishihik First Nations leadership
Continuing with his commitment to engage bilaterally with municipal and First Nations leadership about the issues important to their communities, Premier Ranj Pillai met with the Mayor and councillors from the Village of Haines Junction and leadership from Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN) during a recent trip to Haines Junction (Dakwäkäda).
Government exploring feasibility of varsity sport program
The Government of Yukon has released a feasibility study exploring the potential establishment of a varsity sport program that is inclusive of First Nations participation opportunities and enables Yukon University to offer an attractive and enriching post-secondary student experience.
