Yukon News Releases
Four new inductees recognized by the Yukon Transportation Hall of Fame
The Yukon Transportation Hall of Fame has inducted four new recipients. Awards were presented during a ceremony held on the evening of June 6 and included: Person of the Year (2022), Pioneer of the Year (2022 and 2023) and the Order of Polaris (2023).
The recipients for the 2022 and 2023 Transportation Hall of Fame are:
Yukon Advisory Committee on MMIWG2S+ releases Implementation Plan for Yukon’s MMIWG2S+ Strategy
Today, the Yukon Advisory Committee on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit+ People (MMIWG2S+) released the Implementation Plan for Changing the Story to Upholding Dignity and Justice: Yukon’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit+ People Strategy. The Implementation Plan marks an important point in the Committee’s efforts to develop a whole-of-Yukon approach to ending the systemic issues that lead to violence against Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit+ people.
Government of Yukon and Yukon Employees’ Union ratify new collective agreement
The Government of Yukon values the work of the Yukon public service and is pleased to announce a new collective agreement in place with the Yukon Employees’ Union. The three-year agreement contains several updates and new provisions to benefit employees – including wage increases of 10.5 per cent over three years for members, in line with the recently negotiated agreement for federal public servants.
Statement from Minister Clarke on World Environment Day
Minister of Environment Nils Clarke has issued the following statement:
“Today marks World Environment Day and the Yukon joins Canada and the global community to celebrate the natural environment and to highlight our continued collaborative efforts to protect the environment for future generations.
“This year’s World Environment Day theme is finding solutions to plastic pollution. It is estimated that up to 23 million tonnes of plastic ends up in lakes, rivers and seas around the world each year, affecting more than 800 species.
The Yukon Gold Explorer’s Passport contest returns with new digital format
As the Yukon marks its 125th year since joining Confederation, the Government of Yukon’s longstanding Yukon Gold Explorer’s Passport contest has gone digital for 2023.
Highlighting the many cultural centres, museums and other attractions throughout the Yukon, participants are encouraged to visit any (or all!) of the 38 featured sites and take a photo of the contest poster on display at each location.
Yukon Advisory Committee on MMIWG2S+ recognizes the four-year anniversary of the release of National Inquiry’s Final Report
Tomorrow marks the four-year anniversary of the release of Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
Statement from Premier Pillai on Canadian Armed Forces Day
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“On Canadian Armed Forces Day, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the many members and veterans of the Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Navy, and Royal Canadian Air Force who protect and defend Canadian security and values at home and around the world.
Joint Statement from Minister of Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean and Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee to mark the start of Pride Season
Minister of Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean and Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee have issued the following statement:
Yukon Child Benefit maximum increases to $876 per child
The Government of Yukon is committed to making life more affordable for parents and families, now and in the long term. To help address inflation and the costs associated with raising children, the rate of the Yukon Child Benefit will increase by 6.8 per cent on July 1, 2023. Future annual increases will match the Whitehorse Consumer Price Index to ensure that the benefit keeps pace with the rising cost of living.
Senior leadership updates for Energy, Mines and Resources
Premier Ranj Pillai has appointed Lauren Haney as the deputy minister for the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources.
Samantha Paterson has been acting deputy minister pending a permanent appointment and will return to her role as assistant deputy minister for corporate services with the department.
This appointment is effective June 5.
Statement from Premier Pillai on Filipino Heritage Month
Premier Ranj Pillai has released the following statement:
“I am delighted to extend my warmest wishes to the Filipino community in the Yukon as we celebrate Filipino Heritage Month.
“Filipinos are the largest immigrant group in the Yukon, making up about 21 per cent of the Yukon’s immigrant population. Filipino Heritage Month offers an excellent opportunity to honour Filipino culture, traditions and values that add to the diversity of the territory.
Statement from the Government of Yukon on National Indigenous History Month
Premier Ranj Pillai and Deputy Premier Jeanie McLean issued the following statement:
“As we enter the month of June, the Government of Yukon would like to recognize and honour National Indigenous History Month. This is an important opportunity to reflect upon the rich and diverse heritage of Indigenous Peoples here in the Yukon and across Canada.
Government of Yukon and Kluane First Nation celebrate Kêts’ádań Kų̀ site clearing with school community
This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and Kluane First Nation.
Today, Deputy Premier and Minister of Education Jeanie McLean, Kluane First Nation Chief Bob Dickson and Minister of Highways and Public Works Nils Clarke all joined a community celebration of the future site for the Kêts’ádań Kų̀ school build project in Burwash Landing.
Current Kluane Lake School students also participated in the day’s festivities and brought contributions for a time capsule that will be buried on the school grounds during future construction.
Statement from Premier Pillai on Commissioner Bernard’s years of service and welcome to incoming Commissioner Adeline Webber
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Commissioner Angélique Bernard for her years of dedicated service to the people of the Yukon.
“Angélique Bernard was sworn in as Yukon's 36th Commissioner on March 12, 2018 and served the territory for one term. She was also the first Francophone Commissioner to the Yukon.
Premier Ranj Pillai meets with Ross River Dena Council, Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation and celebrates 30 years of self-government with First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun
Last week, Premier Ranj Pillai traveled to Ross River and Carmacks to meet with local First Nations leaders to address ongoing issues, challenges and opportunities while fostering stronger partnerships for the future. The Premier visited Mayo on Sunday, May 28 to celebrate 30 years of self-government with First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun.
Government of Yukon seeking judicial review of mineral exploration project assessment
The Government of Yukon has applied for a judicial review of the assessment of the Michelle Creek mineral exploration project. This is the first mineral exploration project to be assessed in the area covered by the Peel Watershed Regional Land Use Plan since the plan was approved. The Yukon government has identified a number of significant concerns in the evaluation report that impact the government's ability to reach an informed conclusion about the next course of action for this project.
Statement from Premier Pillai on Alberta election
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“On behalf of the Government of Yukon, I would like to congratulate Premier Danielle Smith on the United Conservative Party’s re-election in yesterday’s Alberta election.
“Our governments have a longstanding history of cooperation, and I look forward to continuing to work with Premier Smith to grow our economies for the benefit of all Yukoners and Albertans.”
Government of Yukon supporting residents affected by flooding
The Government of Yukon is working with the City of Dawson and the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in to ensure the well-being of all residents impacted by flooding in the Klondike.
So far, 82 evacuees have registered with Emergency Health and Support Services, with many lodged in hotels and staying in private accommodations. Support to ensure evacuees have access to groceries, meals, clothing and medications has also been provided.
Statement from Premier Pillai on International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers
The following statement was issued by Premier Ranj Pillai:
“On May 29, we join the international community in paying tribute to those who served and continue to serve as United Nations (UN) peacekeepers.
“The first UN peacekeeping operation was launched in 1948 to maintain the ceasefire during the Arab-Israeli War, creating a model for future peacekeeping missions. Since then, UN peacekeeping missions have become a key component of global efforts to maintain international peace and security.
Tentative agreement reached between the Yukon government and the Public Service Alliance of Canada/Yukon Employees’ Union
The Government of Yukon and the Public Service Alliance of Canada/Yukon Employees’ Union have reached a tentative agreement.
The two parties began collective bargaining in November 2021 to renew the existing collective agreement, which expired on December 31, 2021.
The tentative agreement is subject to ratification. Details of the settlement will be released after the ratification process is complete.
