Yukon News Releases
Government of Yukon launches new Paid Sick Leave Rebate program to support Yukon workers and employers
Today, Premier Ranj Pillai announced a new Paid Sick Leave Rebate Program that will provide workers and self-employed Yukoners with up to 40 hours of paid sick leave per 12-month period at no cost to their employer. The program covers all eligible workers earning less than or equal to the average Yukon private-sector wage of $33.94 per hour.
Workers who earn below this threshold are most likely to experience financial hardship if they take unpaid sick leave.
The rebate program aims to:
Government of Yukon signs new regional solid waste agreements
The Government of Yukon has signed interim regional solid waste agreements with the municipalities of Teslin and Watson Lake.
Statement from Premier Pillai on the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in election
Premier Ranj Pillai has released the following statement:
“On behalf of the Government of Yukon, I am pleased to congratulate Darren Taylor on his recent election as Chief of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in.
“Chief Taylor has a long history of serving his community as Director of Natural Resources, in roles with land claims negotiation and implementation and as a previous Chief of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in.
“I would also like to extend my congratulations to the elected Deputy Chief Erin McQuaig and Councillors Kylie Van Every, Kyrie Nagano and Ryan Peterson.
Statement from Premier Ranj Pillai on the First Nation Na-Cho Nyäk Dun election
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“On behalf of the Government of Yukon, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Dawna Hope on her recent election as Chief for the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun.
“I would also like to extend my congratulations to the elected Deputy Chief Roberta Hager and Councillors Edward Brown, Helaina Moses, Geri-Lee Buyck and Paul Profeit.
“I commend your commitment and dedication to serving your community.
Joint Statement from Minister of Health and Social Services and Chief Medical Officer of Health in response to Chief Coroner update
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee and Chief Medical Officer of Health Sudit Ranade have released the following statement:
“The Substance Use Health Emergency continues to have a profound and devastating impact on our communities, with the toxic drug supply compounding the issue even further.
New online Wildfire Hub launched to strengthen public safety and provide information regarding potential fire impacts
Keeping people safe while strengthening the territory’s long-term response to wildfires is a priority for the Government of Yukon. In response to feedback received following the 2022 wildfire season, the Government of Yukon is launching a new online Wildfire Hub to make it easier to find information about the Yukon’s wildfire situation as well as potential impacts to residents and travelers.
Statement from Premier Pillai on passing of Vuntut Gwitchin Elder Robert Bruce Jr.
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Vuntut Gwitchin Elder Robert Bruce Jr. He was a respected leader and a beloved member of his community who played many important roles during his life.
“Robert Bruce Jr. dedicated his adult life to preserving and promoting the culture, language and traditions of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation.
Government of Yukon congratulates the Recreation and Parks Association of Yukon on 30th anniversary
The Recreation and Parks Association of Yukon (RPAY) is celebrating their 30th anniversary on April 19.
Thirty years ago, the RPAY was established after the Breaking Trails Conference highlighted the need for an association to facilitate recreation in the Yukon. Additionally, recreation leaders in rural Yukon demanded increased support for recreation and the formation of an organization to coordinate and promote these interests. Today, RPAY continues to be a leader in recreation through their programs and training initiatives.
Statement from Minister John Streicker on inspector’s direction to Minto Metals Corporation
Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources John Streicker has issued the following statement:
“An inspector’s direction has been issued for Minto Metals Corporation to prepare to take action to protect the environment during the spring snow melt.
Government of Yukon supports park planning by establishing new protections for the McIntyre Creek area
The Government of Yukon is protecting the McIntyre Creek area from additional mineral staking and land development.
Today, the Yukon government amended a prohibition of entry order under the Quartz Mining Act to expand the boundary of an existing staking ban. As a result, no new quartz mineral claims in the McIntyre Creek area will be permitted. In addition, a new administrative land reserve was established to protect the area from new land disposition while providing flexibility for responsible land-use decision making.
Statement from Premier Pillai on Holocaust Remembrance Day
Premier Pillai has released the following statement:
“April 17 marks Yom HaShoah or Holocaust Remembrance Day, and is observed by the international Jewish community as a day of commemoration of the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust and the millions of other victims of Nazi persecution. Jewish communities commemorate this solemn day each year, which corresponds to the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.
Government of Yukon continues to support youth wellness through the Youth Roots: Photovoice project
Today, Yukon students and guardians gathered at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre, alongside Minister of Education Jeanie McLean and media, to celebrate the opening of the Youth Roots: Photovoice project. This project aligns with the Yukon government’s commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of youth in response to the Substance Use Health Emergency.
The Photovoice project presents an exhibit of photos from Yukon youth expressing how they promote mental wellness. In total, 39 Yukon youth from five communities participated in the project.
Government of Yukon announces support for survivors of earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria
In response to earthquakes that struck areas of Türkiye and Syria on February 6, the Government of Yukon is announcing support for people affected by this devastating natural disaster.
The Government of Yukon is donating $25,000 to Yukon Cares to support the resettlement of Turkish and Syrian nationals displaced by these events. Yukon Cares, established in 2015, is a community organization that works to bring refugee families to the Yukon.
Statement from Premier Ranj Pillai on the Selkirk First Nation election
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“On behalf of the Government of Yukon, I would like to congratulate Sharon Nelson on her recent election as Chief for the Selkirk First Nation.
“I would also like to extend my congratulations to the new Crow Councillors Samantha Dawson and Ashley Edzerza, Wolf Councillors Cody Sims and Patrick McGinty, Elder Councillor Amy Johnson and Youth Councillor Keyshawn Sawyer.
Statement from Premier Pillai on Vaisakhi
Premier Pillai has released the following statement:
“Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.
“April is recognized internationally as Sikh Heritage Month, and on April 14, Vaisakhi – one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar – is celebrated.
“Vaisakhi commemorates the 1699 establishment of the Khalsa – the collective name given to baptised Sikhs – by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. It is celebrated through community gatherings, baptisms into the Khalsa, and prayers for a good year to come.
Precautionary boil water advisory lifted for residents of the Village of Carmacks and Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation with private wells
A boil water advisory has been lifted for residents of the Village of Carmacks and Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation who use private wells.
The initial advisory was a precautionary measure to protect public health. There was a concern that some private wells may have been impacted by a raw sewage release entering the Yukon River from the Carmacks lift station. This outfall was due to a malfunction caused by weather. It was quickly resolved and Environmental Health Services will continue to work with the Village of Carmacks to monitor this situation.
Government of Yukon announces the Yukon 125 Fund for community-driven initiatives commemorating the territory’s 125th anniversary
The Government of Yukon is committed to commemorating the territory’s shared cultural heritage and helping tell the Yukon story from all perspectives. In keeping with this priority, the Yukon government is announcing the Yukon 125 Fund of $400,000 to support community-driven initiatives that mark the territory’s 125th anniversary.
The following types of activities are expected to be eligible for funding:
The Daisy Mason Wellness Fund is open for applications
The deadline to submit an application to the Daisy Mason Wellness Fund is Friday, May 12, 2023. The Commissioner of Yukon, the Bishop of the Anglican Church and the Daisy Mason Wellness Fund Advisory Committee launched the fund in 2020. The fund provides financial assistance to First Nations citizens or groups organizing initiatives for their communities focused on well-being, healing and personal development training and activities.
Government of Yukon makes new recommendations for COVID-19 boosters this spring
Following new recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) and the Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Yukoners at high-risk of severe illness due to COVID-19 are encouraged to get a booster this spring. This includes:
Yukon child welfare practices shift towards extended family care
Today, Minister of Health and Social Services, Tracy-Anne McPhee, tabled the 2020-2022 Family and Children’s Services Annual Report, highlighting a positive shift in child welfare practices. This annual report is a requirement of the Child and Family Services Act, which aims to improve outcomes for children, youth and families who are involved with the child welfare system.
