Yukon News Releases
The Government of Yukon provides $808,000 in inflation relief to recipients of the Yukon Seniors Income Supplement
As part of the Yukon government’s ongoing commitment to support low-income households, this fiscal year, recipients of the Yukon Seniors Income Supplement (YSIS) will receive a monthly inflation relief payment, which will amount to 39 per cent of their YSIS payment. The increase will provide financial relief to support seniors to address the costs associated with higher inflation and higher interest rates.
April snow survey shows snowpack is average across most of the southern Yukon, above average in the North
The Government of Yukon Water Resources Branch has released the April 1 Yukon Snow Survey Bulletin and Water Supply Forecast. The snow survey found that the southern and eastern parts of the territory have close to average snowpack levels while the central and northern portions of the territory have above-average snowpack.
New funding partnership with Canada to expand the Yukon’s local food production
The Government of Yukon believes that the agriculture sector is vital to the territory. Today, the Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources John Streicker launched the Yukon’s new agricultural funding program under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP). The program follows the signing of the Canada-Yukon Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership bilateral agreement on April 4, 2023 with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
Moose Permit Hunt Authorizations doubled in the Sifton-Miners Range Moose Management Unit for the 2023-24 hunting season
The Government of Yukon has doubled the moose Permit Hunt Authorizations (PHAs) for the Sifton-Miners Range Moose Management Unit (MMU). This means that 12 additional permits will be offered for a total of 24 permits available this year.
The increase in permit numbers was made possible by recent survey results, indicating that the estimated population size is higher than was initially expected.
Other permit changes include:
An additional hunt code for elk
Registration opens for the second cohort of Recoding Futures, offering Yukon First Nation Citizens free coding training
This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon, Yukon University and ComIT.
Registration has opened for First Nations citizens to register for Recoding Futures. The program is a coding training course offered by ComIT, in partnership with the Government of Yukon and Yukon University, with the support of Google.
Statement from Premier Pillai on Vimy Ridge Day
Premier Pillai has released the following statement:
“On April 9 we recognize Vimy Ridge Day. This is a day to remember and reflect on the
astounding effort and sacrifices made by the Canadian Corps in the Battle of Vimy Ridge,
which occurred from April 9 to 12, 1917, during the First World War.
Statement from Premier Pillai on Easter
Premier Ranj Pillai has released the following statement:
"Get out those baskets and start painting and hiding those eggs! This weekend, many of us will be celebrating Easter.
“For Christians in the Yukon and around the world, Easter marks the most important holiday in the Christian calendar as they observe the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For others, it is a time to gather, celebrating the new hope that comes with the spring season.
Eligible organizations can now apply to the Prevention of Violence Against Aboriginal Women project fund
Non-government organizations, First Nations and women’s organizations can now apply to the Government of Yukon’s Prevention of Violence Against Aboriginal Women (PVAAW) project fund.
The Prevention of Violence Against Aboriginal Women fund provides assistance to community-based violence prevention projects that are designed and developed by and for Indigenous women. Since its launch in 2004, the fund has provided more than $2 million to nearly 100 community projects.
Statement from Premier Pillai on Passover
Premier Ranj Pillai has released the following statement:
“This evening at sundown, Jewish people in Whitehorse and around the world will gather with family, friends, and community members for the Passover Seder, or ritual feast, retelling the story of the Exodus from Egypt.
“Passover is a reminder of the triumph of good over evil, the importance of freedom and the benefits of working together as a community during challenging times.
Statement from Minister of Health and Social Services and Minister of Justice Tracy-Anne McPhee, following her meetings with Minister Carolyn Bennett
Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee has made the following statement:
“I want to thank Dr. Carolyn Bennett, federal Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, for coming to the Yukon for in-person discussions on the impacts of the Substance Use Health Emergency here in the Yukon.
Government of Yukon approves $35 million-funding agreement to support First Nation School Board
This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and the First Nation School Board.
Keeping with its commitment to reconciliation and true collaboration with Yukon First Nations, the Government of Yukon is providing more than $35 million in funding to the First Nation School Board over the next 15 months for operations, maintenance and the development of language and cultural educational programs.
Yukon pharmacists now able to prescribe and administer vaccines
The Government of Yukon is committed to transforming the health and social system to put people first. Keeping with this commitment, pharmacists in the Yukon are now authorized to prescribe and administer travel and publicly-funded vaccines for Yukoners who are aged 5 and over.
The Government of Yukon temporarily expanded pharmacists’ scope of practice in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, first in May 2020 and then again in February 2022. These measures are now permanent.
Statement from Premier Pillai on Holy Week
Premier Ranj Pillai has released the following statement:
“On April 2, many Christians here in the Yukon and around the world mark Palm Sunday and the commencement of Holy Week. Holy Week comprises five days of special significance to Christians as they recall the events leading up to Easter.
“In many Christian churches, Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday are observed in commemoration of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection.
Lottery and tender open for new lots in Whistle Bend
One-hundred and twenty lots, including single family, multi-family and townhouse lots are being released today by public lottery in the Whistle Bend subdivision in Whitehorse, which builds on the Government of Yukon’s commitment to making land available to Yukoners.
Eighty-three single family lots are being released by lottery, with four multi-family and 33 townhouse lots being made available via tender.
Applications will be accepted until 4:30 pm on April 18, 2023. The draw will take place on April 25, 2023.
Leaders met for Yukon Forum and retreat in Haines Junction
This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon, the Council of Yukon First Nations and Yukon First Nations governments.
Today Premier Ranj Pillai and his Cabinet, Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston and Yukon First Nations Chiefs met at the Da Kų Cultural Centre in Haines Junction for the Yukon Forum.
Statement from Premier and Ministers on International Transgender Day of Visibility
Premier Ranj Pillai, Minister of Education and Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean, and Minister of Justice and Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee released the following statement marking the International Transgender Day of Visibility:
“Each year on March 31 we celebrate transgender people and raise awareness of the continued discrimination they face.
Government of Yukon continues to make progress on integrating health services
As recommended in the Putting People First report, the Government of Yukon is committed to taking action to improve the Yukon’s health care system and make it more integrated and person-centered. In support of this goal, the Yukon government is making progress on aligning vital health services across the health care system in a way that will facilitate better, more seamless care for Yukoners.
Statement from Premier Pillai on the tabling of the 2023 federal budget
Premier Pillai has released the following statement:
“Yesterday, the federal government tabled its 2023 Budget.
“The budget includes significant new investments for health care and I am pleased that it confirms the renewal of the Territorial Health Investment Fund for a ten-year period. The budget also takes steps towards improving affordability for Canadians, supporting critical minerals development and addressing Indigenous housing needs.
Yukon government enhances public drug plan with biosimilars
The Government of Yukon is committed to building a sustainable, people-centered approach to improving health systems. That is why the Yukon government is enhancing the public drug plan with biosimilars.
Statement from Premier Pillai on visit to the Yukon from the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Canada
Premier Ranj Pillai has released the following statement:
“Today, I was pleased to meet with Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Canada Mr. Akylbak Kamaldinov. This was the Ambassador’s first visit to the Yukon.
“Our discussions focused on our economies as well as opportunities for cooperation. Kazakhstan is particularly interested in learning more about the Yukon’s mining industry and environmental remediation expertise. We also discussed parks management and tourism.
