Yukon News Releases
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.
Yukon government launches new fund to support immersive professional development for creative and cultural practitioners
The Government of Yukon is committed to supporting the growth and development of the Yukon’s creative and cultural industries. In keeping with this priority, the Yukon government is launching the Creative and Cultural Career Advancement Fund to provide support for Yukon creative or cultural practitioners.
“What We Heard” report released as part of work to advance review of the Yukon’s Child Care Act
The Government of Yukon is committed to increasing access to high-quality, affordable, and inclusive early learning and child care. Building on this commitment, the Yukon government has published a “What We Heard” report outlining how feedback received from partners and stakeholders can shape a potential review of the Child Care Act, as well as a summary of possible amendments.
Statement from Premier Pillai on meeting with Head of the Scottish Government Office in Canada
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“Today, I was pleased to meet with Head of the Scottish Government Office in Canada John Devine. This was his first official visit to the Yukon.
“We discussed a number of topics including climate and biodiversity, clean energy and Arctic policy. It was great to hear about Scotland’s climate leadership, which centres on their goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2045. I look forward to following the progress in Scotland as both our jurisdictions implement ambitious climate plans.
Statement from Premier Pillai on meeting with High Commissioner of India to Canada Sanjay Kumar Verma and Consul General Manish
Premier Ranj Pillai released the following statement:
“On March 23, I was pleased to meet with His Excellency Sanjay Kumar Verma on his first visit to the Yukon and with Consul General Manish on his return after visiting last October. Minister John Streicker also had the opportunity to meet with the delegation, holding productive discussions about areas of shared opportunity in the critical minerals sector.
Statement from Premier Pillai on Ramadan
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“Muslims around the world and here in the Yukon are preparing for Ramadan.
“Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed as a month of reflection, fasting, prayer and community.
Yukon Archives names artist-in-residence
The Yukon Archives has named Tara Kolla as the successful candidate for the Artist-in-Residence Program. The nine-week residency is part of ongoing celebrations commemorating the Yukon Archives’ 50th anniversary.
A longtime member of the Whitehorse arts community, Kolla is a multi-disciplinary artist whose work “1905 - 1907” was acquired for the Yukon Permanent Art Collection in 2016.
Statement from Premier Pillai on International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is held annually on March 21. This observation marks the date police in Sharpeville, South Africa, killed 69 people during an anti-apartheid protest in 1960.
“While much progress has been made, Indigenous peoples, racialized people, and religious minority communities continue to face racism and discrimination every day.
Statement from Premier Pillai on Nowruz
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“I am pleased to join with many in the Yukon to celebrate Nowruz, also known as the Persian or Iranian New Year.
“Nowruz is traditionally held on the spring equinox and has been celebrated for over 3,000 years. Traditional customs include the gathering together of families, enjoying incredible food, gift exchanges and artistic performances.
Statement from the Minister Responsible for the French Language Services Directorate John Streicker on International Francophonie Day
Minister John Streicker has issued the following statement:
“Today on International Francophonie Day, we join Francophones and Francophiles in the Yukon and around the world in celebrating the vibrancy of the French language.
“The growing Yukon Francophone community is rich, diversified, and creative - we can easily relate to this year’s theme ‘321 million French speakers, billions of cultural contents.’ It is a privilege to have access to such a wide variety of cultural events in French throughout the year.
Government of Yukon increases access to primary healthcare providers
The Government of Yukon is improving access to healthcare for all Yukoners and working hard to ensure a standard of high-quality health care services across the territory. In response to the increasing demand for primary care service providers, the Government of Yukon is expanding the Find a Primary Care Provider Program, formerly known as the Find a Family Doctor Program, to include nurse practitioners.
Statement from Premier Pillai on Kwanlin Dün First Nation election
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“On behalf of the Government of Yukon, I would like to congratulate Sean Smith (Uyenets’echįa) on his recent election as Chief for the Kwanlin Dün First Nation.
“I would also like to extend my congratulations to the new Councillors Charlene Charlie, Charles Chief, Linda Moen, Jesse Ryder, Jolene Smarch and Ray Sydney.
The Yukon receives increase in allocations under the Yukon Nominee Program
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has informed the Government of Yukon that they are increasing the territory’s number of allocations under the Provincial Nominee Program for 2023. This will allow more foreign workers to come to the Yukon under the Yukon Nominee Program.
This change increases the Yukon’s nominee allocations from 300 to 430 for the year. The program helps employers fill crucial positions with foreign nationals who intend to settle in the Yukon, strengthening the territory’s workforce.
Statement from Premier Ranj Pillai on International Day to Combat Islamophobia
Premier Pillai has issued the following statement::
“Today, on International Day to Combat Islamophobia, we reflect on the importance of diversity and the impact that intolerance and discrimination have on individuals, families, and communities.
Here in the Yukon, we are fortunate to have a growing Islamic community. Yukon’s first mosque in Whitehorse opened its doors in 2018 and serves as a symbol of the welcoming and inclusive community that we strive to be.
Indigenous-led youth retreat to foster connections and support mental wellness
This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and the Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin First Nation.
From March 6 to 10, 2023, Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin First Nation and the Government of Yukon hosted an Indigenous-led by-youth-for-youth retreat at the Sky High Wilderness Ranch outside of Whitehorse.
