Yukon News Releases
The Government of Yukon is seeking input on proposed changes to the Forest Resources Act and Regulation
The Government of Yukon is seeking feedback on proposed changes to the Forest Resources Act and Regulation. The feedback received during the consultation and engagement period will be reviewed by the Forest Resources Act Working Group and final recommendations will be made to the Government of Yukon.
Public engagement begins on new minerals legislation
The Government of Yukon, in collaboration with Yukon First Nations and transboundary First Nations, is seeking public feedback to develop new minerals legislation for the territory.
The new legislation will address every stage of the life cycle of mining activity, from prospecting to the operation of a mine and the eventual closure and remediation of a site.
Statement from the Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Ranade on escalating rates of syphilis
“The Yukon is seeing increasing rates of syphilis across the territory which is cause for concern because it can cause serious, long-term health harms if left untreated. I encourage all sexually active Yukoners to use protection and make testing a regular part of their sexual health routine.
Yukon residential rent index updated and new conditions for ending residential tenancies introduced
As part of efforts to address housing pressures Yukoners are facing, the territory’s residential rent index has been updated. Rental increases in the Yukon are indexed to inflation up to a limit of 5 per cent. Should inflation fall below 2 per cent, landlords can still adjust rent up to 2 per cent.
An Exemption Regulation to the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (RLTA) has also been introduced that places conditions on ending a residential tenancy in the territory.
Premier Pillai to attend First Ministers’ meeting in Ottawa
Canada’s Premiers will be joining Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for a First Ministers’ meeting in Ottawa on February 7, 2023. The discussion will focus on building strong health care systems across the country.
New 87-unit rental development opens its doors in Whitehorse
This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon, the Government of Canada, and the Right On Property Group.
A Yukon Housing Corporation Housing Initiatives Fund recipient, Right On Property Group, has completed Boreal Commons, a new 87-unit rental development in Whitehorse’s Whistle Bend neighbourhood. This large-scale housing project will help address the need for more rental housing in the Yukon, including for more affordable and accessible units.
Temporary housing will support Yukoners this winter
This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and the Safe at Home Society.
The Government of Yukon is proud to support the Safe at Home Society in providing Yukoners with temporary supportive housing this winter and spring.
Statement from Premier Ranj Pillai on International Holocaust Remembrance Day
Premier Pillai has issued the following statement:
“Today I invite Yukoners and Canadians to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The date marks the anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi Concentration Camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau by Soviet troops on January 27, 1945.
Statement from Premier Pillai on the 2022 Arctic Inspiration Prize Yukon finalists
Premier Pillai has issued the following statement:
“I am pleased to recognize all 2022 Arctic Inspiration Prize nominees from across the North and very proud to see two finalists from the Yukon in the running this year. Each year, the Government of Yukon contributes $100,000 to the Arctic Inspiration Prize to ensure it continues to inspire, enable and celebrate the achievements of the people of the North.
Team Yukon set to compete at the 2023 Arctic Winter Games
It is the first time since 2018 that Team Yukon has formed for an Arctic Winter Games. More than 350 athletes, coaches, cultural delegates and mission staff will make the trip to Wood Buffalo, Alberta, from January 29 to February 4 to represent the territory.
Twenty sports will be contested throughout the week-long games, including archery, which makes its Arctic Winter Games debut.
Wrestler Jaymi Hinchey will lead Team Yukon into the opening ceremonies as the flag bearer.
Yukon potential highlighted at Roundup mining conference
Premier Ranj Pillai, Deputy Premier Jeanie McLean and Energy, Mines and Resources Minister John Streicker were in Vancouver this week to promote the Yukon’s mineral resources at the Association for Mineral Exploration’s Roundup conference. The Yukon delegation highlighted the territory’s mineral potential and progressive mining industry along with a wide range of government initiatives underway to support mining, including regional land-use planning, wetlands stewardship, renewable energy and new minerals legislation under development in partnership with Yukon First Nations.
Watson Lake celebrates new municipal services building
A new municipal services building in Watson Lake will house the town’s fire hall, public works department and training facility.
Members of the public and government officials took a tour of the 1,400-square-metre building on Saturday during an open house. The Yukon government worked with the Town of Watson Lake to address their specific needs for the space, which was designed to replace the old town-owned public works building and a building that the town had rented as the fire hall since 1997.
Statement from Premier Ranj Pillai on Bill C-21
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
"As I committed to on my first day on the job, I will defend the interests of the Yukon.
"Many Yukoners are very concerned about the proposed amendments to Bill C-21 and the impacts they would have on law-abiding firearms owners in the territory. As a lawful gun owner, avid hunter and member of a family who has worked a trapline on the land for generations, I have a deep appreciation for the concerns.
Statement on the Substance Use Health Emergency from Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:
“One year ago, in response to an unacceptable increase in opioid-related deaths and substance use-related harms in the territory, the Government of Yukon declared a Substance Use Health Emergency (SUHE). This declaration was a commitment to respond and a call to action to all governments, communities, organizations, partners and Yukoners to do their part.
New affordable homes at 401 Jeckell open in Whitehorse
This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and the Government of Canada.
Today, Member of Parliament for the Yukon Brendan Hanley, on behalf of the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion Ahmed Hussen, Premier and Minister responsible for Yukon Housing Corporation Ranj Pillai, Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee, City of Whitehorse Mayor Laura Cabott, and Wildstone Construction and Engineering Ltd. announced the opening of 47 new affordable homes at 401 Jeckell Street in Whitehorse.
Four projects awarded Crime Prevention and Victim Services Trust funds
Four community-led projects focused on crime prevention and services for victims of crime have received $170,968 through the Crime Prevention and Victim Services Trust.
The fall 2022 funding intake received diverse applications from a broad range of organizations. Funded projects will be delivered in several Yukon communities, as well as in Whitehorse.
Government of Yukon lifts COVID-19 public health emergency declaration
The Yukon government has lifted the public health emergency under the Public Health and Safety Act, following a recommendation from the Chief Medical Officer of Health.
In alignment with other provinces and territories, lifting the public health emergency is another step the Yukon is taking to manage COVID-19 in a more sustainable way while continuing to support Yukoners’ wellbeing. As COVID-19 continues to evolve, it can be managed within the existing structures used to manage other communicable diseases.
Senior leadership changes in the Yukon government public service
Premier Ranj Pillai has announced senior leadership changes in the departments of Health and Social Services, Tourism and Culture, Education, the Women and Gender Equity Directorate, the Yukon Development Corporation and the Yukon Housing Corporation.
