Yukon News Releases
New deputy minister appointed to the Executive Council Office
Today Premier Sandy Silver announced the appointment of Michael Hale as deputy minister for the Executive Council Office and Cabinet secretary.
Hale is moving from his role as deputy minister for the Department of Health and Social Services where he has been responsible for the development of the new public health authority.
A Policy for the Stewardship of Yukon’s Wetlands released
Today, Minister Nils Clark and Minister John Streicker announced the release of A Policy for the Stewardship of Yukon’s Wetlands, the territory’s first ever wetlands policy. Wetlands are important to the territory’s ecosystem and contribute to the wellbeing of Yukoners in a variety of ways, from hosting rich biodiversity to their cultural significance for First Nations peoples. The wetlands stewardship policy establishes a consistent and coordinated approach to wetland protection that reflects the values and interests of Yukoners.
Government of Yukon signs community wildfire protection plans with Haines Junction and Teslin
The Yukon’s first community wildfire protection plans have been finalized by the Wildland Fire Management branch and community-level working groups in Haines Junction and Teslin.
A community wildfire protection plan is a strategy for reducing the wildland fire risk around a community. Communities create their plans with support and technical input from Wildland Fire Management, balancing public safety needs with local priorities.
Twelve Yukon-based projects awarded more than $395,000 from the Community Development Fund
Twelve community projects in the Yukon have been awarded with $395,777 in essential funding from the Community Development Fund. These projects contribute to the economic, cultural and social benefits to their communities by providing Yukoners across the territory with invaluable opportunities and resources.
The Klondike Snowmobile Association, Music Yukon, Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Development Corporation, Humane Society Dawson and the Dawson City Arts Society are among the recipients of the most recent Tier 1 and Tier 2 intakes for funding provided by the Community Development Fund.
Work progresses on strengthening fire services in Keno, Ross River, Old Crow and other Yukon communities
The Government of Yukon recently delivered a wildland fire truck and firefighting equipment to Keno for use this winter. The new equipment is part of the government's work with unincorporated communities to strengthen their volunteer fire services through education, training and equipment.
Residents from Keno were provided a program orientation with the fire truck delivery and volunteers will begin training to respond as Scene Safety Responders this month. As mutual-aid partners, the Mayo Volunteer Fire Department also familiarized themselves with the vehicle’s operation.
Leadership update for two Government of Yukon departments
Today, Premier Sandy Silver announced a leadership change for the Department of Finance and a term extension for the deputy minister of the Department of Justice.
Scott Thompson has announced his retirement as deputy minister for the Department of Finance. Jessica Schultz has been appointed as acting deputy minister for the Department of Finance for one year, effective on February 17.
Government of Yukon launches new Yukon Dental Program
The Yukon's Dental Program launches today, providing $1,300 per year in dental benefits to Yukoners without dental coverage. Up to 8,000 Yukoners will benefit from the program.
The program will cover dental treatments necessary to relieve pain and infection, prevent disease, treat cavities and restore chewing and social function. It will also offer full coverage for preventive care, such as routine dental cleaning.
Government of Yukon expands services for pharmacists to include prescribing
Participating pharmacists in the Yukon can now assess and prescribe medications for common, minor ailments. They can also provide injections for travel-related diseases and prescribe medication for smoking cessation.
These expanded services will make better use of pharmacists’ clinical expertise and training, and align with the services provided by pharmacists in many other Canadian jurisdictions. This will help decrease pressures on emergency rooms, doctors’ offices and the entire health care system in the territory.
Residents of Carmacks with private wells under precautionary boil water advisory
A boil water advisory has been issued for residents of the Village of Carmacks and Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation who use private wells.
The advisory is a precautionary measure to protect public health. Private wells may be impacted by the raw sewage release entering the Yukon River from the Carmacks lift station outfall due to an ongoing malfunction due to cold weather that the Village of Carmacks is working to resolve.
If people are using water from a private well:
Government of Yukon announces partnership with Environmental Careers Organization Canada and launch of Yukon Sustainability Awards
The Yukon will be the first jurisdiction in Canada to launch its own set of green business recognition awards through a new partnership with Environmental Careers Organization (ECO) Canada. The Yukon Sustainability Awards will honour Yukon businesses that have demonstrated a strong commitment to the creation of a greener economy and Our Clean Future: A Yukon strategy for climate change, energy and a green economy.
Thirteen groups receive funding to support Yukon youth
Yukon youth will benefit from more than $53,000 being awarded to 13 community groups through the Youth Investment Fund. The funding will support a variety of arts and recreation programming throughout the territory, including Kidsfest 2023; a rock wall climbing program; a ski and snowboard program; a ukulele club; and a youth café.
The Youth Investment Fund provides financial support to short-term projects aimed at marginalized youth under 19 years of age with fewer opportunities and those who may experience discrimination.
Statement from the Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Ranade on respiratory illnesses and vaccines
“There are a number of respiratory viruses circulating throughout the territory this season. They include COVID-19, influenza, RSV and other viruses.
“This year, we are seeing increased severity of influenza, especially among children under five and adults over 65 years of age. Across Canada, the hospitalization rates for children under 17 is almost four times higher than the highest hospitalization rate we have seen in the six years before the COVID-19 pandemic. We are also seeing high influenza hospitalization rates for adults aged 65 and over.
Government of Yukon’s Office of the Auditor General's Report Work Plan will enhance support for vulnerable Yukoners
The work plan to address the 2022 report by the Office of the Auditor General of Canada (OAG) on the state of housing for vulnerable Yukoners is now available to Yukoners. The report focused on emergency shelters, transitional housing, supportive housing and social housing available in the territory between April 1, 2015, and November 30, 2021. The state of the private rental market and home ownership in the territory were not included in the audit.
Canada and Yukon chart new path with agreement to help protect and conserve nature
This is a joint news release between the Government of Canada and the Government of Yukon.
Yukon Advisory Committee on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-spirit+ People releases priority action items
The Yukon Advisory Committee (YAC) on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-spirit+ People has released Priority Action Items for Changing the Story to Upholding Dignity and Justice: Yukon’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-spirit+ People (MMIWG2S+) Strategy.
Yukon Archives celebrates 50 years with open house and artist-in-residence program
An open house was held this past Saturday at Yukon Archives to mark its 50th anniversary.
Featuring remarks from Minister Nils Clarke on behalf of Minister of Tourism and Culture Ranj Pillai, Territorial Archivist David Schlosser, Friends of the Yukon Archives Society President Julie Ourom and former Yukon Department of Heritage and Culture Deputy Minister Garth Graham, the event also included tours of the Archives’ various collections and specialized storage facilities, as well as birthday cake and refreshments.
Statement from the Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Ranade on the holidays
"With the holiday season upon us and respiratory illnesses circulating in the territory, it’s important to put into practise everything we have learned over the past two years to reduce the spread of illness and make personal choices about how we manage our own risk.
Regulatory change enables insurance coverage for Gender-Affirming Care services
The Government of Yukon has amended regulations to allow Yukoners to receive health insurance coverage for gender-affirming care in private facilities.
Statement from Premier Silver after meeting with Prime Minister Trudeau and federal Ministers to discuss shared priorities
Premier Silver has issued the following statement:
“This week I met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and members of the federal Cabinet to discuss the Yukon’s top priorities for the next federal budget and areas where our governments can continue to work together.
Minister Pillai chairs annual Committee on Internal Trade meeting in Toronto
Economic Development Minister Ranj Pillai chaired the annual meeting of the Committee on Internal Trade today in Toronto. Federal, provincial and territorial Ministers and their delegates gathered from across the country to discuss crucial topics on domestic trade.
