Yukon News Releases
New multi-family building in Dawson moving to construction tender
The Government of Yukon is committed to improving access to housing across the territory and is pleased to announce that a new multi-family building, to be located on the site of the former Korbo Apartments in Dawson City, is now advancing toward construction tender.
The former building was demolished and removed from the site in 2011 following a significant heating oil spill in 2010. The vacant lot has since been fully remediated and backfilled.
Yukon Permanent Art Collection welcomes 14 new works
The Government of Yukon is committed to fostering artistic development and excellence to encourage participation in and appreciation of arts across the territory. To move towards this goal, the Government of Yukon has doubled acquisition funding for the Yukon Permanent Art Collection from $30,000 to $60,000. Alongside this additional funding, the Government of Yukon is pleased to announce the selection of 14 new works of art for the Yukon Permanent Art Collection.
Yukon agriculture celebrates one year of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
This is a joint news release between the Government of Canada and the Government of Yukon.
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) provides $9.25 million in support towards Yukon’s agriculture and agri-food sector development over five years (2023–28). Sustainable CAP focuses on five key areas:
The Yukon Conservation Officer Services Branch celebrates its 75th anniversary
Today marks a significant milestone as the Yukon Conservation Officer Services Branch proudly celebrates 75 years of dedicated service in promoting public safety and the protection of wildlife. The Government of Yukon is proud to join in the celebration of this important branch that provides key conservation efforts for Yukoners.
Statement by Premier Ranj Pillai on the appointment of a new Administrator of the Yukon
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“As Premier of the Yukon, it is a great pleasure to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Donald J. Inverarity on his appointment as the new Administrator of the Yukon.
Statement from the Yukon Advisory Committee on MMIWG2S+ People on the coroner’s inquest
The Yukon Advisory Committee on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit+ People has issued the following statement:
The modernized Exemptions Act receives assent
The Government of Yukon is committed to modernizing laws to better support Yukoners. Yesterday, the Yukon Legislative Assembly passed the Exemptions Act.
This legislation allows Yukoners filing for bankruptcy to keep more of their assets so that they are able to rebuild their financial futures. Prior to today’s update, maximum monetary amounts of items that Yukoners filing for bankruptcy could keep had not changed since 1954, potentially leaving vulnerable Yukoners destitute. The replacement legislation exempts the following items with no limits:
Statement from Minister of Health and Social Services in response to recommendations from the coroner’s inquest
Health and Social Services Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:
“Following the conclusion of the coroner’s inquest into the tragic deaths of four members of our community at 405 Alexander, I wish to express my gratitude to everyone who was involved in the diligent – and very difficult – examination of these heartbreaking incidents.
Whitehorse Walk-In Clinic moves to permanent location at Mah’s Point
Yukoners deserve a health care system that provides them timely access to services when and where they need them. The Government of Yukon’s Whitehorse Walk-in Clinic will welcome clients to its new, permanent home at Mah’s Point, 2145 2nd Avenue on Monday, April 29, 2024.
New Old Crow 10-plex ready to welcome first residents
The Government of Yukon is committed to improving access to housing across the territory and is pleased to announce the new 10-plex in Old Crow, built in collaboration with the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, is ready to welcome its new occupants.
These 10 new homes will help to empower the community to respond to housing needs. This closely aligns with Yukon Housing Corporation’s strategic aim of strengthening community wellbeing and building a sustainable future.
Statement from Premier Pillai and Minister Mostyn on the National Day of Mourning
“This Sunday, April 28, Yukoners and people throughout Canada pause to pay respect to those who have died and those who have suffered injury or illness due to a work-related incident.
“On this date, we renew our steadfast commitment to health and safety in the workplace.
“Last year in the Yukon, 687 workers were injured on the job, and of those 380 workers required time away from the workplace to recover. Sadly, in the Yukon, there has been one workplace fatality in 2024. Our deepest condolences go out to their family, friends and colleagues.
Brush up on your bear awareness
Living in the Yukon means living in bear country. With bears becoming more active this time of year, extra precautions should be taken to keep people, property and bears safe.
Yukoners can learn more about bear safety, ecology and attractant management at the 2024 Bear Fair. The event will take place on Wednesday, May 15, from noon to 2 pm at LePage Park (at the corner of 3rd Avenue and Wood Street) in Whitehorse.
Miscellaneous Statute Law Amendment Act Receives Assent in the Yukon Legislative Assembly
The Miscellaneous Statute Law Amendment Act, 2024, received assent in the Yukon Legislative Assembly. This Act amends 15 Yukon acts which currently include typos, language errors or outdated names and references to ensure those statutes are corrected and up to date. These changes are minor and editorial in nature, including correcting typos in legislation to fixing numbering errors.
Miscellaneous statute law amendments must be made every few years to reflect changes to other Yukon acts, federal legislation, international agreements or changes to official names.
Government of Yukon invests $6.22 million in affordable housing in five Yukon communities
The construction of approximately 78 new affordable homes is being supported through the seventh round of the Housing Initiatives Fund. The Government of Yukon is committing $6.2 million to fund these shovel-ready, partner-led housing projects.
Additionally, the Government of Yukon is investing $20,000 to further advance the development of affordable housing concepts, showcasing the government’s ongoing dedication and effort to housing needs for Yukoners.
The proponents of the shovel-ready projects selected to receive funding are:
Summer season extended for Little Gold Creek border crossing by four weeks
The Government of Yukon is pleased to welcome the federal announcement that the Little Gold Creek port of entry will be open for an additional four weeks this summer season.
Located at the Top of the World Highway near Dawson City, this border crossing will open on Friday, May 17, and remain open until Sunday, September 15. Seasonal hours of operation will be from 9 am to 7 pm (Yukon Time), seven days a week. Yukoners are reminded that Yukon time is one hour ahead of Alaska.
Government of Yukon shares report and progress on educational assistant allocation process
The Government of Yukon, through the Department of Education, is committed to supporting the learning, wellness and growth of all Yukon youth and children.
As part of this commitment, the Government of Yukon contracted EnGaugeI Consulting to lead a consultation process regarding the territory’s educational assistant allocation. The purpose of the consultation process was to collect feedback aimed at guiding the Government of Yukon in enhancing the allocation of Educational Assistants (EAs) in all Yukon schools.
Off-grid highway maintenance camps to use solar-generated power
As part of the Government of Yukon’s commitments under Our Clean Future to install renewable electricity generation systems in off-grid territorial government buildings, the Yukon government is nearly finished installing solar panels and battery energy storage systems at the Klondike and Ogilvie maintenance camps along the Dempster Highway.
Statement from Premier Ranj Pillai on meeting with US Consul General Jim DeHart
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“Today in Whitehorse I had the pleasure of meeting with US Consul General Jim DeHart, to continue our discussions about how our governments can continue to collaborate for the benefit of our citizens. Since the Consul General assumed his role in 2023, we have appreciated his partnership on a number of shared priorities between the Yukon and the United States.
Governments commit to working together to plan for Chasàn Chuà / McIntyre Creek protected area
The Government of Yukon, Kwanlin Dün First Nation, Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, the City of Whitehorse and Parks Canada are committed to working together to protect the Chasàn Chuà / McIntyre Creek area.
The parties have signed a Memorandum of Understanding outlining their commitment to work together on establishing an official protected area boundary for Chasàn Chuà / McIntyre Creek, determining a protected area designation and identifying a governance model for managing the area into the future.
Summer conferences bringing business to the Yukon
The Yukon is gearing up to host a series of significant conferences and meetings, showcasing its capacity for hosting major gatherings and creating valuable opportunities for local businesses to shine.
In May, the Government of Yukon will co-chair the annual meeting of Federal, Provincial and Territorial Culture and Heritage Ministers in Whitehorse. Concurrently, Dawson City will host the International Gold Show, drawing attention to the region's rich mining heritage.
