Yukon News Releases
Whistle Bend elementary school planning underway
The owner’s advisor tender for the new Whistle Bend elementary school has been issued. This marks the first major step towards the construction of the first elementary school in Whitehorse in over 25 years. The owner’s advisor is a consultant group that provides early planning, estimates and technical oversight on behalf of the owner for the duration of a project.
Yukon’s first Aviation Advisory Committee appointed
Yukon’s Aviation Advisory Committee is set to welcome its first appointees. The committee is composed of 10 individuals from a variety of backgrounds including aviation, tourism, mining and the business community.
The appointees are David Sharp (Chair), Ron Limoges, Michael Templeton, Glen McHale, Delmar Washington, Craig Unterschute, Joe Sparling, Christoph Altherr, James Clark and Clarence Timmons.
Second phase of comprehensive health review begins
Updated on October 3, 2019, with a correction to the number of survey participants and responses.
Yukoners are invited to share their experiences, ideas and thoughts on the territory’s health and social services systems at open houses in Yukon communities over the coming weeks.
Yukon Corporate Online Registry delivers next phase of e-service
The Government of Yukon is reducing red tape and moving to a faster, electronic environment for Yukon businesses with the launch of the next phase of the Yukon Corporate Online Registry (YCOR).
In addition to the current online services on YCOR, such as being able to apply to reserve business names, clients can now also submit periodic reports such as annual returns, changes of directors and registered addresses regarding local and extra-territorial business corporations.
Yukon educators to field test new Grade 5 materials about Indian Residential Schools
Starting this fall, nine educators will be field testing new materials for Grade 5 students to learn about the Indian Residential School system and its continued impacts, as part of a unit addressing Indian Residential Schools.
A comprehensive teacher’s guide called “Our Voices, Our Stories: Yukon Indian Residential Schools and Reconciliation” was developed to help educators in their approach to teaching this unit.
Yukon University legislation feedback released
This summer, Yukoners shared their thoughts on new legislation that will support transitioning Yukon College to become Yukon University. The Government of Yukon asked the public for feedback on key aspects of the legislation, including the mandate for Yukon University, accountability indicators, government oversight of the university, the governance model for the university and program delivery in the communities. More than 350 participants completed the public survey.
Statement from Premier Sandy Silver regarding the Independent Electoral Reform Commission
I have received a notice of resignation from the Chair of the Independent Electoral Reform Commission, Jessica Lott Thomson. Unfortunately, the Chair is no longer able to continue in the appointed position. Considering this, the work of the commission is on hold pending the outcome of discussions with the opposition parties.
Visitor Exit Survey results show record year for Yukon tourism
The results of the 2017–18 Yukon Visitor Exit Survey show Yukon’s tourism sector had another banner year in 2018, setting new records for a number of key indicators, including number of visitors and total spending.
Government of Yukon to host the annual United Way breakfast fundraiser
The Government of Yukon will host the annual United Way breakfast fundraiser on September 27 at the Yukon Convention Centre from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m.
New Yukon community immigration pilot program announced
A new pilot program is being launched to meet Yukon’s economic development and labour market needs. The Yukon Community Pilot is a new stream under the Yukon Nominee Program that will allow more flexibility for nominees working in specific Yukon communities.
Modernized labour market funding programs support thriving Yukon communities
The Government of Yukon is launching modernized labour market funding programs with simplified application processes, expanded eligibility and more flexibility. The new programs provide funding for supports and services that will prepare Yukoners for jobs that are in demand.
Three new broad funding programs are replacing over 20 specific labour market programs:
Airport upgrades increase safety and access in Klondike
Community members and airport staff joined Premier Sandy Silver and Minister of Highways and Public Works Richard Mostyn today to celebrate the completion of major upgrades to the Dawson City Airport.
The project included construction of a new maintenance facility and paving the runway. These changes help improve safety and efficiency at the airport. The Dawson City Airport is Yukon's second busiest airport and is a key element to the growing economy of the Klondike region.
Government of Yukon supports First Nation investment in technology venture fund
The Government of Yukon is providing $2 million to the Yukon First Nation Investment Corporation to support their investment in Panache Ventures, a national technology venture capital fund.
Engagement begins on Yukon’s Mineral Development Strategy
Joint news release with the Council of Yukon First Nations and the Government of Yukon
A new independent panel will engage with Yukoners to develop a mineral development strategy for the territory. Its members are Math’ieya Alatini, Angus Robertson, and Doug Eaton. Robertson is the Chair of the panel. The three-member panel has been appointed based on recommendations from the Mining Memorandum of Understanding (MMOU) Main Table. The MMOU was signed in 2017 by the Government of Yukon and all 11 self-governing Yukon First Nations.
Film incentive helps pour more than $1 million into local economy, trains six Yukoners in production
Production of River of Life: Yukon poured more than $1 million into the territorial economy and provided six Yukoners with specialized training during filming, which took place between June and October 2018.
The Yukon Film Location Incentive Program provided a rebate of $267,421 for the production, which included $29,003 for the production company to train the Yukon film crew. The production spent $1,069,685 on Yukon services, wages and training.
Yukon Forum sees progress on justice, family and children services, fish and wildlife
Joint news release with the Council of Yukon First Nations and Yukon First Nations governments
Yukon’s Premier, Cabinet members, Council of Yukon First Nation’s Grand Chief and Yukon First Nations Chiefs met today at the Teslin Tlingit Heritage Centre for the third Yukon Forum of 2019.
Cannabis Yukon retail store to close
Updated on October 17, 2019, to correct details about cannabis sales
The Cannabis Yukon retail store will close permanently at 7 p.m. on October 17, 2019. Since legalization, just under $4 million worth of cannabis has been sold in Yukon, helping to displace the territory’s illicit market.
In addition to legal, controlled access to cannabis, the retail store has provided detailed product and health information to help Yukoners make informed decisions and engage in responsible consumption.
Five Yukon youth honoured for outstanding contributions to community
Five Yukoners are receiving the Outstanding Youth Achievement Award in recognition for outstanding service and contributions to their communities. Cassie Johnston, Emi Blanchard, Benji Robertson, Caius Taggart-Cox and Micah Taggart-Cox are recipients of the 2019 award.
The Government of Canada Launches Co-Developed Arctic and Northern Policy Framework
Joint news release - A long-term, strategic vision for Canada’s Arctic and North
Today, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations launched Canada’s Arctic and Northern Policy Framework.
The Framework sets out a long-term, strategic vision that will guide the Government of Canada’s activities and investments in the Arctic to 2030 and beyond and will better align Canada’s national and international policy objectives with the priorities of Indigenous peoples and Arctic and Northern residents.
Northern Premiers release Pan-territorial Chapter for Arctic and Northern Policy Framework
Joint news release
In order to ensure that the pan-territorial context is well understood within the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, territorial Premiers are releasing a Pan-Territorial chapter. Located here, the chapter emphasizes the political and economic region, including key opportunities and challenges that territories share.
