Yukon News Releases
Blood Ties Four Directions to receive funding for new outreach van
This news release has been revised to update the operating times for the outreach van. The final bullet point originally said the outreach van operated from Monday through Saturday and starting May 1 would operate later in the evening from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The Government of Yukon is providing Blood Ties Four Directions with $50,000 to purchase and equip a new outreach van. The new outreach van will allow Blood Ties to offer mobile fentanyl testing and be outfitted to provide enhanced supports to marginalized individuals.
Helping Yukon industry better manage environmental risks
The Government of Yukon is releasing a revised guide of the Preferred Practices for Works Affecting Yukon Waters as part of Canada Water Week taking place from March 20 to 27, 2019.
The guide is being released before the spring construction season and will support industries in managing environmental risks, with a goal of preserving water quality of territorial lakes and rivers. It can be found at https://yukon.ca/en/preferred-practices-works-affecting-yukon-waters.
Mixed income housing project planned for Whitehorse
The Government of Yukon is initiating development of a multi-unit mixed income affordable housing project in Whitehorse this year which will be the first of its kind in Yukon. The development will provide safe and affordable homes for families and individuals, including vulnerable populations.
A statement from Premier Sandy Silver on the 2019–20 federal budget
Premier Sandy Silver released the following statement:
Statement from Premier regarding college funding in federal budget
Premier Sandy Silver released the following statement:
Commissioner of Yukon’s statement on the passing of Ken McKinnon
Commissioner of Yukon, Angélique Bernard released the following statement:
The Office of the Commissioner of Yukon is saddened to hear of the passing of Ken McKinnon, former local politician, Commissioner of Yukon and Chancellor of Yukon College, among other important roles.
The Commissioner of Yukon, Angélique Bernard, wanted to let Mr. McKinnon’s friends, former colleagues and people who had the opportunity to work with him at various moments comment on his passing first. It is wonderful to see that he left such an important legacy in the Yukon community.
Acting deputy minister named for Department of Finance
Premier Sandy Silver announced today that Christine Mahar will be acting deputy minister for the Department of Finance. Mahar’s appointment is effective March 15.
Mahar will lead the department during a period of transition following the departure of previous deputy minister, Kate White.
Premier’s statement on the passing of Ken McKinnon
Premier Sandy Silver released the following statement:
Government of Yukon introduces Bill to amend Securities Act
Today Community Services Minister John Streicker introduced Bill 32, Amendments to the Securities Act, to ensure Yukon’s securities investment community continues benefiting from the same strong regulations and protections that exist everywhere else in Canada.
The amendments provide the investment community with stronger regulation and pause limitation periods for civil actions regarding alleged misrepresentations until related court processes are completed.
The amendments also:
Governments of Canada and Yukon sign 10-year housing agreement
Families, individuals, and vulnerable Canadians in need of an affordable home can count on long-term funding for community housing in Yukon thanks to an agreement signed today by the federal and territorial governments.
Government of Yukon issues response on development in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
The Government of Yukon has submitted its response to the US Bureau of Land Management’s draft environmental impact statement on development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).
Bill to amend the Education Labour Relations Act tabled
Education Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee has tabled Bill No. 30, an Act to Amend the Education Labour Relations Act.
Amendments to the Act will enable substitute personnel to become members of the Yukon Teachers’ Association. The amendments include revising or removing sections regarding probation, temporary employment and layoffs so these matters can be addressed through the new collective agreement with the Yukon Teachers’ Association.
Carbon Price Rebate will return revenues to Yukoners
The Yukon Government Carbon Price Rebate Implementation Act was tabled in the legislature today providing the framework for returning all federal carbon pricing revenues to Yukoners, businesses, First Nations governments and municipal governments.
Dawson City Airport runway closure dates announced
The Dawson City Airport runway will be closed for paving from 8 p.m. on Sunday, May 19, 2019, until midnight on Sunday, May 26, 2019. These dates and times are tentative and will be dependent on weather. During the closure no airplanes will be arriving or departing but helicopters will continue operating from the Dawson City Airport.
Travellers are urged to contact airlines directly for further information and flight availability.
Government of Yukon funds tourism strategy
The Government of Yukon is providing $875,000 in funding to implement the new tourism development strategy, Sustainable Tourism. Our Path. Our Future.
Funding will address priority actions identified in the new strategy, including:
New administrator for Cultural Industries Training Fund
The Cultural Industries Training Fund (CITF) is now being administered by the Department of Tourism and Culture.
The CITF provides support for professional training and skill development with the goal of increasing business and employment opportunities for cultural workers, businesses and entrepreneurs in Yukon. The fund supports the business and economic side of the cultural industries, including film, video and digital media; music and sound recording; visual arts and crafts; performing arts; writing and publishing; and the cultural labour force.
2019-20 Budget meets housing, health and education needs of a growing territory
Premier and Finance Minister Sandy Silver has tabled the Government of Yukon’s 2019–20 Budget.
The Budget focuses on affordable housing, effective health and social services, quality education, and reliable community infrastructure. This includes $19 million to develop building lots in Whitehorse and rural communities in each of the next five years.
Work will continue on the Health and Social Services Comprehensive Review to find efficiencies to better deliver services to Yukoners.
Fiscal and Economic Outlook points to strong economy, historically low unemployment and economic growth
Premier and Minister of Finance Sandy Silver today tabled a new forecast for Yukon’s finances and economy as part of the 2019–20 Budget.
The fiscal picture shows a plan that remains on track from last year’s budget. The government is still forecasting a return to a surplus in 2020–21 while also ensuring that it adequately addresses the needs of current and future Yukoners.
Dawson Regional Land Use Planning Commission formed
The Government of Yukon and Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in have formed the new Dawson Regional Land Use Planning Commission. The Yukon and Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in governments each nominated three people to the six-person Commission in accordance with the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Final Agreement.
The new Commission will develop a plan for future land use in the region with assistance from the Yukon Land Use Planning Council. The Commission’s work will be guided by the Terms of Reference agreed to by the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in and Yukon governments.
Government of Yukon increases the minimum wage to $12.71 per hour
Minister of Community Services John Streicker announced today that the Government of Yukon has approved the Employment Standards Board’s order to increase Yukon’s minimum wage on April 1 to $12.71 per hour.
The minimum wage in Yukon is rising from $11.51 to $12.71. This is an increase of $0.90, plus the 2018 Consumer Price Index of 2.4 per cent.
At the request of Minister Streicker, the Employment Standards Board conducted a review of the minimum wage in 2018 and submitted its report and recommendation on November 30, 2018.
