Yukon News Releases
School Council seats still open for upcoming school years
School Council seats are still open at some Yukon schools and the Government of Yukon is encouraging community members to get involved.
School Councils are responsible for providing input on school growth planning, school-based policies, hiring of the school principal and spending of the school budget. They provide advice on school staffing needs, programming, renovations, course offerings and student transportation.
Zoning Committee to be formed for Shallow Bay area
Joint news release with Ta’an Kwäch’än Council
The Government of Yukon and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council will be working with local community members on developing potential zoning regulations in the Shallow Bay area, located north of Whitehorse on the southern tip of Lake Laberge.
Community Development Fund awards more than $1.2 million to Yukon projects
Joint news release with Kwanlin Dün First Nation, Blood Ties Four Directions Centre Society and Polarettes and Polar Tumblers Gymnastics Club
The Government of Yukon is awarding more than $1.2 million to 12 organizations through the Community Development Fund. The Tier III approved projects will provide more than 8,470 hours of employment for 37 people.
Numerous volunteer hours are also associated with the projects and the funding will assist members of the community in achieving their project objectives.
Regulations for Chase the Ace-style lotteries introduced in Yukon
The Government of Yukon has introduced new regulations under the Lottery Licensing Act. These regulations now allow eligible charitable organizations in Yukon to hold Chase the Ace-style lotteries.
Government of Yukon opens a Housing Initiatives Fund
This year, the Yukon Housing Corporation is opening a $3.6 million fund for innovative housing projects that will address local housing needs.
Panel appointed to review Child and Family Services Act
The Government of Yukon today appointed six members to the Advisory Committee on the Child and Family Services Act.
The committee will be chaired by Mo Caley-Verdonk from Dawson City. Also sitting on the panel are Doris Anderson, Lori Duncan, Debbie Hoffman, Rosemary Rowlands and Ray Sydney.
Together, these individuals will undertake a broad review of the act. They will be actively engaging with First Nations, stakeholders and communities.
Government of Yukon seeking input for Agriculture Policy
The Government of Yukon is seeking public input to update the Yukon Agriculture Policy. Updating the policy will reinforce the territorial government’s commitment to increase Yukon’s ability to be more self-sufficient in food production and support a thriving and prosperous agricultural sector.
A survey is available on engageyukon.ca that provides information on the 2006 policy and context on issues that are affecting Yukon agriculture today.
Yukoner receives national award for contribution to emergency management
Public Safety Canada presented an Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award to Michael Smith for outstanding contributions to emergency management at a ceremony in Ottawa on May 24.
Smith, as the meteorologist with Yukon’s Wildland Fire Management branch, contributes professionally to emergency management in the territory. As a volunteer, he also strengthens Yukon’s readiness for emergencies through his involvement with the Special Operations Medical Extrication Team (SOMET), City of Whitehorse Fire Department and Avalanche Canada.
Government of Yukon is seeking feedback on regulating resource roads
The Government of Yukon is seeking public input for the next 60 days on the development of a regulation to manage resource roads in the territory. The regulation would enable the territorial government to effectively regulate all phases of resource roads in an environmentally responsible manner, including construction, use, maintenance, closure and decommissioning.
Check 30 aims to encourage responsible service and reduce underage drinking
The Yukon Liquor Corporation (YLC) is launching the Check 30 campaign, aimed to encourage responsible sales and service through an increase in identification checks. The program also aims to help prevent minors from attempting to purchase liquor.
First Nations participate in housing design workshop
Joint news release with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
The Yukon Housing Corporation and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation hosted a workshop to gather ideas about how to design multi-unit residential buildings in First Nations communities across Yukon. The workshop was held from May 15-17 at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre in Whitehorse.
Historic signing of management plan
Joint news release with First Nation of Na-cho Nyäk and Selkirk First Nation
Today, the Chiefs of Selkirk First Nation and the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun, and Minister Pauline Frost, officially signed off on the management plan for the Ddhaw Ghro Habitat Protection Area.
The First Nation and territorial governments are pleased to announce the formal establishment and legal protection of the Ddhaw Ghro Habitat Protection Area for present and future generations.
Government of Yukon advances modern Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act
For 60 days Yukoners can share their thoughts on proposed modernization of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (ATIPP Act).
Territorial government hosting Summit on Aging in Yukon
Yukoners are invited to attend the first-ever Summit on Aging in Yukon. The summit is part of a broader, long-term public engagement to determine a Yukon definition for the term “aging in place” and to identify ways to support aging well in the territory. The summit is also a way to enhance public knowledge of existing services and supports for aging adults.
Government of Yukon officials will host similar events in communities across the territory this summer and fall to ensure that all Yukoners have an opportunity to provide input.
Yukoners and community groups receive Community Safety Awards
Six Yukoners and three groups were recognized for their efforts to prevent crime and foster community safety at the sixth annual Minister of Justice Community Safety Awards on Thursday, May 17.
The 2018 Community Safety Award recipients are:
New funding partnership with Government of Canada will benefit Yukon farmers and support local food production
Joint news release with the Government of Canada
Member of Parliament Larry Bagnell, on behalf of Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lawrence MacAulay, and Yukon Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources Ranj Pillai announced today the details of Yukon programs under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The announcement follows the signing of the Canada-Yukon Canadian Agricultural Partnership bilateral agreement in late March.
Government of Canada invests in the modernization of intelligent transportation systems in Yukon
Joint news release with the Government of Canada
The quality of Canada’s transportation infrastructure and the efficiency of the country’s trade corridors are key to the success of Canadian firms in the global marketplace. The Government of Canada supports infrastructure projects that create quality middle-class jobs and boost economic growth.
Explore Your Yukon tourism campaign returns
Yukoners are encouraged to explore businesses and attractions throughout the territory during this year’s Explore Your Yukon tourism campaign which begins today and runs until June 17.
Over 55 participating businesses, historic sites, museums and First Nation cultural centres in 12 communities will offer Yukoners and early season visitors a special incentive to ‘Explore Your Yukon.’
In addition to special offers, participants have the opportunity to enter to win prizes.
Yukon Liquor Corporation identifies retail cannabis location
The Yukon Liquor Corporation’s temporary retail cannabis store will be located at 120B Industrial Road.
The 1,500 square foot space is currently under a Government of Yukon lease and fits the retail store requirements for size, zoning and proximity to the Yukon Liquor Corporation (YLC) warehouse. The retail location is scheduled to open when cannabis legalization occurs.
Fines for unsafe driving go up
The Government of Yukon updated the Motor Vehicles Regulations and the Summary Convictions Regulations today by increasing fines for distracted driving and speeding offences. The fines were increased to the maximum currently permitted under the Motor Vehicles Act as a deterrence to reduce unsafe driving in the territory.
Amendments include increasing the fines for distracted driving to $500 from $250. The Yukon Legislative Assembly unanimously supported a motion in the spring of 2017 calling for increased fines for distracted driving.
