Yukon News Releases
Government of Yukon seeks public input in review of the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
The Government of Yukon is committed to supporting a sustainable and affordable housing market across the territory.
Last summer, the Yukon government began a review of the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. As part of this process, the Government of Yukon brought together 11 community members to discuss key issues affecting landlords, tenants and businesses to help inform the broader review.
The Yukon government is now seeking input from Yukoners on key issues impacting landlords, tenants and businesses, as well as additional feedback regarding the Act.
Statement from Premier Pillai on the International Day in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“January 27 is the International Day in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust. On this solemn occasion, we pause to remember and honour the millions of innocent lives lost during one of the darkest chapters in human history. The Holocaust – or Shoah, as it is known in Hebrew – stands as a stark reminder of the depths to which hatred, prejudice and discrimination can lead societies and individuals.
Extended Producer Responsibility now enabled in the Yukon
The Government of Yukon has made progress on its efforts to improve waste management across the territory by approving a regulation that sets general rules for developing and implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in the territory.
EPR shifts the costs of recycling from taxpayers to those producing and selling packaging, paper products, as well as hazardous and special products.
Government of Yukon creates opportunity for the Yukon’s private sector to offer electric vehicle charging services
The Government of Yukon has implemented a new regulation under the Public Utilities Act that allows the Yukon’s private sector to offer electric vehicle charging services and collect user fees on the electricity sold to the public. Prior to this, only regulated public utilities could sell electricity under the Public Utilities Act.
Propane leak at Whistle Bend Place successfully contained and resolved
A propane leak at the Whistle Bend Place long-term care home in Whitehorse has been successfully managed, ensuring the safety of all residents and staff. The Government of Yukon thanks the prompt and effective actions of staff and emergency services.
Statement from Premier Pillai on intergovernmental meetings
Premier Ranj Pillai issued the following statement:
While in Vancouver this week at the Association for Mineral Exploration’s Roundup conference and the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference, I had the opportunity to meet with colleagues and counterparts to discuss shared priorities and opportunities for closer collaboration with respect to resource development and energy.
The Government of Yukon begins clearing work in Whistle Bend
The Government of Yukon is completing clearing work to help enable the development of new lots in the Whistle Bend area and stormwater site improvements.
The area between Casca Boulevard and Whistle Bend Way behind Whistle Bend Place is being developed to provide public service lots, 15 commercial lots and medium to high-density residential lots, providing the potential for up to 400 units of housing.
This area will be cleared of trees, roots and stumps over the next couple of months to allow ground construction to start in the spring.
Statement from Minister Clarke and Minister McLean on school bus driver testing
Minister of Highways and Public Works Nils Clarke and Minister of Education Jeanie McLean have issued the following statement:
“Like many jurisdictions across Canada, the Yukon has experienced a shortage of school bus drivers. Transportation to and from school is a big part of day-to-day education for Yukon students and making sure they get there and back safely is a key priority for our government.
Call for artwork proposals issued for new “Welcome to the Yukon” signs
The Government of Yukon is preparing to replace the “Welcome to the Yukon” signs at nine gateway locations and is seeking original artwork by Yukon artists that provides welcoming imagery representative of the territory’s unique culture, history and natural beauty.
Statement from Minister of Education on International Day of Education
Minister of Education Jeanie McLean has issued the following statement:
“On January 24, we celebrate International Day of Education. This day was initiated by the United Nations General Assembly on December 3, 2018. It is an opportunity to recognize how crucial education is for peace and growth across the world.
Statement from Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn on Team Yukon selections
Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn has issued the following statement:
“In 45 days, the Yukon will send 355 athletes, cultural performers, coaches and support personnel to the 2024 Arctic Winter Games in the Mat-Su Valley, Alaska.
“Since October, the territory’s athletes have been competing for a chance to represent Team Yukon at the circumpolar north’s largest multi-sport event and now, rosters are finalized for the games.
Update on the status of the Dawson ice bridge for January 22, 2024
The Government of Yukon continues to monitor the conditions of the Yukon River in Dawson. While the river continues to show signs of ice formation, there is still not enough to construct an ice bridge at this time.
It remains a priority to provide a reliable means of crossing the river for residents this winter. Emergency services are accessible for West Dawson residents by calling 911. Virtual health appointments and other health resources online are also available to residents, including:
Statement from Premier Pillai and Minister Streicker on industry conferences
Premier and Minister of Economic Development Ranj Pillai and Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources John Streicker have issued the following statement:
“This week, our government is excited to attend two major industry conferences in Vancouver: The Association for Mineral Exploration Roundup and the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference. These are important events for industry professionals, investors and stakeholders in the mineral exploration and mining sector, and we are pleased to be a part of the work being done.
Statement from Premier Pillai on the Outstanding Youth Achievement Awards
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“Nominations for the 2024 Outstanding Youth Achievement Awards are now open. The Outstanding Youth Achievement Awards serve as a beacon of recognition and celebration, spotlighting the remarkable accomplishments and contributions of the Yukon’s young leaders.
Statement on behalf of Minister of Community Services on Whitehorse infrastructure upgrades
Minister of Highways and Public Works and Environment Nils Clarke, on behalf of Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn, has issued the following statement:
“Today, our government, in collaboration with the Government of Canada and the City of Whitehorse, announced funding for two infrastructure projects in Whitehorse. The Canada Games Centre will see improvements to its heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The City of Whitehorse’s public transit system will modernize with the Whitehorse Transit Services Driver Shuttle project.
Learn about registering your child for Kindergarten in the Yukon
The Department of Education is hosting a Zoom webinar about Kindergarten registration and Early French Immersion Kindergarten programs on Wednesday, January 24, at 7 pm.
All Yukon parents and guardians are invited to attend this information session to learn about the registration process, program details and to have their questions answered by department staff.
Yukon children who will be five years old by December 31, 2024, are eligible to start Kindergarten this coming school year.
Nine projects awarded Crime Prevention and Victim Services Trust funds in fall 2023 intake
Nine community-led projects focused on crime prevention and services for victims of crime received a total of $175,860 for the fall 2023 intake through funding from the Crime Prevention and Victim Services Trust (CPVST).
The projects funded through the trust aim to improve communities and prevent crime through various youth outreach programs, arts and culture, Indigenous teaching and learning and victim support services.
The fall 2023 intake projects included:
Klondike Valley flood recovery continues with After Action Review
The Government of Yukon is continuing to support the recovery process in the Klondike Valley and the Klondike area after the severe spring flooding of 2023.
The Klondike Flood Recovery Funding program, with financial support for housing, small businesses and agriculture, closed on October 3, 2023. Over 30 applications were submitted, with more than $1.5 million in claims.
Yukon 125th anniversary medals unveiled to celebrate outstanding Yukoners
Today, Premier Pillai announced that the Government of Yukon is commemorating the territory’s 125th anniversary with the release of medals featuring original artwork by Violet Gatensby.
The medals will be awarded to Yukoners who embody values of leadership and reconciliation. This will include people from all walks of life and a variety of sectors, including public service, volunteerism, entrepreneurship, arts and environmental stewardship.
Indigenous employees celebrated in Yukon public service awards
The Government of Yukon is proud to announce the recipients of this year's Indigenous Employee’s Award of Honour. In a ceremony led by the Minister responsible for the Public Service Commission Sandy Silver, two exceptional employees were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the Yukon public service.
