Yukon News Releases
Nominations are open for the first Yukon Sustainability Awards
Nominations are now open for the new Yukon Sustainability Awards. This series of green business recognition awards honours Yukon businesses that have proven their commitment to the creation of a more sustainable economy and to supporting the territory’s Our Clean Future strategy. Nominees will have shown themselves to be responsible leaders in integrating sustainable practices into their business models, with a dedication to Indigenous reconciliation and collaboration.
The deadline for nominations is December 15, 2023.
Yukon leaders meet in Ottawa and Toronto
Yukon leaders were in Ottawa this week for Yukon Days to discuss the territory’s priorities with the federal government.
Statement from Premier Ranj Pillai on the Assembly of First Nations election
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“On behalf of the Government of Yukon, I am pleased to congratulate Cindy Woodhouse on her recent election as National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations.
“Throughout her career, National Chief Woodhouse has worked on improving the lives of First Nations Citizens through various positions within First Nations governments and most recently as the Assembly of First Nations’ Manitoba Regional Chief.
Artist-in-residence exhibition opens at Yukon Archives
As part of the ongoing celebration of its 50th year, Yukon Archives is proud to present the opening of an exhibition entitled This Must Be the Place! by its artist-in-residence, Tara Kolla.
Statement from Premier Pillai commemorating the start of Hanukkah
Premier Pillai has issued the following statement:
“As the sun sets today, I extend my warmest wishes to everyone in the Jewish community celebrating Hanukkah.
Known as the Festival of Lights, Jewish families and communities will gather together each evening for the next eight days to commemorate the Maccabees’ victory over the Syrian Greek army and the miracle of a single day’s worth of oil illuminating the temple for eight nights. Symbolically, this holiday represents the triumph of light over darkness and liberation from oppression.
Statement from Minister McLean and Minister McPhee on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean and the Minister of Justice Tracy-Anne McPhee have issued the following statement:
“Thirty-four years ago, the lives of 14 young women were lost to a senseless and cowardly act of violence. A gunman targeted female students at the École Polytechnique de Montréal, killing 14 and wounding many others, simply because of their gender.
The Government of Yukon invites sports organizations to nominate athletes for the 2023 sports awards
The Government of Yukon is seeking nominations for the 2023 Government of Yukon Sports Awards.
The territory’s athletes are recognized with two awards: the Premier’s Award of Sport Excellence, which recognizes achievements on the international and national stage and the Minister’s Award of Sport Recognition, which is linked to regional events.
Nomination forms are available on Yukon.ca and athletes can be nominated up to January 15, 2024. The awards recognize an athlete’s accomplishments during the 2023 calendar year.
Yukon First Nations leaders, the Government of Yukon and Government of Canada commemorate the historic day at the Intergovernmental Forum in Ottawa
This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon, the Government of Canada and the Council of Yukon First Nations.
The Government of Yukon, through the Elk-Agriculture Steering Committee, creates two-year pilot program to reduce elk interactions on agricultural lands
The Government of Yukon remains committed to addressing the ongoing issues related to elk and agricultural landowners in the Takhini Valley.
As part of this commitment, the Elk-Agriculture Steering Committee has created a two-year pilot program to enable agriculture property owners and support hunters to minimize elk impacts and recondition the herd to avoid agricultural properties.
The Elk-Agriculture Steering Committee helps oversee a coordinated approach to deter the elk herd from agricultural land in the Takhini Valley area.
Statement from Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee on International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:
“December 3 is International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD). This day, held each year to celebrate people with disabilities, promotes their rights and wellbeing and increases awareness of their experiences in society.
The Government of Yukon releases a report on the governance and financial management of Yukon Hospital Corporation and accepts outlined recommendations
This is a joint news release between the Yukon Hospital Corporation and the Government of Yukon.
The Government of Yukon, in partnership with the Yukon Hospital Corporation (YHC), is pleased to share the independent report produced by Ernst and Young. This report offers an in-depth analysis of the governance, financial management, and internal controls within YHC and its partnership with the Department of Health and Social Services.
The Government of Yukon and health care partners are working together to support hospital services
The Government of Yukon is providing additional funding to ensure the Yukon Hospital Corporation can address the immediate pressures impacting surgeries and medical imaging programs in the territory.
At the direction of the Minister of Health and Social Services, additional investments are being made to ensure that Yukoners have timely access to the care and health services they require. This will ensure that imaging and surgical services will continue without disruption.
Premier Pillai and delegation wrap up Europe mission
Premier Ranj Pillai and a Yukon government delegation have completed a mission to Europe where they attended several mining conferences and held meetings with government and business leaders to promote opportunities in the Yukon, notably as a secure and stable supply for the critical minerals that the world needs to support the clean energy transition.
In Frankfurt, Premier Pillai gave a keynote presentation at the Deutsche Goldmesse (German Gold Show) and participated in investor meetings.
Statement from Premier Pillai and Minister McPhee on progress on downtown Whitehorse community safety
Premier Ranj Pillai and Health and Social Services and Justice Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee issued the following statement:
“While the holiday season holds a different meaning for everyone, it consistently underscores the importance of kindness, compassion and care for our family, friends, neighbours and community members. Together with partners, our government remains committed to building a strong, sustainable path forward – one guided by the diverse thoughts and perspectives of all Yukoners.
Statement from Minister McPhee on the 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:
“Today marks an important milestone for mental health and suicide prevention. The Government of Canada has introduced the national 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline, a simple three-digit number that anyone can now call or text for help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Government consults on conservation measures for sheep populations in southwest Yukon
The Yukon government has started consultation and targeted engagement with affected First Nations, outfitters and stakeholders on options to address conservation concerns for thinhorn sheep in five Sheep Management Units in southwest Yukon: Brooks Arm, Ruby Range, Donjek, Nutzotin and Flat Top.
New regulations under Public Utilities Act approved
The Government of Yukon has approved two new regulations under the Public Utilities Act that will allow the Yukon's public utilities to purchase renewable electricity generated in British Columbia.
The change enables the Yukon’s utilities to buy power from Tlingit Homeland Energy Limited Partnership’s hydroelectric expansion project in Atlin and the Daylu Dena Council’s solar farm located in Lower Post.
Apprenticeship Excellence Awards celebrates graduates in trades
On November 23, the Government of Yukon hosted the Yukon Apprenticeship Excellence Awards. This year's ceremony celebrated the graduations of 141 Yukon apprentices, with 116 apprentices receiving one or more awards of excellence.
Awards of Excellence are presented for outstanding achievement during apprenticeship levels or for an interprovincial Red Seal accomplishment. Several attendees were honoured for their excellence in multiple trades, showcasing their versatility and expertise across different disciplines.
Statement from Minister McLean on the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence
Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean has issued the following statement:
Yukoners reminded to consult designated harvesting map for holiday tree cutting in Whitehorse
This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and the City of Whitehorse.
The Government of Yukon and the City of Whitehorse would like to remind Yukoners to consult the designated harvesting map before cutting down a Christmas tree this year.
Yukoners can access the harvesting map and other important harvesting information on Yukon.ca/Christmas-trees. The map includes a “my location” tool to make sure Yukoners are cutting in the right area.
