Yukon News Releases
Statement from Premier Pillai on call with western Premiers
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“Today, as incoming chair of the Western Premiers’ Conference, I convened a call with counterparts from the Western provinces and territories to discuss emergency management. As we reflect on a summer of floods and fires across Canada, this call was a key opportunity to share best practices and discuss ways to ensure our communities are better prepared for future crises.
Government of Yukon tables a New Technical Amendments Act
The Government of Yukon tabled Bill No. 34 in the Yukon Legislative Assembly today. The Bill includes changes to the Yukon’s Income Tax Act, Yukon Government Carbon Price Rebate Act and Financial Administration Act.
The Technical Amendments (Finance) Act 2023 brings several pieces of the Yukon’s legislation up to date or addresses unclear language and other minor updates.
Amendment tabled to streamline nurse and nurse practitioner licencing and registration in the Yukon
The Government of Yukon is committed to improving Yukoners’ access to healthcare services, and recruiting and retaining health professionals to ensure Yukoners are able to live healthy, happy lives. Keeping with this commitment, the Government of Yukon has tabled Bill No. 33, an amendment to the Registered Nurses Profession Act, which will cut red tape and make it easier for nurses and nurse practitioners to work in the Yukon.
Statement from Premier Pillai on City of Chortkiv, Ukraine Sister City Partnership
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“Today, I was honoured to meet with Chortkiv Mayor Volodymyr Shmatko, chair of the local regional international relations department Marta Hbulish, Dr. Serhii Budenkevych of the Ukrainian Health service and a delegation from the Ukrainian-Canadian Association of the Yukon, marking the official sister city relationship between Whitehorse and Chortkiv.
The Government of Yukon and the Government of Canada announce the signing of a bilateral funding agreement on the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence
This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and Women and Gender Equality Canada.
The Government of Yukon Women and Gender Equity Directorate and Women and Gender Equality Canada are pleased to announce a historic bilateral agreement. The Government of Canada will be investing close to $16.4 million over four years to support the implementation of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence in the Yukon. This contribution will be cost-matched by the Government of Yukon.
The Government of Yukon announces rollout of COVID-19 and flu vaccines
Starting October 16, the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine will be available to Yukoners in a phased approach. Both vaccines are strongly recommended and remain the best source of protection during the respiratory illness season. Yukoners are strongly encouraged to receive both vaccines during the same appointment, which is both safe and convenient.
Amendments to the Environment Act tabled
The Government of Yukon has tabled Bill #28, an Act to amend the Environment Act to fully implement an extended producer responsibility system in the Yukon.
From November 2022 to February 2023, the Government of Yukon heard from Yukoners about how an extended producer responsibility framework should work – including which products to include in the regulation and feedback on technical definitions.
The proposed amendments to the Environment Act will ensure the Government of Yukon has the authority to:
Government of Yukon proposes legislation to clarify fiduciary access to digital assets
On October 5, 2023, the Government of Yukon introduced the Fiduciaries Access to Digital Assets Act.
This new law will clarify fiduciaries’ access to the digital assets of deceased or incapable individuals, while respecting their privacy and carrying out their final wishes.
At present, the trusts and estates law does not adequately address how fiduciaries may gain access to these digital assets. With no legislative framework, online terms of service agreements may determine the fate of digital assets of a deceased or incapable person.
The proposed Act would:
Amendments to the Victims of Crime Act tabled
The Government of Yukon has tabled a bill to amend the Victims of Crime Act to increase protections for victims of crime. The proposed changes help restrict access to victim information that could result in potential harm for the victim.
The Act to Amend the Victims of Crime Act (2023) aims to refuse access to information requests by offenders and alleged offenders that could harm the safety and privacy of victims. Protecting client records shields victims from further risks of intimate partner violence, sexualized violence and domestic homicide.
Improve your home fire safety this Fire Prevention Week
Next week, from October 8 to 14, marks Fire Prevention Week across North America.
Fire Prevention Week is an opportunity to learn about home fire safety. This year's theme is "Cooking safety starts with YOU! Pay attention to fire prevention.”
Recreation, active living and awards celebrated at annual Recreation Gathering
Recreation leaders from across the Yukon gathered in Carmacks from October 3 to 5, on the Traditional Territory of the Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation, for the annual Recreation Gathering.
The Recreation Gathering is cohosted by the Government of Yukon and the Recreation and Parks Association of the Yukon (RPAY). It creates professional-development and networking opportunities so recreation leaders and volunteers can continue delivering quality programming in Yukon communities.
Statement from Premier Pillai on updates on 405 Alexander
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“At a meeting last week with Walter and Sylvia Streit, owners and operators of Whitehorse’s Alpine Bakery, I promised to provide a public update about the efforts that the Government of Yukon is taking to address the situation around 405 Alexander Street in downtown Whitehorse.
“Our government believes in building communities that work for all Yukoners: young families, retirees, First Nations Canadians, immigrants, business owners and patrons and vulnerable populations.
Statement from Premier Pillai on Thanksgiving
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“This Monday is Thanksgiving, an occasion often associated with bountiful feasts and expressions of gratitude.
“This holiday also carries a history deeply intertwined with colonization. The origins of this celebration are rooted in a complex narrative of displacement and loss experienced by Indigenous peoples. As we reflect on this history, it is essential that we recognize this reality and consider how it continues to influence our understanding of this holiday to the present day.
Final countdown to the 2023 United Way Breakfast fundraiser
The Government of Yukon will host the annual United Way Breakfast fundraiser tomorrow, Friday, October 6, at the Sternwheeler Hotel & Conference Centre in Whitehorse from 7 am to 10:30 am. This family- friendly event is a Yukon tradition with a history spanning over 30 years. The theme is Giving and Gratitude, a fitting message on the importance of giving back to the community and being grateful.
Yukon government encourages athletes to try out for 2024 Arctic Winter Games
Yukon athletes have a track record of achieving success at the regional, national, and international levels and in just over five months, 355 members of Team Yukon will be travelling to the Mat-Su Borough of Alaska to participate in the 2024 Arctic Winter Games. These games will be held March 10 to 16, 2024, and will give Yukon athletes an opportunity to compete against their northern peers in 20 different sports.
Statement from Minister McLean on World Teachers’ Day
Minister of Education Jeanie McLean has issued the following statement:
“World Teachers’ Day commemorates the anniversary of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) October 5, 1966, adoption of the ‘Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers’, and acknowledges the essential role of teachers in advancing education, as well as the importance of their contributions towards the development of society and humankind.
Statement from Minister McPhee on Mental Illness Awareness Week
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:
“October 1 to 7 marks Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW). First established by the Canadian Psychiatric Association and now steered by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH), it serves as a reminder for Yukoners to approach mental illness with empathy, understanding and support.
Supplementary Estimates meets collective agreement commitments and ensures protection for Yukoners and the environment
Keeping with the Government of Yukon’s commitment to make life more affordable for Yukoners while practising responsible management of the territory’s fiscal position, Finance Minister Sandy Silver tabled the 2023–24 First Supplementary Estimates in the Yukon Legislative Assembly today. It includes increases of $105.9 million in net operations and maintenance (O&M) and no changes to gross capital funding.
Amendments to Elections Act tabled
In response to shifting populations and demographics across the territory, including significant growth in Whitehorse’s Whistle Bend community, the Government of Yukon is working to ensure Yukoners are represented more equitably in the Yukon Legislative Assembly. Today, Premier Ranj Pillai tabled a proposed amendment to the Elections Act that will allow for the establishment of an Electoral District Boundaries Commission.
Statement from Premier Pillai on Manitoba’s election
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“On behalf of the Government of Yukon, I would like to congratulate Manitoba Premier-designate Wab Kinew on his success in yesterday’s provincial election. Our governments have a longstanding history of cooperation and I look forward to continuing our strong partnership for the benefit of all Yukoners and Manitobans.
