Yukon News Releases
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.
Statement from Minister of Health and Social Services on the two-year anniversary of the Supervised Consumption Site
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:
“September 29, 2023, marked the second anniversary of the Supervised Consumption Site (SCS), a beacon of hope and safety in Whitehorse. It stands as a testament to our government's commitment to addressing problematic substance use through a public health approach grounded in empathy, understanding and harm reduction initiatives.
The Government of Yukon releases a new edition of the Pathways magazine
The Government of Yukon has released the second edition of the Pathways magazine, which shares stories of collaboration, partnership and reconciliation.
This issue reflects on collaborative work with First Nations governments and organizations to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
The magazine features stories on the work of the Yukon Residential Schools and Missing Children Project, the evolution of the Yukon’s education system, child welfare, justice, sport and recreation and much more.
Haeckel Hill wind turbine project reaches milestone towards a strong, sustainable Yukon
The shift to clean, sustainable energy production in the Yukon has taken another step forward with the unveiling of four new wind turbines on Haeckel Hill.
Today, Minister responsible for Yukon Development Corporation John Streicker, Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn and Kwanlin Dün First Nation Chief Sean Smith announced the completion of the Haeckel Hill Wind Project.
Government of Yukon encourages all Yukoners to celebrate National Library Month
October is National Library Month and Yukon Public Libraries is joining libraries across the country in celebrating and raising awareness of the valuable role of libraries.
Libraries provide more than just books. Libraries promote cultural awareness, strengthen community, provide educational programs and support expression.
Statement from Premier Ranj Pillai on Small Business Month
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“October is Small Business Month, which includes Small Business Week from October 15 to 21. This represents a national opportunity to recognize the achievements of Canadian entrepreneurs and celebrate the many contributions of small businesses to the economy and to our communities.
“Here in the Yukon, the positive impacts of our small business community cannot be overstated. It is especially important that we take this time to recognize their hard work.
Statement from Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn
Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn has issued the following statement:
“On Friday, September 29, 2023, the Government of Canada and the Government of Yukon, along with Watson Lake Mayor Christopher Irvin, announced funding to strengthen the municipal water system, sewers and roads.
“I am pleased that Deputy Premier Jeanie McLean could be in Watson Lake on my behalf to celebrate this announcement.
Celebrating a great first season at the Pelly Crossing pool
As August came to an end, so did a great first season at the new Pelly Crossing seasonal community pool. This infrastructure project, which took place following investments from the Government of Yukon and the Government of Canada, consisted of designing and constructing a new pool to replace the existing covered below-ground facility, which was built in 1984 and was at the end of its serviceable life.
Rugged Apprentices complete five community projects leaving the Yukon with improved tourism infrastructure and attractions
From September 12 to 15, 49 volunteers from across Canada were in the Yukon to work on a tourism-related community project in one of five Yukon communities as part of the Government of Yukon’s Rugged Apprentices program. Volunteers received a unique tourism experience, while also giving back to the Yukon by helping to improve visitor infrastructure and attractions in the territory.
