Yukon News Releases
Statement from Premier Pillai on Sukkot
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“As we mark the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, I extend my warmest wishes to all Yukoners celebrating the occasion over the next seven days. Sukkot holds profound significance for the Jewish community and resonates with our diverse and inclusive territory.
“The symbolism of the sukkah, a temporary structure open to the elements, calls attention to the importance of shelter and security.
Statement from Premier Ranj Pillai on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“Tomorrow, on September 30th, we recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, remembering the children who never returned home from residential schools, and the Survivors of those institutions and their communities who are impacted by this tragic history to this day. This is an opportunity to honour the Survivors of residential schools and grieve for the children who never returned home. 2023 marks the first time we will observe this day as a statutory holiday in the Yukon.
The Government of Yukon urges Yukoners to test their smoke alarms
The Yukon is joining jurisdictions across Canada to mark the territory’s first Test Your Smoke Alarm Day.
As part of Test Your Smoke Alarm Day, all Yukoners are encouraged to learn more about smoke alarms, fire safety and home fire escape planning. Learning about fire safety can save lives.
Statement from the Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health on the rise of syphilis in the Yukon
“In February, Yukoners were alerted to the concerning increase in syphilis cases in the territory. Last year, the rate of syphilis in the Yukon continued to escalate, surpassing any recorded rate in the territory since at least 1979.
Leaders meet for Yukon Forum in Dawson
This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon, the Council of Yukon First Nations and Yukon First Nations governments.
Premier Ranj Pillai, Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston, members of the Yukon government Cabinet and Yukon First Nations Chiefs met over two days at Äłät Nëhëjël (Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin Community Hall) in Dawson for the Yukon Forum.
Statement from Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee regarding the death of RCMP Constable Rick O’Brien
Minister of Justice Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:
“It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the death of Constable Rick O’Brien, who served as an officer of the Ridge Meadows RCMP in British Columbia.
“Constable O’Brien was a well-respected member of the RCMP, whose passing left a profound impact on his colleagues and his community.
“This loss is heightened due to our close relationship with British Columbia and the numerous family, work and community connections that we share between our jurisdictions.
The Government of Yukon and Ross River Dena Council partner to create new staff housing
The Government of Yukon, through Yukon Housing Corporation, has partnered with Ross River Dena Council to install a three-unit trailer at 206 Quartzite Street in the community of Ross River. The units, each equipped with a full kitchen, bathroom with shower and combined living and bedroom area, will provide housing for Ross River Dena Council staff, helping the community to better respond to its ongoing State of Emergency.
Statement from Minister John Streicker on World Tourism Day
Minister of Tourism and Culture John Streicker has issued the following statement:
“Since 1980, World Tourism Day has been held every September 27 in recognition of the impact the tourism sector has around the globe.
Statement from Premier Pillai on Mawlid
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“Today, many Muslims around the world will mark Mawlid, the anniversary of the birth of their holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the founder of Islam and proclaimer of the Quran.
“Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born in the third month of the Islamic calendar, Rabi' al-Awwal, in the year 570 CE. He began preaching after being visited by the angel Gabriel and went on to lead his followers to Medina, uniting many tribes under his leadership and march on the city of Mecca.
Statement from Premier Pillai on meeting with Alaska Governor Dunleavy
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“Earlier today, I had the pleasure of meeting virtually with Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy to discuss the Yukon’s relationship with our neighbours to the west and areas where our governments can continue to collaborate.
Yukon wildfire officials presenting at Scandinavian conference
The Government of Yukon’s Wildland Fire Management Branch is sending two wildfire officials to Finland, to participate in a Scandinavian emergency services conference.
The Yukon representatives will be presenting on wildfire management in the Yukon to strengthen the perspectives of attendees on wildfire management in northern climates. Topics will include the Yukon’s expertise in wildland fire incident management, use of prescribed fire and cultural fire, tactical and strategic fire use to fight wildfires, wildfire impacts and partnerships with Yukon First Nations.
Centre de Santé Constellation Health Centre moves into permanent location
The Centre de Santé Constellation Health Centre has moved from its temporary location to its permanent space at 9010 Quartz Road in Whitehorse. The new space will enhance the clinic’s ability to offer high-quality, primary health care to Yukoners in both English and French.
The team of interdisciplinary health professionals at Centre de Santé Constellation Health Centre currently serves 816 Yukoners and has been open since November 1, 2022.
Premier meets federal Ministers in Ottawa to discuss shared priorities
Yesterday, Premier Ranj Pillai met with federal Ministers in Ottawa on his return to Canada from Asia.
These meetings provided opportunities to discuss outcomes from the Asia mission, advancement in the following:
- bringing skilled workers to the territory from abroad;
- Arctic security;
- investments in infrastructure and affordable housing; and
- clean energy that can support the Yukon’s continued growth and economic development.
The Premier, joined by Yukon MP Brendan Hanley, met with the following federal Ministers:
Statement from Premier Pillai on the International Day of Sign Languages
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“There are over 300 different sign languages around the world, which are collectively used by more than 70 million people. On September 23, we have an opportunity to support sign-language users and their linguistic identities.
“The International Day of Sign Languages is a part of the International Week of the Deaf, a global movement of deaf unity and concerted advocacy to raise awareness of the issues that deaf people face in their everyday lives.
Statement from Premier Pillai on Yom Kippur
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“This Sunday at sunset, the Yukon’s Jewish community will join Jewish communities across Canada and around the world to begin the observance of Yom Kippur, the Day of the Atonement and the most solemn and holy day in Judaism.
“Yom Kippur is a 25-hour period of fasting and prayer, marking the end of the 10-day High Holy Days. This period is a time for repentance, self-examination and atonement, and for seeking reconciliation in preparation for the year to come.
Statement from Minister of Health and Social Services on investigation of NGO employee
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee issued the following statement:
“The Department of Health and Social Services is aware of an allegation of sexual assault involving a staff member of a contracted non-governmental organization (NGO) and that the matter is under investigation by the Yukon RCMP.
Government of Yukon issues special warrant to meet financial commitments related to collective agreement payments
The Government of Yukon has issued a special warrant to ensure government programs and functions are able to continue while the third supplementary estimates for the 2022–23 fiscal year are debated during the fall legislative sitting.
The special warrant provides budgetary authorization for up to $15.3 million in additional government spending for the 2022–23 fiscal year – the fiscal year in which retroactive payments were earned by Yukon Employees’ Union members. The entirety of this amount relates to these payments.
Yukoners affected by dementia can now access specialized community support with just one call
The Government of Yukon and the Alzheimer’s Society of British Columbia have partnered to launch the First Link® Yukon Dementia Helpline to support Yukoners on their journey with dementia. This service is available to Yukoners across the territory as part of comprehensive support for seniors and caregivers in response to recommendations from the Putting People First report and the Aging in Place action plan.
Statement from the Government of Yukon on the deaths of four BC firefighters
Premier Ranj Pillai, Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn and the Yukon Wildland Fire Management branch have issued the following statement:
“The Government of Yukon and Wildland Fire Management send our deepest condolences to British Columbia today after the deaths of four wildland firefighters in a vehicle accident near Cache Creek, BC.
Premier and business delegation conclude Asia mission
This news release has been edited for accuracy.
Premier Ranj Pillai and a Yukon business delegation have completed their Asia mission and are on their way back to Canada.
