Yukon News Releases
Housing First complex under construction in Watson Lake
The Government of Yukon, with the support of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, is pleased to announce that construction of a 10-unit Housing First Complex in Watson Lake is now underway.
The complex was designed with input from the Liard First Nation Chief and Council, the Town of Watson Lake Mayor and Council, and local community members.
Four Yukon youth receive Outstanding Youth Achievement Awards for community contributions
Four Yukon youth have been awarded the Outstanding Youth Achievement Award for their devotion and contribution to their communities.
The 2023 recipients are Steven Domingo of Carmacks, Shanine Villaver of Faro, Jack Walcher-Wegmann of Mount Lorne and Kalie Bennett of Whitehorse.
The awards recognize these individuals for their positive impact on the Yukon, demonstrated through outstanding performance in areas such as the arts, athletics, academics, community engagement and exemplary role modelling.
Statement from Premier Pillai on Ukrainian Independence Day
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“Today, we recognize and celebrate Ukrainian Independence Day, as we have done since 1991.
“Similar to last year, these celebrations are tinged with sadness and anger in recognition that Ukraine is not truly free. Today marks 18 months since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the effects of which have been horrific. Ukrainian sovereignty and the democratic values of freedom and justice that so many have worked so hard to establish have been ripped from the country by this unjust war.
Joint Statement from Mayor Cabott and Minister Mostyn on Emergency Preparedness in Whitehorse
City of Whitehorse Mayor Laura Cabott and Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn released the following joint statement:
“This year, wildfires have had – and continue to have – a devastating impact on communities across the North, throughout Canada and across North America.
“Here in the Yukon, we have seen the impacts of climate change, with flooding in the Klondike and severe fires leading to the evacuation of Old Crow and the Village of Mayo. We also see communities across Canada and the United States dealing with the impacts of natural disasters.
New Substance Use Health Emergency Strategy supports the health and safety of all Yukoners and communities
This is a joint news release between the Council of Yukon First Nations and the Government of Yukon.
Today, the Government of Yukon, in partnership with First Nations governments, the Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) and in conversations with the Yukon Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), launched the Substance Use Health Emergency Strategy.
Statement from Premier Pillai on meeting with US Consul General DeHart
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“Yesterday, I was pleased to meet with the new US Consul General in Vancouver, Jim DeHart, to discuss the Yukon’s relationship with the United States and areas where our governments can collaborate further.
“We discussed the need for funding from the United States Government to support upgrades to the Alaska Highway. This corridor is a vital link between central Alaska and the contiguous United States, which is essential to maintain critical supply chains to and from Alaska and for Yukon communities.
Government of Yukon and Teslin Tlingit Council sign heat purchase agreement for biomass at Khàtìnas.àxh School in Teslin
Today, the Government of Yukon and the Teslin Tlingit Council signed a heat purchase agreement. This agreement will supply the Khàtìnas.àxh Community School in Teslin with heat from the Teslin Tlingit Council’s biomass facility, a renewable energy source.
Joint Statement from Premier Pillai and Minister of the Public Service Commission Sandy Silver on Public Service Pride Week
Premier Ranj Pillai and Minister of the Public Service Commission Sandy Silver have issued the following statement:
“August 21 to 25 marks the fifth anniversary of Public Service Pride Week, a celebration of 2SLGBTQIA+ public servants, as well as diversity, pride and authenticity more broadly.
Statement from Premier Pillai and Minister of Education Jeanie McLean on back to school
Premier Ranj Pillai and Minister of Education Jeanie McLean have issued the following statement:
“As young Yukoners head back to school, we would like to wish them a happy and productive school year.
“Whether you are just starting school in kindergarten or counting down the days to high school graduation, we hope you take advantage of opportunities to learn and grow offered to you throughout your educational journey.
Statement from Premier Pillai on visit with Consul General of the Philippines Arlene Magno
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“I was delighted to welcome Consul General Arlene Magno of the Philippines to the Yukon today to build on the long-standing cooperation between our jurisdictions.
“We continued discussions about the importance of continued Filipino immigration to the Yukon to support our growing economy, reunite families and develop a strong labour market in the territory.
Recipients announced for the 2023-24 intake of the Prevention of Violence against Aboriginal Women Fund
The Government of Yukon has awarded $25,000 each to the Whitehorse Aboriginal Women’s Circle and Carcross/Tagish First Nation for one-year projects under the Prevention of Violence against Aboriginal Women Fund.
Government of Yukon supporting Northwest Territories
The Government of Yukon is assisting with emergency response operations in the Northwest Territories (NWT) and supporting Yellowknife residents who are evacuating their homes.
Four individuals from the Fire Marshal’s Office (three Special Heavy Operations Team (SHOT) members and one Deputy Fire Marshal) were deployed along with five City of Whitehorse firefighters to work directly with the City of Yellowknife Fire Department.
Statement from Premier Pillai on Discovery Day
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“On the third Monday of August each year, Discovery Day commemorates the discovery of gold at Bonanza Creek near Dawson City and offers us an opportunity to learn more about the Yukon’s unique history.
“Discovery Day is an important milestone for the Yukon. It marked the start of the Klondike Gold Rush, led to the formation of our territory and had significant impacts on the traditional territories and ways of life of Yukon First Nations.
The Government of Yukon expands Ready-to-Learn Schools initiative to eight additional schools
The Government of Yukon is committed to supporting the wellbeing of students, educators, support staff, families and caregivers throughout the upcoming school year, promoting a lifelong learning journey for all Yukoners that strengthens the entire territory.
As part of this, the Ready-to-Learn (R2L) Schools initiative will be introduced at eight additional schools in the coming academic year. This initiative supports the Government of Yukon’s commitment to fostering safe, inclusive and culturally responsive learning environments for all Yukon students.
The Government of Yukon strengthens school policy
The Government of Yukon is committed to ensuring that students and staff in all Yukon schools feel safe, respected and included.
As part of this commitment, the Government of Yukon has updated the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) Policy. These changes align with the actions outlined in the Yukon’s LGBTQ2S+ Inclusion Action Plan and mark a milestone in promoting inclusivity in Yukon schools.
The strengthened policy focuses on:
Statement from Minister of Tourism and Culture John Streicker on the Klondike Visitors Association seasonal accommodation pilot project
Minister of Tourism and Culture John Streicker has issued the following statement:
“As construction begins on a new seasonal accommodation venture in Dawson City, I wish to congratulate the Klondike Visitors Association for their vision and determination in helping address the Yukon’s labour shortage.
“Housing pressures are a contributing factor in Yukon businesses finding and retaining skilled workers, and the ‘Village off King’ is an innovative and meaningful way to help ease those challenges.
Joint statement from Premier Pillai and Minister Mostyn on meeting with Brigadier-General Dan Rivière, Commander of the Joint Task Force North
Premier Ranj Pilllai and Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn have issued the following statement:
“Last week, Minister Mostyn and I met with Brigadier-General Dan Rivière, Commander of the Joint Task Force North, to discuss communications, Canadian Armed Forces training exercises, collaboration on emergency management and Arctic security.
School staffing updates ahead of the 2023-24 school year
The Government of Yukon has made significant progress in the recruitment of education professionals in advance of the 2023-24 school year. The Yukon government works in partnership with Yukon First Nations and school boards to staff Yukon schools. Where there are educator vacancies, schools – with support from their leadership teams follow established strategies to ensure student’s learning needs are met.
The Government of Yukon launches a new backpack initiative to support individuals in need
The Government of Yukon has unveiled the “Support is Here for You” Backpack Project, a new initiative intended to provide personal care items for direct assistance and community support to individuals experiencing substance use issues.
This project is part of the Government of Yukon’s commitment to respond to the Substance Use Health Emergency by taking bold and innovative actions, including prevention, harm reduction efforts and collaborative programming with partner organizations.
Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Canada, Northwest Territories and Yukon sign the Western Arctic – Tariuq (Offshore) Accord
This is a joint news release with the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and the governments of Yukon, Northwest Territories and Canada.
