Yukon News Releases
Statement from Minister of Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons
Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean has issued the following statement:
“July 30 is World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. On this day we recognize and raise awareness for the victims of human trafficking – the act of force, fraud or coercion to exploit people.
“World Day against Trafficking in Persons was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. The focus of this year's campaign is to reach every trafficking victim, offering support to survivors and safeguarding vulnerable groups from traffickers.
Statement from Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee on health centre service reductions and staffing shortages
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee issued the following statement:
“Many Yukoners, especially in the communities, are concerned about staffing shortages and service reductions at their local health care facilities, especially in remote and rural communities. On behalf of the Government of Yukon, I want to assure you that we hear your concerns, appreciate your patience and are working hard to address the situation.
Yukon government waives tipping fees for Southern Lakes region affected by windstorms
To support residents in the Southern Lakes region affected by recent windstorms, the Government of Yukon is waiving tipping fees for brush, trees and clean wood brought to the Deep Creek, Marsh Lake, Mount Lorne, Tagish and Carcross solid waste facilities during normal business hours from July 28 to August 6.
Recent windstorms downed trees and created windblown debris. Waiving tipping fees will assist residents with cleaning up and encourages disposal of brush piles that could otherwise increase wildland-fire risks.
Health Human Resources Steering Committee formed to help bolster Yukon healthcare
In response to the global shortage of health and social services workers, a Health Human Resources Steering Committee, jointly led by the Government of Yukon and the Yukon Hospital Corporation, has been formed to help address the Yukon’s health human resource challenges.
Government of Yukon announces support for 2026 Arctic Winter Games bid
The Government of Yukon is proud to announce its support for a bid for the 2026 Arctic Winter Games.
The Yukon government has committed financial and in-kind support of $4.35 million for the event. Going forward, the Government of Yukon will work towards an agreement with the City of Whitehorse and territorial sport organizations to formalize roles and responsibilities to help ensure a successful event.
The City of Whitehorse has a proven track record of hosting national and international level games and has shown it can be a world-class sport city.
Government of Yukon provides update on Minto mine
A court decision on Monday, July 24 addressed unpaid royalties for Selkirk First Nations (SFN) and confirmed the Government of Yukon may advance planning for reclamation and closure of Minto mine site.
It also appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers as receiver for Minto Metals Corporation. As appointed receiver, PricewaterhouseCoopers will manage the Minto Metal Corporation business and property in the best interest of creditors. PricewaterhouseCoopers can seek sale of the mine and assets, if possible, in its entirety to a single purchaser.
Statement from Minister Streicker on the Haa Ḵusteeyí celebration
Minister John Streicker has issued the following statement:
“It is with great pleasure that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Inland Tlingit Nations on organizing the upcoming Haa Ḵusteeyí celebration. This remarkable event from July 28 to 30 is a time to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Tlingit People.
“This celebration would not be possible without the tireless work of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation and Teslin Tlingit Council, along with this year's host, the Taku River Tlingit First Nation and countless volunteers.
Yukon retains ‘AA Stable’ credit rating from S&P Global Ratings for 2023
In March 2023, the Government of Yukon presented a robust, transparent capital plan outlining its commitment to grow and diversify the territory’s economy while ensuring the Yukon is a place that everyone can call home. Yesterday, S&P Global Ratings (S&P) affirmed the territory’s strong financial position, issuing an ‘AA Stable’ credit rating and stable outlook for the territory.
Governments of Yukon and Nova Scotia to work together to enhance training, recruitment, retention and labour mobility for Health Human Resources
Health care workers are the backbone of our health care system, providing compassionate care for Yukoners to improve their health and well-being. The national shortage of health care workers requires a collaborative approach across jurisdictions to identify and implement solutions to address health care workforce needs.
Statement from Premier Pillai on Tisha B’Av
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“Today I join the Yukon’s Jewish community and Jewish people around the world in solemnly marking the observance of Tisha B’Av, an annual Jewish fast day that commemorates several tragic events that have befallen Jewish people throughout the ages.
Change underway in Yukon firefighting as communities launch new fire programs
To ensure that fire services are meeting the needs of Yukoners across the territory, the Yukon Fire Marshal’s Office is implementing a new “levels of fire service” model in unincorporated communities.
Defining levels of service was recommended by the 2021 Review of the Yukon Fire Marshal’s Office and since 2022, Destruction Bay, Keno, Old Crow, Pelly Crossing and Ross River have launched new fire programs. This innovative model offers multiple levels of fire service to match the needs and capacities of individual Yukon communities.
Crime Prevention and Victim Services Trust funds eight community projects
The Government of Yukon strongly believes in working with communities and community groups to find ways to prevent crime and support victims of crime. Through the spring 2023 intake of the Crime Prevention and Victims Services Trust (CPVST), the Government of Yukon is providing over $343,000 in funding to eight community projects intended to reduce crime, prevent gender-based violence and violence against women and children, provide services and information for victims of crime, or provide information about crime prevention and victimization.
The Government of Yukon continues to invest in supportive housing options for seniors and Elders
The Government of Yukon is continuing to increase access to supportive housing options for low-income seniors and Elders by signing a second lease to provide an additional 16 units, for a total of 26 inclusive rental suites, at the Normandy Living Independent Seniors Living Community in Whitehorse.
These additional suites are available for low-income seniors and Elders through the Yukon Housing Corporation. Eligible clients will pay 25 per cent of their income towards rent and 40 per cent of their income towards services, which include meals, housekeeping and laundry.
The Government of Yukon congratulates all North American Indigenous Games participants
Team Yukon, consisting of more than 130 athletes, coaches and mission staff, returned home after participating in the North American Indigenous Games in Halifax. This multi-sport event brought together representatives from 756 Indigenous Nations to celebrate, share and reconnect through sports and culture in Kjipuktuk (Halifax), Dartmouth and Millbrook First Nation.
Yukon Public Libraries upgrades its online system
Yukon Public Libraries patrons will notice changes when accessing the online catalogue starting July 24.
Along with a modified appearance, the new online catalogue will boast increased search-function capabilities and make it easier for users to manage their patron accounts. The catalogue will also make navigating the online resources easier and introduce new features, such as personalized recommendations and the ability to submit book requests directly from a patron account.
Statement from Minister of Environment Nils Clarke on the Congdon Creek Campground expansion
Minister of Environment Nils Clarke has issued the following statement:
“Today, I had the pleasure of celebrating the addition of 41 sites at Congdon Creek Campground, reflecting our government’s commitment to increasing camping opportunities for Yukoners and visitors alike.
“This expansion makes Congdon Creek Campground the largest campground in the territory, in one of the most beautiful spots in the Yukon — along the coast of the stunning Kluane Lake also known in Southern Tutchone as Łù'àn Män.
Statement from Minister of Health and Social Services and Minister of Justice on International Drug Users Remembrance Day
Minister of Health and Social Services and Minister of Justice Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:
“Today is International Drug Users Remembrance Day, an opportunity to honour the memory of those whose lives were cut short due to substance use and the associated societal stigma.
“Behind the statistics of drug-related fatalities, we must remember that these are human lives. These individuals were mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, friends and neighbours. Substance use has no boundaries and affects us all.
Statement from the Government of Yukon on the death of a helicopter pilot fighting Alberta wildfire
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 Alberta after the death of a helicopter pilot fighting wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area, Alberta.
Statement from Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn on Mount McIntyre Infrastructure Upgrades
Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn has issued the following statement:
“On July 20, our government, together with the Government of Canada and the City of Whitehorse, announced funding for two projects at the Mount McIntyre Recreation Centre: ventilation and heating upgrades as well as general centre improvements like new windows and exterior doors. These upgrades were a priority identified by the City of Whitehorse and so we are pleased to help them bring this to fruition.
Yukon First Nations Chiefs Committee on Health to guide implementation of Putting People First
This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and the Council of Yukon First Nations.
A Yukon First Nations Chiefs Committee on Health has been formed to provide direction and oversight regarding the transformation of the health and social system in the Yukon. This includes the implementation of the Putting People First report and the creation of Health and Wellness Yukon, a health authority for the territory.
