Yukon News Releases
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.
Tipping fees holiday extended for Southern Lakes region affected by windstorms
The Government of Yukon is extending the waiving of tipping fees until September 3 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.
Windstorms in late July created issues with windblown debris. The tipping-fee-holiday extension is meant to provide area residents with additional time to clean up downed trees and encourage disposal of brush piles that could otherwise increase wildland-fire risks.
Statement from the Government of Yukon regarding wildfire-related evacuations
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee and Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn issued the following statement regarding the Vuntut Gwitchin Government’s evacuation order for Old Crow:
“The Government of Yukon is supporting the Vuntut Gwitchin Government’s evacuation order for Old Crow. This order is due to forecasted weather and potential wildfire activity.
Statement from Premier Pillai on new accessible duplexes open in Mayo and Carmacks
While events in Mayo were postponed due to fire threats in the region, Premier Ranj Pillai Minister responsible for the Yukon Housing Corporation, issued the following statement marking the opening of new accessible duplexes in Mayo and Carmacks.
“The mission of the Government of Yukon and the Yukon Housing Corporation is to make it so that in our territory, everyone has a place to call home.
“A home is more than just bricks and mortar; it is a sanctuary that shapes our lives and nurtures our dreams. Building strong communities begins with one home at a time.
Statement from Premier Pillai on mineral tour with Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“Yesterday, federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne and I had the privilege of touring a number of Yukon mineral projects while discussing infrastructure development to support our economic growth. Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources John Streicker and Mayo-Tatchun MLA Jeremy Harper joined for this tour, which included Western Copper and Gold Corporation’s Casino project, Newmont Corporation’s Coffee Gold project and other projects in the Dawson range.
Statement from Premier Pillai on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“Every year on August 9, we observe International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, which promotes the rights and needs of Indigenous Peoples while celebrating Indigenous communities and knowledge.
“Reconciliation is a journey, not a destination, and today provides an opportunity to look back at our progress and recognize the path that still lies ahead. The path to reconciliation is one that we must walk together.
Government of Yukon Declares State of Emergency for Mayo and Surrounding Area
Following a special meeting of the Executive Council and conversations with Mayo Mayor Trevor Ellis and First Nation of Na-cho Nyäk Dun Chief Dawna Hope, the Government of Yukon has declared a state of emergency under the Civil Emergency Measures Act for Mayo and surrounding areas affected by, or at risk of, wildfire.
This is a localized state of emergency that covers a 15 km radius from the centre of the community. This declaration supports the municipal state of emergency declared by the Village of Mayo on Sunday August 6, which expired today at 3:30 pm.
Joint statement on investment from Government of Canada to support the Yukon’s climate action and greenhouse gas reduction
Today, the Government of Yukon, together with the Government of Canada, announced an investment of up to $8.4 million from Canada’s Low Carbon Economy Challenge Fund to support climate action and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the Yukon. The Government of Canada has also allocated up to $36.4 million for the Yukon under the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund.
Minister of Highways and Public Works Nils Clarke has issued the following statement:
Joint Statement from Minister responsible for French Language Services Directorate John Streicker and Minister responsible for Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean on funding to strengthen Les Essentielles
Minister responsible for French Language Services Directorate John Streicker and Minister responsible for Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean have issued the following statement:
“Today, the Government of Canada and the Government of Yukon announced joint funding to allow Les Essentielles to buy the building that houses their organization. This project is a unique opportunity to help strengthen Les Essentielles and the Yukon Francophone community, helping ensure they thrive for generations to come.
