Yukon News Releases
Premier Pillai attends Western Premiers’ Conference
From June 26-27, 2023, Premier Ranj Pillai met with fellow provincial and territorial leaders at the Western Premiers' Conference in Whistler, B.C., discussing and deliberating on issues of importance to Canada’s seven western provinces and territories.
Statement from Premier Pillai on Canadian Multiculturalism Day
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“In the Yukon, we have the privilege of hosting a remarkable tapestry of cultures, each contributing their unique traditions, languages and perspectives. Our territory is home to 14 Indigenous nations, as well as settlers, newcomers and members of various communities, all of whom play an integral role in shaping our shared identity.
The Government of Yukon is seeking feedback from Indigenous Yukoners on hiring practices
The Government of Yukon is launching a public engagement process to learn more about barriers faced by Indigenous Yukoners in territorial government hiring practices and to gather feedback on the overall experience of Indigenous public servants employed by the Government of Yukon.
Indigenous Yukoners age 18+ are invited to provide feedback through the survey by July 31, 2023. The survey will cover topics such as recruitment process, online application platform and how the Yukon government can make workplaces more inclusive for Indigenous people.
Statement from Premier Pillai on the Hajj
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“Today is the start of the Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca.
Statement from the Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean on International Women in Engineering Day
Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean has issued the following statement:
“June 23 is International Women in Engineering Day. We celebrate this day to honour women in the field of engineering.
“Female engineers are largely under-represented, with women making up only 13.9 per cent of Canadian Engineers in a statistic from 2019.
Statement from Minister responsible for French Language Services Directorate John Streicker on Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day
Minister responsible for French Language Services Directorate John Streicker has issued the following statement for Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day
“On the eve of Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, the Yukon joins Canadians from coast to coast to coast celebrating Francophone culture. This day is a special occasion to come together with friends and family and be proud of the rich traditions of the Francophonie here in the Yukon and across the country.
Statement from Premier Pillai on the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“Today, flags on Government of Yukon buildings across the territory are flying at half-mast to commemorate the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism.
“First proclaimed in 2005, today is an opportunity to honour those who have lost their lives through acts of terror in Canada and around the world. As Yukoners, we stand shoulder to shoulder with our fellow Canadians, united in remembrance, as we solemnly reflect upon the lives that were cut short.
Premier Pillai meets with leadership from Municipality of Dawson City, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Government and Selkirk First Nation Government
The Government of Yukon is committed to improving the lives of Yukoners across the territory and believes that to do this, positive, respectful relationships with municipal and First Nations governments are necessary.
Statement from Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee on Yukon Coroner’s Inquest Report
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:
“The Yukon coroner’s inquest into the death of Kaiya Stone-Kirk has been completed. I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to the presiding coroner and the jurors for their thorough examination and recommendations that were shared with the Government of Yukon in their final report.
Government of Yukon strengthens student safety through full implementation of Safer Schools Action Plan
The Government of Yukon has fully implemented the 23 action items in the Safer Schools Action Plan, which focuses on improving the safety and wellbeing of students.
While recognizing that the work to ensure students are safe at school will never end, the action items in the Safer Schools Action Plan emphasize creating safe and caring environments, transparency, accountability, victim-centered approaches, collaboration and reconciliation in education settings.
Joint Statement from Minister of Health and Social Services and Minister of Community Services on the Office of the Auditor General of Canada's Report on Yukon's COVID-19 Response
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee and Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn have issued the following statement:
“Our thanks go to the Office of the Auditor General of Canada (OAG) for their examination and constructive feedback on the Yukon’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Their analysis serves as a resource to steer our future initiatives and enhance our public health preparedness. The recommendations put forth are accepted and with a commitment to swift and effective action.
Statement from Premier Pillai on World Refugee Day
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“Today, as we observe World Refugee Day, we reflect upon the global refugee crisis and reaffirm our commitment to compassion.
“This day serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by millions of individuals around the world who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution and unimaginable hardships. Each person forced to leave their homeland carries with them a unique story. Refugees who come to the Yukon bring talents, skills and dreams that enrich our territory.
Yukoners responding to wildfires across Canada
The Government of Yukon continues to send wildland fire personnel to support wildfire response operations across Canada, while ensuring that the Yukon maintains adequate firefighting capacity at home.
Since May 8, the Yukon has sent a total of 76 staff, including three unit crews, to incidents in the Northwest Territories, Alberta and Quebec.
Statement from Premier Ranj Pillai on National Indigenous Peoples Day
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“On June 21 we mark National Indigenous Peoples Day, an important opportunity to recognize, celebrate, and honour the diverse cultures, languages, traditions, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples across the Yukon and Canada.
“The Yukon is celebrating several significant anniversaries this year:
Leaders meet for Yukon Forum at Ta’an Kwäch’än Council’s Fish Camp on Lake Laberge
This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon, the Council of Yukon First Nations and Yukon First Nations governments.
Today, Premier Ranj Pillai and members of his Cabinet, Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston and Yukon First Nations Chiefs met at Ta’an Kwäch’än Council’s Fish Camp at Tàá’an Män (Lake Laberge) for the Yukon Forum.
Master plan finalized for a Range Point neighbourhood development
Kwanlin Dün First Nation (KDFN) and the Government of Yukon are pleased to announce a finalized master plan for a new neighbourhood planned in Whitehorse’s Range Point.
The master plan will guide future development on two pieces of land, one by KDFN and one by the Government of Yukon. Planning for Range Point started in 2021, with the final design created using input from KDFN citizens, Range Point residents and the public.
Statement from the Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean on International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict
Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean has issued the following statement:
"Today we recognize the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, a day of global significance that raises awareness about the urgent need to end conflict-related sexualized violence. This day is a reminder to honour the victims and survivors of sexualized violence worldwide and pay tribute to those who have dedicated their lives in the pursuit of eradicating these atrocious crimes.
The Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre celebrates opening of new exhibits
On Saturday, June 17, the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre (YBIC) hosted a grand reopening celebration after undergoing several months of exhibit renewal work in their main exhibit hall.
This free event featured refreshments, live music, entertainment and a variety of activities for all ages. Visitors also learned more about the exhibits and their importance from Tourism and Culture Minister John Streicker, YBIC Manager Christie Grekul and Yukon Palaeontologist Dr. Grant Zazula.
Features of the newly renovated main exhibit hall include:
Outstanding service recognized by Premier Pillai
Premier Ranj Pillai presented four individuals and 10 teams of public servants with the Premier’s Award for Excellence and Innovation. The award, designed to honour the individual successes and collaborative efforts of employees, helps foster productivity, cooperation, understanding, and respect within the Government of Yukon public service.
COVID-19 Recovery Research Program successfully completed
This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and the Government of Canada.
The COVID-19 Recovery Research Program concluded this week with a public Research Results Summit held in Whitehorse. The COVID-19 Recovery Research Program was launched in November 2020 by the Government of Canada and the Yukon government, with the aim of gathering the information needed to support the Yukon’s strategic recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
