Yukon News Releases

Yukon Emergency Medical Services team members recognized with national awards for exemplary service and excellence

mar, 05/23/2023 - 18:33

Today, the Honourable Angélique Bernard, Commissioner of Yukon, awarded the Governor General’s Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal to four Yukon Emergency Medical Services (EMS) team members.

This national award recognizes the good conduct, industry and efficiency of professionals who have provided pre-hospital emergency medical services to the public in an exemplary manner for at least 20 years. This year’s recipients are:

Statement from Premier Pillai on Victoria Day

ven, 05/19/2023 - 12:00

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

“For over 175 years, Canadians have celebrated this day as the birthday of our head of state, beginning with Her Imperial Majesty Queen Victoria. On Victoria Day, we reflect on the Crown’s contributions to Canada’s development and celebrate Canadian heritage and culture.

“Earlier this month, we watched the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and continue the Victoria Day tradition by celebrating our newest monarch on this day.  

Congratulations to the Council of Yukon First Nations on the start of the construction of the Family Preservation Wellness Centre

ven, 05/19/2023 - 11:36

The Government of Yukon congratulates the Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) on the site blessing and groundbreaking ceremony for the Family Preservation Wellness Centre.

The ceremony took place on May 17, 2023 at 10 Eldorado Drive in Whistle Bend. The future site of the Family Preservation Wellness Centre is close to playgrounds, walking trails and the new Whistle Bend School. The Centre will have 15 apartments (32 beds) divided by high and lower barrier areas to safely meet the needs of women with children and women who require more support.

Yukon and federal government bilateral negotiations underway for the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence

jeu, 05/18/2023 - 17:12

The Yukon government has begun formal negotiations with the federal government to finalize its bilateral funding agreement and implementation plan for the territory under the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.

Provincial, territorial and federal governments, including the Government of Yukon, endorsed the 10-year National Action Plan in November 2022. This historic national plan builds on approaches and strategies to prevent and address gender-based violence with the goal of supporting victims, survivors and their families no matter where they live in Canada.

Northern Premiers meet in Inuvik to discuss shared priorities

mer, 05/17/2023 - 20:07

Premier of the Yukon Ranj Pillai, Premier of the Northwest Territories Caroline Cochrane and Premier of Nunavut P.J. Akeeagok met for the annual Northern Premiers’ Forum, held this year in Inuvik, Northwest Territories on May 16 and 17.

The three leaders focused on shared priorities, reflecting on the state of the North and discussing issues including Arctic security, infrastructure, critical minerals, housing, labour markets, education and climate change.

Statement from the Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean on the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

mer, 05/17/2023 - 13:44

Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean has issued the following statement:

“On May 17 over 130 countries around the world observe International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. This date was created in 2004 to draw attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex people, and all of those with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions and sex characteristics. This year's theme is "Together always: united in diversity".

Government of Yukon connects with municipal leaders at 2023 Association of Yukon Communities annual general meeting

mar, 05/16/2023 - 20:04

Government of Yukon officials joined municipal representatives and community leaders in Watson Lake for the 2023 Association of Yukon Communities (AYC) annual general meeting (AGM).

Brush up on bear awareness this spring

mar, 05/16/2023 - 18:11

As bears become active again, it is essential to stay vigilant and understand how to prevent and manage encounters while engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, camping, hunting, enjoying neighborhood trails or even staying home.

Conservation officers are reminding the public to:

The Government of Yukon and the City of Whitehorse sign new tourism agreement

mar, 05/16/2023 - 15:45

The Government of Yukon and the City of Whitehorse have renewed their commitment to collaborate on projects related to tourism and culture in Whitehorse through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The new Tourism Partnership agreement identifies a number of opportunities for the City and the Government of Yukon to work together and share information and resources in the promotion and development of Whitehorse and the Yukon as vibrant tourism destinations.

They include:

Cultural Olympics promotes French language and culture among high school students on Yukon Francophonie Day

mar, 05/16/2023 - 11:51

The Department of Education held its first-ever Cultural Olympics in celebration of Yukon Francophonie Day yesterday afternoon. French-speaking high school students attended Rotary Park to participate in a variety of activities and celebrate Francophone cultures with peers.

The purpose of this event was to provide a platform for students to express themselves in French and enhance their language skills within an authentic cultural setting, while also facilitating interaction between students who speak French as a first or second language.

The sixth Housing Initiatives Fund intake boosts affordable housing availability across the Yukon

lun, 05/15/2023 - 18:38

The sixth intake of the Housing Initiatives Fund (HIF) is supporting 11 shovel-ready projects throughout Yukon, which will construct approximately 159 new affordable homes across the territory.

Shovel-ready projects in Whitehorse will be led by the following proponents:

  • Habitat for Humanity;
  • Council of Yukon First Nations; and
  • Grey Mountain Housing Society.


Shovel-ready projects in Yukon communities will be led by the following proponents:

Statement from the Minister responsible for the French Language Services Directorate John Streicker on Yukon Francophonie Day

lun, 05/15/2023 - 15:17

Minister John Streicker has issued the following statement:

“Since 2007, the Government of Yukon has proudly recognized May 15 as Yukon Francophonie Day. On this special day, we celebrate 150 years of Francophone presence across the Yukon as well as the French language and the Francophone culture that continue to shape the history and identity of our territory.

Yukon government hires contractor to ensure environmental protection at the Minto Mine

sam, 05/13/2023 - 13:51

The Government of Yukon has hired a contractor to ensure environmental protection is maintained at the Minto Mine.

The mine operator, Minto Metals Corporation, has indicated that it is not able to continue operations at the site.

JDS Mining has been immediately mobilized to the Minto Mine site under contract to the Government of Yukon. The company is familiar with the operation of the mine and has experience in mine site care and maintenance elsewhere in the Yukon.

The Government of Yukon renews the Timber Harvesting Incentive program

ven, 05/12/2023 - 14:48

The Government of Yukon is committed to promoting the firewood supply. That is why the timber incentive program has been extended for an additional year, offering commercial timber harvesters financial assistance through March 2024.

The Timber Harvesting Incentive offers $10 per cubic metre harvested. Registered Yukon harvesting businesses can apply for this incentive by filling out the application form at Yukon.ca/timber-harvesting-incentive. 

Nominations now open for the 2023 Council of the Federation Literacy Award

ven, 05/12/2023 - 13:45

The nomination period is now open for the 2023 Council of the Federation Literacy Award.

The awards are presented annually, in each province and territory, to celebrate the work of educators, volunteers, learners, community organizations and businesses in literacy.

Premier Ranj Pillai encourages nominations to recognize Yukoners who demonstrate outstanding achievement, innovative practice and excellence in adult literacy development. 

Second Yukon Aging in Place annual report released

ven, 05/12/2023 - 12:45

The Government of Yukon has released the 2021-22 annual report regarding the implementation of the Yukon Aging in Place Action Plan.

The Yukon Aging in Place Action Plan contains 56 recommended actions aimed at helping ensure older Yukoners can live safely, independently, and comfortably in their own homes or communities for as long as possible.

All recommended actions are either operational or in progress, including 11 that were started since the last annual report.

Statement from Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee on International Nurses Day

ven, 05/12/2023 - 12:15

“Today, we honour and recognize the indispensable role of nurses in our healthcare system as they provide crucial care to all Yukoners. This year’s International Nurses Day theme is Our Nurses. Our Future., which highlights the many roles that nurses play in the health journey of patients.

Yukon Permanent Art Collection welcomes 14 new diverse works of art

jeu, 05/11/2023 - 18:36

The Government of Yukon has selected 14 new works of art for inclusion in the Yukon Permanent Art Collection.

The new acquisitions are the work of artists Shiela Alexandrovich, Hildur Jónasson, Sarah Lennie, Meshell Melvin, Rebekah Miller, Aubyn O’Grady, Jackie Olson, Cohen Quash, Rosemary Scanlon, Veronica Verkley, Sharon Vittrekwa, Meg Walker and Twyla Wheeler. The selected works of art reflect a range of styles and approaches and encompass a variety of mediums such as painting, sculpture, textile, printmaking and fine craft.

Senior leadership change for Executive Council Office and Economic Development

jeu, 05/11/2023 - 17:07

Premier Ranj Pillai has appointed new leaders for the Executive Council Office and the Department of Economic Development.

Justin Ferbey will take on the role of deputy minister for the Executive Council Office and cabinet secretary. He will continue to be president of the Yukon Housing Corporation.

Michael Prochazka will replace Ferbey as the deputy minister for the Department of Economic Development. Prochazka will be acting deputy minister for six months.

These appointments are effective on May 12.

Government of Yukon pledges support for Alberta wildfires

jeu, 05/11/2023 - 14:40

The Government of Yukon is donating $25,000 to the Canadian Red Cross to support relief, recovery, and resiliency efforts in response to the fires in Alberta, which has 76 active fires and close to 30,000 people displaced.

Twenty-one wildland fire personnel were also deployed to Alberta earlier this week.

The Government of Yukon continues to monitor and assess the fire and flood situation here at home and encourages all Yukoners to visit Yukon.ca/emergencies to learn how they can prepare for potential emergencies.

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