Yukon News Releases
The Government of Yukon renews the Timber Harvesting Incentive program
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
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
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
“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
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
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
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.
Premier Pillai meets with federal ministers, MPs, and Senators in Ottawa
As part of his mandate letter commitments to maintain strong working relationships with the federal government on shared priorities, Premier Ranj Pillai was in Ottawa from May 3 to 7, 2023, to advance the Yukon’s priorities on the national stage.
Premier Pillai met with several federal ministers, MPs and senators, including:
Yukon firefighters deployed to Alberta to support wildfire response
The Government of Yukon is sending wildland fire personnel to support wildfire response operations in Alberta.
In total, the Yukon government is sending 21 people to Alberta, including six initial attack crews from the Dawson and Whitehorse regions. The firefighting crews will be joined by an agency representative and an additional wildland fire officer. The specifics of this deployment may change as the situation evolves in Alberta.
Premier Pillai builds connections with Philippines, Indonesia and Japan
Today, Premier Ranj Pillai sat down with Consuls General of the Philippines, Indonesia and Japan during separate meetings in Vancouver.
The Premier met with newly-confirmed Consul General of the Philippines, Arlene Magno, to congratulate her on her new appointment. Premier Pillai continued discussions on streamlining immigration to the Yukon for Filipinos and explored the key sectors and skills that the Yukon is seeking to attract to fill employment needs.
Government of Yukon invests $1.4 million to support mineral exploration in 2023-24
The Government of Yukon is investing $1.4 million to support 44 mineral exploration projects through the Yukon Mineral Exploration Program in 2023-24. These projects are anticipated to spend more than $4.6 million on exploration this season.
The Yukon Mineral Exploration Program supports placer and hard rock exploration projects by reimbursing a percentage of approved exploration expenditures. The intent of the program is to support early-stage projects and stimulate new mineral discoveries.
May snow survey shows snowpack is well above average for most of the Yukon
The Government of Yukon Water Resources Branch has released the May 1 Yukon Snow Survey Bulletin and Water Supply Forecast. The May 1 snow survey found that most of the territory was slightly above to well above average for this time of year.
Five projects supported through the Yukon Francophonie Day Program
The Office of the Commissioner of Yukon awarded $15,000 for five community-based projects creating opportunities for all Yukoners to participate in the Yukon Francophonie Day celebrations on and around May 15, 2023.
Statement from Premier Pillai on the coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty the Queen Consort
Premier Ranj Pillai released the following statement:
“On behalf of the people of the Yukon, I extend congratulations to His Majesty The King and Her Majesty the Queen Consort on their coronation.
“This historic moment marks a new chapter in the life of the monarchy and we wish them success as they undertake their duties and responsibilities.
Engagement begins on expansion of Sexualized Assault Response Team services for Yukon communities
The Government of Yukon and its partners on the Sexualized Assault Response Team (SART) are launching an engagement on the expansion of SART services in the Yukon’s rural communities.
Statement from the Minister responsible for Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean on Red Dress Day
The following statement was released by Minister Jeanie McLean:
“On May 5, we observe Red Dress Day. This important occasion was inspired by Métis artist Jaime Black, who in 2010 hung red dresses as part of her REDress Project installation to represent Indigenous lives lost to gender-based violence. Since then, red dresses have become a symbol of the missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit+ people.
Recipients announced for annual First Nation cultural centres and museums special projects funding
The annual Special Projects Capital Assistance Program (SPCAP) has granted funding to 12 First Nation cultural centres and museums across the Yukon for a total of $348,000 distributed among 15 projects.
The provided funding will aid in a range of initiatives that will improve the ability of the recipients to share their stories, including to protect, preserve and interpret their collections. Funded projects for 2023/24 include the planning, installation and improvement of current and future exhibits, collections management, building repair and more.
Senior leadership updates in the Government of Yukon public service
Premier Ranj Pillai has made changes to the leadership positions in the departments of Energy, Mines and Resources, Health and Social Services, and Finance.
Samantha Paterson will move from her position as Assistant Deputy Minister for corporate services with Energy, Mines and Resources to a three-month acting assignment as Deputy Minister for the department. Paul McConnell is leaving the Yukon and there is a competition underway to permanently staff this position. This appointment is effective on May 9.
Yukon school calendar dates finalized for 2023–24
A complete list of calendar dates for all Yukon schools for the 2023–24 school year is now finalized and available online at Yukon.ca.
School calendars are developed in partnership with school administrators, school councils, and school communities, and then approved by the Minister and school boards for schools under their authority.
AlertReady test and other activities planned for Emergency Preparedness Week
Sunday, May 7, 2023 is the beginning of Emergency Preparedness Week, and the Government of Yukon is marking the occasion with a series of awareness and educational activities to help Yukoners be ready for flood and fire season.
Emergency preparedness is a collaborative effort between all members of the community. It starts with every individual long before an emergency occurs. This week is a great opportunity for Yukoners to consider whether they are prepared for emergencies and how they can contribute to wildfire-resilient Yukon communities.
