Yukon News Releases
Yukon Child Benefit maximum increases to $876 per child
The Government of Yukon is committed to making life more affordable for parents and families, now and in the long term. To help address inflation and the costs associated with raising children, the rate of the Yukon Child Benefit will increase by 6.8 per cent on July 1, 2023. Future annual increases will match the Whitehorse Consumer Price Index to ensure that the benefit keeps pace with the rising cost of living.
Senior leadership updates for Energy, Mines and Resources
Premier Ranj Pillai has appointed Lauren Haney as the deputy minister for the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources.
Samantha Paterson has been acting deputy minister pending a permanent appointment and will return to her role as assistant deputy minister for corporate services with the department.
This appointment is effective June 5.
Statement from Premier Pillai on Filipino Heritage Month
Premier Ranj Pillai has released the following statement:
“I am delighted to extend my warmest wishes to the Filipino community in the Yukon as we celebrate Filipino Heritage Month.
“Filipinos are the largest immigrant group in the Yukon, making up about 21 per cent of the Yukon’s immigrant population. Filipino Heritage Month offers an excellent opportunity to honour Filipino culture, traditions and values that add to the diversity of the territory.
Statement from the Government of Yukon on National Indigenous History Month
Premier Ranj Pillai and Deputy Premier Jeanie McLean issued the following statement:
“As we enter the month of June, the Government of Yukon would like to recognize and honour National Indigenous History Month. This is an important opportunity to reflect upon the rich and diverse heritage of Indigenous Peoples here in the Yukon and across Canada.
Government of Yukon and Kluane First Nation celebrate Kêts’ádań Kų̀ site clearing with school community
This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and Kluane First Nation.
Today, Deputy Premier and Minister of Education Jeanie McLean, Kluane First Nation Chief Bob Dickson and Minister of Highways and Public Works Nils Clarke all joined a community celebration of the future site for the Kêts’ádań Kų̀ school build project in Burwash Landing.
Current Kluane Lake School students also participated in the day’s festivities and brought contributions for a time capsule that will be buried on the school grounds during future construction.
Statement from Premier Pillai on Commissioner Bernard’s years of service and welcome to incoming Commissioner Adeline Webber
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Commissioner Angélique Bernard for her years of dedicated service to the people of the Yukon.
“Angélique Bernard was sworn in as Yukon's 36th Commissioner on March 12, 2018 and served the territory for one term. She was also the first Francophone Commissioner to the Yukon.
Premier Ranj Pillai meets with Ross River Dena Council, Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation and celebrates 30 years of self-government with First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun
Last week, Premier Ranj Pillai traveled to Ross River and Carmacks to meet with local First Nations leaders to address ongoing issues, challenges and opportunities while fostering stronger partnerships for the future. The Premier visited Mayo on Sunday, May 28 to celebrate 30 years of self-government with First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun.
Government of Yukon seeking judicial review of mineral exploration project assessment
The Government of Yukon has applied for a judicial review of the assessment of the Michelle Creek mineral exploration project. This is the first mineral exploration project to be assessed in the area covered by the Peel Watershed Regional Land Use Plan since the plan was approved. The Yukon government has identified a number of significant concerns in the evaluation report that impact the government's ability to reach an informed conclusion about the next course of action for this project.
Statement from Premier Pillai on Alberta election
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“On behalf of the Government of Yukon, I would like to congratulate Premier Danielle Smith on the United Conservative Party’s re-election in yesterday’s Alberta election.
“Our governments have a longstanding history of cooperation, and I look forward to continuing to work with Premier Smith to grow our economies for the benefit of all Yukoners and Albertans.”
Government of Yukon supporting residents affected by flooding
The Government of Yukon is working with the City of Dawson and the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in to ensure the well-being of all residents impacted by flooding in the Klondike.
So far, 82 evacuees have registered with Emergency Health and Support Services, with many lodged in hotels and staying in private accommodations. Support to ensure evacuees have access to groceries, meals, clothing and medications has also been provided.
Statement from Premier Pillai on International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers
The following statement was issued by Premier Ranj Pillai:
“On May 29, we join the international community in paying tribute to those who served and continue to serve as United Nations (UN) peacekeepers.
“The first UN peacekeeping operation was launched in 1948 to maintain the ceasefire during the Arab-Israeli War, creating a model for future peacekeeping missions. Since then, UN peacekeeping missions have become a key component of global efforts to maintain international peace and security.
Tentative agreement reached between the Yukon government and the Public Service Alliance of Canada/Yukon Employees’ Union
The Government of Yukon and the Public Service Alliance of Canada/Yukon Employees’ Union have reached a tentative agreement.
The two parties began collective bargaining in November 2021 to renew the existing collective agreement, which expired on December 31, 2021.
The tentative agreement is subject to ratification. Details of the settlement will be released after the ratification process is complete.
The Government of Yukon congratulates Dawson City on its new waste diversion and recycling facility
On May 19, Dawson City unveiled its new waste diversion and recycling centre. The Government of Yukon applauds municipal officials and staff for their efforts in constructing the facility and their leadership in moving toward a greener community.
Understanding the Early Years course provides opportunities for culturally competent early childhood educator training
This is a joint release between the governments of Yukon and Canada and the Yukon First Nations Education Directorate.
The Government of Yukon and the Government of Canada are committed to increasing access for all families to high-quality, affordable, flexible and inclusive early learning and child care across the Yukon.
Elijah Smith Elementary School celebrates installation of clean, sustainable heating system
The Elijah Smith Elementary School in Whitehorse is home to a new biomass heating system, building on the Government of Yukon's commitment to support a strong and sustainable future for generations to come.
Biomass is a clean, renewable energy source that reduces fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions. Heat is created by burning organic matter like wood. This system will reduce the school's reliance on propane and lower its greenhouse emissions by approximately 180 tonnes annually.
Twelve community groups receive funding to support Yukon youth
The Government of Yukon recognizes the vital role of youth in shaping the future of the territory. To strengthen this role, 12 community groups from across the Yukon received over $59,000 through the Youth Investment Fund (YIF) for a range of artistic and recreational activities, such as therapeutic horseback riding, piano lessons, a rugby club and a theatrical presentation.
Statement from Minister of Justice Tracy-Anne McPhee on RCMP’s 150th Anniversary
Minister of Justice Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:
“Today marks 150 years since Parliament established the North-West Mounted Police, which would eventually become the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
Old Crow residents celebrate the opening of the first assisted-living home for Elders in the community
This is joint news release between the governments of Yukon, Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and Canada.
The governments of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, Canada and the Yukon are pleased to announce the opening of the first assisted-living complex for Elders in Old Crow. An opening ceremony was held on May 19 in the community. This new facility means that Elders no longer have to move south to larger cities and away from their family supports to access the assisted-living care they need.
Government of Yukon commits to advancing the integration of cultural safety and humility into the health and social system
Recognizing and respectfully addressing power imbalances inherent to the health and social care system is a priority for the Government of Yukon. The Department of Health and Social Services has established a cultural safety team that will work to implement a more comprehensive, coordinated approach to cultural safety in the Yukon’s health and social system. This work will be foundational to implementing key commitments from the Putting People First report and approaches to care that will improve health outcomes for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.
Yukon Emergency Medical Services team members recognized with national awards for exemplary service and excellence
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:
