Yukon News Releases
Government of Yukon releases third Yukon Aging in Place annual report
This news release was originally released on July 9, 2024; however, it was retracted due to errors found in the final report. The final report has been corrected. The title of the news release was updated to create a new URL. No other changes were made to the news release.
The Government of Yukon has released the third and final annual report regarding the implementation of the Yukon Aging in Place Action Plan.
Senior leadership changes in the Government of Yukon public service
Premier Ranj Pillai has appointed Samantha Paterson as Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Lyle Dinn as acting Public Service Commissioner.
Samantha Paterson has been with the Government of Yukon for 32 years in a variety of senior leadership positions. Samantha has served as assistant deputy minister of Corporate Services in Energy, Mines, and Resources since 2021. This appointment is effective July 16.
Statement from the Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources John Streicker providing update on Victoria Gold Corporation’s Eagle Gold Mine
Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources John Streicker has issued the following statement:
“The heap leach failure at Victoria Gold Corporation’s Eagle Gold mine has the potential for significant environmental impacts, and Yukoners across the territory are justly concerned about what this means to the land, water, animals, economy and the way of life for Yukoners now and for generations to come.
Statement from the Government of Yukon on the death of Northwest Territories wildfire pilot
Premier Ranj Pillai, Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn and the Yukon Wildland Fire Management branch have issued the following statement:
“The Government of Yukon and Wildland Fire Management send our deepest condolences to the Northwest Territories after the death of a helicopter pilot fighting wildfire in Fort Good Hope on June 28.
“Flags at Yukon Wildland Fire Management have been set to half-mast in honour of Tom Frith. We offer our condolences to his colleagues and loved ones after this loss.
Statement from Minister of Tourism and Culture John Streicker on Historic Places Days
Minister of Tourism and Culture John Streicker has issued the following statement:
“July 10 to 17 is Canada Historic Places Days, an annual campaign organized by the National Trust for Canada to promote the importance of historic sites. During this week, hundreds of sites across the country will host special events and activities to celebrate Canada’s unique heritage and history.
Contract awarded for conceptual design of the Dawson recreation centre
The Government of Yukon is awarding the contract for Phase 1a, conceptual and schematic design, of the new Dawson recreation centre to Wildstone Construction & Engineering Ltd. This initiative is part of the Government of Yukon’s ongoing commitment to fostering environments and building sustainable infrastructure to promote social connection and wellbeing for Yukoners.
Government of Yukon renews its partnership with Mitacs, continuing investment in developing and retaining crucial talent in the North
This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and Mitacs.
The Government of Yukon and Mitacs are pleased to announce their continued partnership. This is the fifth consecutive year the Yukon government has partnered with Mitacs, working together to bring new talent to the region and to develop and retain the territory’s best and brightest minds.
Residential development feasibility studies underway for Whitehorse North and South Growth Areas
This is a joint news release between Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, the Government of Yukon and the City of Whitehorse.
The Government of Yukon, Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the City of Whitehorse are conducting feasibility work to evaluate the potential for residential development in the North and South Growth Areas. These areas, identified in the City of Whitehorse’s Official Community Plan include Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council Settlement Lands and vacant Government of Yukon land.
Government of Yukon and Yukon Hospital Corporation expand long-term care and acute care capacity in the Yukon
This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and the Yukon Hospital Corporation.
The Government of Yukon is expanding the Yukon’s health care system by increasing the amount of both long-term care rooms at Whistle Bend Place and acute care beds at Whitehorse General Hospital.
Statement from Minister McLean and Minister McPhee on Pride celebrations in the Yukon
Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean and Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee have issued the following statement:
“As Pride season events take place across the territory, our government proudly joins in the celebrations uplifting the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and recognizes their significant contributions to the Yukon. Our government reaffirms its commitment to ensuring 2SLGBTQIA+ Yukoners feel seen, safe and supported.
Housing Initiatives Fund supports construction of four new homes in Whistle Bend
With $400,000 in support from Yukon Housing Corporation’s Housing Initiatives Fund, Habitat for Humanity Yukon is on track to construct four new affordable homes in Whistle Bend, Whitehorse. Once completed, this partner-led development will increase the availability of affordable housing options and help more Yukoners become homeowners.
Yukon post-secondary students can now apply for funding for the 2024–25 school year
Today, the online student financial assistance portal opened for applications for the 2024–25 academic year.
Students must apply each year to receive financial assistance for their studies. Funding programs include the:
Statement from Premier Pillai on Canada Day
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“This Monday, July 1, across the country and here in the Yukon, Canadians are joining together to celebrate Canada Day.
“Canada Day is an opportunity to celebrate our unity, diversity and what makes our country one we can all be proud to call home.
“Since July 1, 1868, this day has been a time for all Canadians to come together and reflect on what it means to be Canadian, to take pride in our heritage, and to celebrate our vibrant cultures.
Statement from Premier Ranj Pillai on the Carcross/Tagish First Nation election
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“On behalf of the Government of Yukon, I congratulate Maria Benoit on her re-election as Ḵaa Sháade Héni for the Carcross/Tagish First Nation.
“The Government of Yukon values our government-to-government relationship with the Carcross/Tagish First Nation and I look forward to our continued collaboration as we advance our shared priorities.
Yukon Child and Youth Advocate to review Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) Policy
As part of its ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and inclusivity of all students, the Government of Yukon has referred the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) Policy to the Yukon Child and Youth Advocate Office for a comprehensive review.
New signage at Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport acknowledges Traditional Territories
This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon, the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council.
Travellers landing at the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport will now be greeted by a new welcome sign acknowledging the Traditional Territories of the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council and Kwanlin Dün First Nation.
New housing funding supports Yukoners facing gender-based violence
The Government of Yukon, in partnership with the federal government and the local not-for-profit community, has launched the gender-based violence stream of the Canada-Yukon Housing Benefit program. This initiative marks a significant step in the Government of Yukon’s approach to addressing gender-based violence and the ongoing commitment to supporting a more equitable society. The program will provide more than $2 million annually to help survivors of gender-based violence to obtain and maintain safe housing.
Statement from Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources John Streicker on the heap leach failure at the Eagle Gold mine
Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources John Streicker has issued the following statement:
“The Government of Yukon is closely monitoring the situation at the Eagle Gold mine, following the failure of the heap leach facility on Monday, June 24.
Yukon Public Libraries launches new website
The new Yukon Public Libraries website is now live at Yukonlibraries.ca. This launch follows the introduction of the new online catalogue at search.yukonlibraries.ca in July 2023, completing Yukon Public Libraries’ shift to a modern online system.
This new website was created to enhance usability and access to library resources. Patrons visiting the website can apply for library cards, book the library meeting rooms, register for events and retrieve community library information.
What We Heard report released on household waste disposal options
The Government of Yukon has released a What We Heard report following engagement about waste transfer stations with residents in Braeburn, Keno, Johnson’s Crossing and Silver City.
