Yukon News Releases
Yukon Historical & Museums Association to deliver Yukon 125 Fund
This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and the Yukon Historical & Museums Association.
The Government of Yukon and the Yukon Historical & Museums Association have partnered to offer the Yukon 125 Fund to help tell Yukon stories from all perspectives as the territory marks its 125th anniversary.
Statement from Premier Pillai on Asian Heritage Month
The following statement was released by Premier Ranj Pillai:
“May is Asian Heritage Month in Canada.
“Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity to reflect on and recognize the many contributions that Canadians of Asian heritage have made and continue to make to Canada.
Executive Council Office Deputy Minister resigns
Michael Hale, Deputy Minister for the Executive Council Office and Cabinet secretary has resigned from the Government of Yukon.
Statement from Premier Ranj Pillai on Canadian Jewish Heritage Month
The following statement was released by Premier Ranj Pillai:
“Since 2018, Canadians have recognized May as Canadian Jewish Heritage Month.
“While overcoming significant obstacles, the Canadian Jewish community has made many important contributions to the social, economic, political and cultural fabric of Canada.
“The Yukon’s Jewish population is small but vibrant, warm and welcoming. We are grateful to have the Jewish Cultural Society of Yukon represent Jewish Yukoners and bring their culture to the forefront.
Government of Yukon expands Chronic Disease and Disability Benefits Program to provide support for alcohol use disorder
Yukoners diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (AUD) can now apply for exception drug coverage under the Chronic Disease and Disability Benefits Program. The program supports individuals living with a chronic disease or disability by covering costs for prescription drugs and medical equipment. The program has now expanded to include coverage for AUD medications.
Government of Yukon expands support for Yukoners with dementia
The Government of Yukon has finalized an agreement with the Alzheimer Society of B.C. to expand dementia services across the territory. This aligns with the Yukon government’s efforts to provide supports for seniors and caregivers and implement recommendations from Putting People First and the Aging in Place Action Plans.
The Yukon dementia support expansion is intended to inform, educate and support Yukon-based community members and health care providers who are either living with dementia or providing personal or professional care for someone living with dementia.
Statement from Premier Ranj Pillai and Minister responsible for Yukon Workers’ Compensation Health and Safety Board Richard Mostyn on the National Day of Mourning
The following statement was released by Premier Ranj Pillai and Minister responsible for Yukon Workers’ Compensation Health and Safety Board Richard Mostyn:
“Today Yukoners and people around the world pause to pay respect to those who have lost their lives or suffered injury or illness due to a work-related incident.
“On this date, April 28, we renew our steadfast commitment to health and safety in the workplace.
Statement from Premier Pillai on passing of Ta’an Kwäch’än Council Elder Shirley Adamson
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“My heart is heavy as I join the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council and the Yukon community in mourning the loss of the incredible Elder and matriarch Shirley Adamson. Her passing is a profound loss to her family, community, and to all those whose lives she touched with her wisdom, kindness, and leadership.
“Shirley was a respected leader, community member, and a life-long advocate for Indigenous language, cultural and governance revitalization. Her legacy will continue to impact and inspire generations to come.
Budget passes at the conclusion of the 2023 Spring Sitting of the Yukon Legislative Assembly
Today, with the conclusion of the 2023 Spring Sitting of the Yukon Legislative Assembly, the Government of Yukon passed its 2023-24 Budget, and several other pieces of legislation received assent.
Budget 2023-24 demonstrates the territory’s robust position nationally, with the Government of Yukon taking real action to make life more affordable for Yukoners, strengthen the health care and social services system, build resiliency to climate change, and invest in a more equitable future where all residents benefit from a thriving economy.
Land lottery and tender offers 119 lots in Whistle Bend
Yesterday, the Government of Yukon reached an important milestone in making more land available to Yukoners.
Following the release of lots in the Whistle Bend subdivision of Whitehorse earlier this spring, the Yukon government has offered 82 single-family lots to applicants through public lottery. Four multi-family lots and 33 townhouse lots were offered to successful bidders through the tender process.
Applications were accepted between March 31 and April 18, 2023. Successful applicants were contacted following the draw and bid opening.
Government of Yukon provides increased funding to Yukon municipalities
The Government of Yukon is committed to supporting effective local governance and sustainable local services in the Yukon and is increasing funding for communities to deliver programs and services to growing populations.
The Yukon’s eight municipalities received more than $22 million through the 2023 Comprehensive Municipal Grant, an increase of $1.1 million over 2022.
Minister of Education delivers 2022 Annual Report
Together with partners in the education field, the Government of Yukon is reimagining the Yukon school system and working to create school environments that are safe, inclusive and build on student strengths.
Today, the Honourable Jeanie McLean tabled the 2022 Annual Report for the Department of Education in the Yukon Legislative Assembly, highlighting progress in supporting learners, fulfilling commitments with Yukon First Nations, and helping ensure student and staff health and safety.
Government of Yukon launches new Paid Sick Leave Rebate program to support Yukon workers and employers
Today, Premier Ranj Pillai announced a new Paid Sick Leave Rebate Program that will provide workers and self-employed Yukoners with up to 40 hours of paid sick leave per 12-month period at no cost to their employer. The program covers all eligible workers earning less than or equal to the average Yukon private-sector wage of $33.94 per hour.
Workers who earn below this threshold are most likely to experience financial hardship if they take unpaid sick leave.
The rebate program aims to:
Government of Yukon signs new regional solid waste agreements
The Government of Yukon has signed interim regional solid waste agreements with the municipalities of Teslin and Watson Lake.
Statement from Premier Pillai on the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in election
Premier Ranj Pillai has released the following statement:
“On behalf of the Government of Yukon, I am pleased to congratulate Darren Taylor on his recent election as Chief of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in.
“Chief Taylor has a long history of serving his community as Director of Natural Resources, in roles with land claims negotiation and implementation and as a previous Chief of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in.
“I would also like to extend my congratulations to the elected Deputy Chief Erin McQuaig and Councillors Kylie Van Every, Kyrie Nagano and Ryan Peterson.
Statement from Premier Ranj Pillai on the First Nation Na-Cho Nyäk Dun election
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“On behalf of the Government of Yukon, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Dawna Hope on her recent election as Chief for the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun.
“I would also like to extend my congratulations to the elected Deputy Chief Roberta Hager and Councillors Edward Brown, Helaina Moses, Geri-Lee Buyck and Paul Profeit.
“I commend your commitment and dedication to serving your community.
Joint Statement from Minister of Health and Social Services and Chief Medical Officer of Health in response to Chief Coroner update
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee and Chief Medical Officer of Health Sudit Ranade have released the following statement:
“The Substance Use Health Emergency continues to have a profound and devastating impact on our communities, with the toxic drug supply compounding the issue even further.
New online Wildfire Hub launched to strengthen public safety and provide information regarding potential fire impacts
Keeping people safe while strengthening the territory’s long-term response to wildfires is a priority for the Government of Yukon. In response to feedback received following the 2022 wildfire season, the Government of Yukon is launching a new online Wildfire Hub to make it easier to find information about the Yukon’s wildfire situation as well as potential impacts to residents and travelers.
Statement from Premier Pillai on passing of Vuntut Gwitchin Elder Robert Bruce Jr.
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Vuntut Gwitchin Elder Robert Bruce Jr. He was a respected leader and a beloved member of his community who played many important roles during his life.
“Robert Bruce Jr. dedicated his adult life to preserving and promoting the culture, language and traditions of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation.
Government of Yukon congratulates the Recreation and Parks Association of Yukon on 30th anniversary
The Recreation and Parks Association of Yukon (RPAY) is celebrating their 30th anniversary on April 19.
Thirty years ago, the RPAY was established after the Breaking Trails Conference highlighted the need for an association to facilitate recreation in the Yukon. Additionally, recreation leaders in rural Yukon demanded increased support for recreation and the formation of an organization to coordinate and promote these interests. Today, RPAY continues to be a leader in recreation through their programs and training initiatives.
