Yukon News Releases
Yukon government launches new fund to support immersive professional development for creative and cultural practitioners
The Government of Yukon is committed to supporting the growth and development of the Yukon’s creative and cultural industries. In keeping with this priority, the Yukon government is launching the Creative and Cultural Career Advancement Fund to provide support for Yukon creative or cultural practitioners.
“What We Heard” report released as part of work to advance review of the Yukon’s Child Care Act
The Government of Yukon is committed to increasing access to high-quality, affordable, and inclusive early learning and child care. Building on this commitment, the Yukon government has published a “What We Heard” report outlining how feedback received from partners and stakeholders can shape a potential review of the Child Care Act, as well as a summary of possible amendments.
Statement from Premier Pillai on meeting with Head of the Scottish Government Office in Canada
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“Today, I was pleased to meet with Head of the Scottish Government Office in Canada John Devine. This was his first official visit to the Yukon.
“We discussed a number of topics including climate and biodiversity, clean energy and Arctic policy. It was great to hear about Scotland’s climate leadership, which centres on their goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2045. I look forward to following the progress in Scotland as both our jurisdictions implement ambitious climate plans.
Statement from Premier Pillai on meeting with High Commissioner of India to Canada Sanjay Kumar Verma and Consul General Manish
Premier Ranj Pillai released the following statement:
“On March 23, I was pleased to meet with His Excellency Sanjay Kumar Verma on his first visit to the Yukon and with Consul General Manish on his return after visiting last October. Minister John Streicker also had the opportunity to meet with the delegation, holding productive discussions about areas of shared opportunity in the critical minerals sector.
Statement from Premier Pillai on Ramadan
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“Muslims around the world and here in the Yukon are preparing for Ramadan.
“Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed as a month of reflection, fasting, prayer and community.
Yukon Archives names artist-in-residence
The Yukon Archives has named Tara Kolla as the successful candidate for the Artist-in-Residence Program. The nine-week residency is part of ongoing celebrations commemorating the Yukon Archives’ 50th anniversary.
A longtime member of the Whitehorse arts community, Kolla is a multi-disciplinary artist whose work “1905 - 1907” was acquired for the Yukon Permanent Art Collection in 2016.
Statement from Premier Pillai on International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is held annually on March 21. This observation marks the date police in Sharpeville, South Africa, killed 69 people during an anti-apartheid protest in 1960.
“While much progress has been made, Indigenous peoples, racialized people, and religious minority communities continue to face racism and discrimination every day.
Statement from Premier Pillai on Nowruz
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“I am pleased to join with many in the Yukon to celebrate Nowruz, also known as the Persian or Iranian New Year.
“Nowruz is traditionally held on the spring equinox and has been celebrated for over 3,000 years. Traditional customs include the gathering together of families, enjoying incredible food, gift exchanges and artistic performances.
Statement from the Minister Responsible for the French Language Services Directorate John Streicker on International Francophonie Day
Minister John Streicker has issued the following statement:
“Today on International Francophonie Day, we join Francophones and Francophiles in the Yukon and around the world in celebrating the vibrancy of the French language.
“The growing Yukon Francophone community is rich, diversified, and creative - we can easily relate to this year’s theme ‘321 million French speakers, billions of cultural contents.’ It is a privilege to have access to such a wide variety of cultural events in French throughout the year.
Government of Yukon increases access to primary healthcare providers
The Government of Yukon is improving access to healthcare for all Yukoners and working hard to ensure a standard of high-quality health care services across the territory. In response to the increasing demand for primary care service providers, the Government of Yukon is expanding the Find a Primary Care Provider Program, formerly known as the Find a Family Doctor Program, to include nurse practitioners.
Statement from Premier Pillai on Kwanlin Dün First Nation election
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“On behalf of the Government of Yukon, I would like to congratulate Sean Smith (Uyenets’echįa) on his recent election as Chief for the Kwanlin Dün First Nation.
“I would also like to extend my congratulations to the new Councillors Charlene Charlie, Charles Chief, Linda Moen, Jesse Ryder, Jolene Smarch and Ray Sydney.
The Yukon receives increase in allocations under the Yukon Nominee Program
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has informed the Government of Yukon that they are increasing the territory’s number of allocations under the Provincial Nominee Program for 2023. This will allow more foreign workers to come to the Yukon under the Yukon Nominee Program.
This change increases the Yukon’s nominee allocations from 300 to 430 for the year. The program helps employers fill crucial positions with foreign nationals who intend to settle in the Yukon, strengthening the territory’s workforce.
Statement from Premier Ranj Pillai on International Day to Combat Islamophobia
Premier Pillai has issued the following statement::
“Today, on International Day to Combat Islamophobia, we reflect on the importance of diversity and the impact that intolerance and discrimination have on individuals, families, and communities.
Here in the Yukon, we are fortunate to have a growing Islamic community. Yukon’s first mosque in Whitehorse opened its doors in 2018 and serves as a symbol of the welcoming and inclusive community that we strive to be.
Indigenous-led youth retreat to foster connections and support mental wellness
This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and the Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin First Nation.
From March 6 to 10, 2023, Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin First Nation and the Government of Yukon hosted an Indigenous-led by-youth-for-youth retreat at the Sky High Wilderness Ranch outside of Whitehorse.
The Government of Yukon is seeking input on Whitehorse school facilities
The Government of Yukon believes strongly in fostering and respecting relationships with citizens, groups and communities, First Nations, school boards, school councils, municipalities, and other governments. Therefore, the Yukon government is seeking public input about school facilities in Whitehorse. Feedback will help shape long-term plans for replacing and renovating aging Whitehorse schools, reflecting the government’s commitment to helping prepare youth across the territory for the future.
Statement from Minister McPhee on the Grief and Gratitude Gathering
Health and Social Services Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee issued the following statement:
"This Saturday, March 11, 2023 marked the third National Day of Observance for COVID-19.
"This day represents an opportunity to observe the loss, sacrifice and continued impacts of COVID-19, and to celebrate the efforts of those who kept us safe.
"To mark the occasion, the Council of Yukon First Nations held a Grief and Gratitude community event for Yukoners to reflect, celebrate and support each other.
New arena builds community spirit in Carmacks
This is a joint news between the Governments of Canada and the Yukon and the Village of Carmacks.
The ice is in and residents of Carmacks took full advantage as they celebrated the grand opening of their arena over the weekend.
An all-star game and hockey camp led by former NHL player John Chabot highlighted the weekend events, as well as a U-11 hockey game and ceremonial face-off. Residents and special guests were given facility tours, with lunch and dinner service provided by the Yukon University culinary and catering program.
Request for Proposals issued for new convention centre in Whitehorse
This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and the Yukon Convention Bureau.
The Government of Yukon is growing a strong, resilient economy by making investments in the infrastructure that local businesses have said will help them thrive. The Yukon Convention Bureau, in partnership with the Government of Yukon, has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development of a new convention centre in Whitehorse.
Government launches MyYukon to make it easier to access government services online
The Government of Yukon is committed to making it easier and more convenient for Yukoners to access the services they rely on, while protecting their privacy and ensuring their personal information remains secure. To that end, the Government of Yukon has launched a new service called MyYukon to offer residents the option of accessing certain government services online.
Proposed name and mandate change for Yukon Advisory Council on Women’s Issues to advance inclusivity
The Government of Yukon strives to create an environment that is open and inclusive to people regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. Today’s tabling of Bill 22, the Act to Amend the Yukon Advisory Council on Women’s Issues Act, marks a significant milestone in supporting the Government of Yukon’s commitment to advance inclusivity for all genders and sexual orientations.
