Yukon News Releases
Government of Yukon tables bill updating Public Service Act and Coroners Act
The Government of Yukon believes that the public service should be an inclusive space where all employees can achieve their full potential. To this end, the Government of Yukon is proposing amendments to the Public Service Act and the Coroners Act to remove the requirement for new employees and coroners to swear an oath of allegiance to the Crown.
What We Heard report released on modernizing Yukon park and campground regulations
The Government of Yukon has released the What We Heard report following extensive public and Indigenous engagement on the proposed modernized regulations for Yukon parks and campgrounds.
The proposed regulations under the Parks and Land Certainty Act cover 10 thematic areas, including managing noise, domestic animals, liquor, smoking (including cannabis), on-road and off-road vehicles, aircraft (including drones), zoning and other matters within territorial parks.
Development opportunity at 5th Avenue and Rogers Street in Whitehorse
Keeping with the Government of Yukon’s commitment to increase the housing supply in the territory so that all Yukoners have a place to call home, the government has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development of the 2.12-hectare lot on the corner of 5th Avenue and Rogers Street in downtown Whitehorse.
The site offers a unique opportunity for private sector land developers to revitalize this area and create much-needed housing in the downtown Whitehorse area.
March snow survey shows snowpack is average across most of southern Yukon, above average in the North
The Government of Yukon has released the March 1 Yukon Snow Survey Bulletin and Water Supply Forecast. The snow survey found that the snowpack in most of the southern half of the territory is close to or slightly above average, and above average in the northern half of the Yukon.
Joint statement from Premier Ranj Pillai and Deputy Premier Jeanie McLean on International Women’s Day
Premier Ranj Pillai and Deputy Premier Jeanie McLean have issued the following statement:
Today we join Yukoners in marking International Women’s Day. Observed internationally since 1911, International Women’s Day originates from the labour movements of the early 20th century and has since evolved as a celebration of women’s achievements in the social, political and economic arenas and beyond.
Government of Yukon tables bill to update references to Sovereign of Canada in legislation
The Government of Yukon has tabled Bill No. 23, References to the Sovereign Statute Law Amendment Act, 2023.
In light of the passing of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, His Majesty King Charles III became Canada’s new Sovereign and Head of State.
As a result of this transition, the Yukon’s legislation must be updated to reflect the identity of the current Sovereign of Canada. This bill will accomplish this while streamlining the process for similar updates in the future.
The Government of Yukon seeks feedback on draft resource roads regulation
The Government of Yukon believes in open, public consultation with Yukoners about the issues that are important to them. The Government of Yukon has drafted new rules that can be used to govern roads located on public land that lead to resources across the territory and is inviting Yukoners to learn more and share their views during an engagement opening today.
Liard First Nation, Government of Yukon and Town of Watson Lake working together to advance residential lot development
This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and the Liard First Nation.
Team Yukon’s Canada Winter Games a huge success
Over 170 Yukon athletes, coaches, and mission staff traveled to Prince Edward Island from February 18 to March 5 to compete at the 2023 Canada Winter Games. It was a successful two weeks of personal bests, historic moments and podium finishes as Team Yukon competed in 15 of the 20 scheduled sports.
Yukon Government announces third extension of Inflation Relief Rebate
The Government of Yukon is committed to making life more affordable for Yukoners and lowering the cost of living and doing business in our territory. To reduce the continued impacts of inflation on Yukoners, the Minister responsible for the Yukon Development Corporation, John Streicker, is announcing an extension of the $150 Inflation Relief Rebate on electricity bills. This rebate will again be applied automatically to ATCO Electric Yukon and Yukon Energy electricity bills, regardless of usage.
Yukon government tables bill to streamline effectiveness of municipal and local advisory councils
Keeping with the Government of Yukon’s commitment to work in partnership with municipal governments to effectively deliver services for Yukoners, Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn today tabled Bill No. 26, an amendment to the Municipal Act, which would increase terms of office for elected members of Yukon municipal and local advisory councils from three years to four. This change would support municipal leadership in meeting the long-term needs of growing Yukon communities.
Government of Yukon tables Bill 27 to reduce red tape
The Government of Yukon has tabled Bill 27, the Community Services Statutes Law Amendment Act (2023), in the Legislative Assembly. The new legislation reduces red tape, removes unnecessary barriers to online licensing, modernizes the process of doing business and makes it easier for people to get things done when interacting with the Yukon government.
Three schools to transition to the First Nation School Board
This is a joint release with the Government of Yukon’s Department of Education and the First Nation School Board.
The Department of Education and the First Nation School Board are pleased to announce that the following schools have voted to join the school board starting with the 2023-24 school year:
Budget invests in Yukoners’ health, housing and wellbeing to create a place everyone can call home
Today, Finance Minister Sandy Silver released the Government of Yukon’s 2023-24 Budget.
Budget 2023-24 shows how the Government of Yukon is making life more affordable for Yukoners while continuing to invest building our clean, green future; growing a strong, resilient economy; and moving forward on reconciliation, so that the Yukon can truly be a place everyone can call home.
Premier Pillai issues mandate letters to Cabinet Ministers
On March 1, 2023, Premier Ranj Pillai presented mandate letters to each Cabinet Minister outlining their responsibilities for implementing the government’s commitments to Yukoners.
Mandate letters focus the government’s resources on specific commitments and help Ministers set priorities within their portfolios.
Department of Education releases progress report to Standing Committee on Public Accounts
The Department of Education has released a progress report to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts of the Yukon Legislative Assembly regarding its ongoing work to transform and reimagine the Yukon’s school system.
This document provides summary updates on actions the department has taken to address the recommendations in the 2019 Report of the Auditor General of Canada on Kindergarten through Grade 12 education in the Yukon.
Leadership update in the Department of Justice
Premier Ranj Pillai has announced a senior leadership change for the Department of Justice.
Mark Radke will move from his position as Assistant Deputy Minister of Legal Services with the Department of Justice to take on the role of Deputy Minister. This appointment is effective immediately.
Statement from Premier Pillai on Russian invasion of Ukraine
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“Tomorrow marks the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, one of the largest military conflicts and humanitarian crises in Europe since the end of World War II.
“Since the invasion was launched on February 24, 2022, there has been has untold misery, devastation and destruction across Ukraine. I join the international community in continuing to condemn the invasion.
The Yukon’s minimum wage to increase to $16.77 per hour
Effective April 1, 2023, the Yukon’s minimum wage will increase from $15.70 to $16.77 per hour. This increase is based on the 2022 Consumer Price Index for Whitehorse which is 6.8 per cent.
The rise in inflation is increasing costs of everyday life for all Yukoners. This increase will help people earning minimum wage to afford necessities. It will also help businesses attract and retain employees.
Premier Pillai welcomes Japanese Consul General Maruyama to the Yukon
Today in Whitehorse, Premier Ranj Pillai met with Consul General of Japan for Vancouver Mr. Kohei Maruyama to discuss shared priorities of the Yukon and Japan.
Building on the Premier’s discussions with the Japanese Ambassador to Canada, Mr. Kanji Yamanouchi, earlier this month in Ottawa, the meeting was an opportunity to strengthen Yukon-Japan relationships, share common interests and explore new opportunities.
