Yukon News Releases
New 87-unit rental development opens its doors in Whitehorse
This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon, the Government of Canada, and the Right On Property Group.
A Yukon Housing Corporation Housing Initiatives Fund recipient, Right On Property Group, has completed Boreal Commons, a new 87-unit rental development in Whitehorse’s Whistle Bend neighbourhood. This large-scale housing project will help address the need for more rental housing in the Yukon, including for more affordable and accessible units.
Temporary housing will support Yukoners this winter
This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and the Safe at Home Society.
The Government of Yukon is proud to support the Safe at Home Society in providing Yukoners with temporary supportive housing this winter and spring.
Statement from Premier Ranj Pillai on International Holocaust Remembrance Day
Premier Pillai has issued the following statement:
“Today I invite Yukoners and Canadians to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The date marks the anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi Concentration Camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau by Soviet troops on January 27, 1945.
Statement from Premier Pillai on the 2022 Arctic Inspiration Prize Yukon finalists
Premier Pillai has issued the following statement:
“I am pleased to recognize all 2022 Arctic Inspiration Prize nominees from across the North and very proud to see two finalists from the Yukon in the running this year. Each year, the Government of Yukon contributes $100,000 to the Arctic Inspiration Prize to ensure it continues to inspire, enable and celebrate the achievements of the people of the North.
Team Yukon set to compete at the 2023 Arctic Winter Games
It is the first time since 2018 that Team Yukon has formed for an Arctic Winter Games. More than 350 athletes, coaches, cultural delegates and mission staff will make the trip to Wood Buffalo, Alberta, from January 29 to February 4 to represent the territory.
Twenty sports will be contested throughout the week-long games, including archery, which makes its Arctic Winter Games debut.
Wrestler Jaymi Hinchey will lead Team Yukon into the opening ceremonies as the flag bearer.
Yukon potential highlighted at Roundup mining conference
Premier Ranj Pillai, Deputy Premier Jeanie McLean and Energy, Mines and Resources Minister John Streicker were in Vancouver this week to promote the Yukon’s mineral resources at the Association for Mineral Exploration’s Roundup conference. The Yukon delegation highlighted the territory’s mineral potential and progressive mining industry along with a wide range of government initiatives underway to support mining, including regional land-use planning, wetlands stewardship, renewable energy and new minerals legislation under development in partnership with Yukon First Nations.
Watson Lake celebrates new municipal services building
A new municipal services building in Watson Lake will house the town’s fire hall, public works department and training facility.
Members of the public and government officials took a tour of the 1,400-square-metre building on Saturday during an open house. The Yukon government worked with the Town of Watson Lake to address their specific needs for the space, which was designed to replace the old town-owned public works building and a building that the town had rented as the fire hall since 1997.
Statement from Premier Ranj Pillai on Bill C-21
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
"As I committed to on my first day on the job, I will defend the interests of the Yukon.
"Many Yukoners are very concerned about the proposed amendments to Bill C-21 and the impacts they would have on law-abiding firearms owners in the territory. As a lawful gun owner, avid hunter and member of a family who has worked a trapline on the land for generations, I have a deep appreciation for the concerns.
Statement on the Substance Use Health Emergency from Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:
“One year ago, in response to an unacceptable increase in opioid-related deaths and substance use-related harms in the territory, the Government of Yukon declared a Substance Use Health Emergency (SUHE). This declaration was a commitment to respond and a call to action to all governments, communities, organizations, partners and Yukoners to do their part.
New affordable homes at 401 Jeckell open in Whitehorse
This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and the Government of Canada.
Today, Member of Parliament for the Yukon Brendan Hanley, on behalf of the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion Ahmed Hussen, Premier and Minister responsible for Yukon Housing Corporation Ranj Pillai, Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee, City of Whitehorse Mayor Laura Cabott, and Wildstone Construction and Engineering Ltd. announced the opening of 47 new affordable homes at 401 Jeckell Street in Whitehorse.
Four projects awarded Crime Prevention and Victim Services Trust funds
Four community-led projects focused on crime prevention and services for victims of crime have received $170,968 through the Crime Prevention and Victim Services Trust.
The fall 2022 funding intake received diverse applications from a broad range of organizations. Funded projects will be delivered in several Yukon communities, as well as in Whitehorse.
Government of Yukon lifts COVID-19 public health emergency declaration
The Yukon government has lifted the public health emergency under the Public Health and Safety Act, following a recommendation from the Chief Medical Officer of Health.
In alignment with other provinces and territories, lifting the public health emergency is another step the Yukon is taking to manage COVID-19 in a more sustainable way while continuing to support Yukoners’ wellbeing. As COVID-19 continues to evolve, it can be managed within the existing structures used to manage other communicable diseases.
Senior leadership changes in the Yukon government public service
Premier Ranj Pillai has announced senior leadership changes in the departments of Health and Social Services, Tourism and Culture, Education, the Women and Gender Equity Directorate, the Yukon Development Corporation and the Yukon Housing Corporation.
Premier Pillai appoints new Chief of Staff
Premier Ranj Pillai has announced the appointment of Jason Cunning as his new Chief of Staff.
Jasmina Randhawa, current Chief of Staff, is leaving the Government of Yukon.
Mr. Cunning’s appointment as Chief of Staff is effective immediately.
Ranj Pillai sworn in as the Yukon’s 10th Premier
Today, Ranj Pillai was sworn in to office as the 10th Premier of the Yukon. Premier Pillai’s Cabinet was also sworn in during a ceremony at the Jim Smith Building led by the Administrator of the Yukon Adeline Webber.
In addition to his role as leader of the territory, Premier Pillai will be the Minister responsible for the Executive Council Office, Yukon Housing Corporation and Minister of Economic Development.
The new Cabinet of the Yukon government comprises:
Canada and the Yukon sign agreement in principle to deepen collaboration on planting 2 billion trees nationally
This is a joint news release between the governments of Canada and Yukon.
Tree-planting efforts across Canada have played a large part in tackling the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. As part of the Government of Canada’s broader approach to nature-based climate solutions, trees planted as part of the 2 Billion Trees program will help restore nature, create healthy forest ecosystems and increase carbon capture.
Solstice Maternity temporarily welcomes clients of the Yukon Midwifery Program
The Yukon Midwifery Program is working closely with Solstice Maternity to temporarily place clients under the care of the Solstice Maternity team. Solstice Maternity will be responsible for all prenatal care and births while registered midwives will continue to offer postnatal care to current clients, as well as emotional support and information during pregnancy.
Indigenous employees recognized for public service excellence
Today, Premier Sandy Silver presented the 2022 Indigenous Employees Award of Honour to Pat Joe of the Department of Education for her outstanding leadership and high standard of public service.
Statement from the Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean on the National Roundtable on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People
Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean has issued the following statement:
