Yukon News Releases
Statement from Premier Pillai on meeting with Prime Minister Trudeau
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement following his meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau:
“I was pleased to meet with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Whitehorse today at Northlight Innovation. Our discussions focused on the still active multi-national response to the security incidents of the past few days.
“We also discussed ways of advancing the Yukon’s priorities, including infrastructure development, clean energy, arctic security and health care.
Statement from Premier Pillai regarding high altitude object shot down over the Yukon
“Today, I was briefed by Minister of Public Safety Marco Mendocino and Minister of Northern Affairs Dan Vandal about the high altitude airborne object shot down over the Yukon. I also spoke with Minister of National Defence Anita Anand.
“We recognize events like these can generate concern, but I want to assure Yukoners that at no time was the safety of Yukoners at risk. I also want to commend the Prime Minister for taking decisive action to protect Yukoners and all Canadians.
Statement from Premier Pillai regarding object shot down over Alaska
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“After this day’s events, our government has been in contact with the federal government and we are tracking events as they unfold.
“This past week, I met with federal representatives to discuss Arctic security, recognizing the challenges our country and territory will face in the years ahead.
“We will continue to track events and ensure Yukoners are kept informed.”
Statement from Premier Pillai on the 50th anniversary of Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“50 years ago, on February 14, 1973, Yukon First Nations leaders presented Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow to then-Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau.
“This forward-looking document articulated a vision for a fair and just future where First Nations people would be equals in Yukon’s society, economy and governance. It was both a statement of grievances as well as a proposal of solutions.
Congratulations to Team Yukon on their successes at the Arctic Winter Games
The Government of Yukon congratulates all members of Team Yukon for proudly representing the territory at the 2023 Arctic Winter Games in Wood Buffalo, Alberta.
Over 350 athletes, coaches, cultural delegates and support staff travelled to Fort McMurray, between January 29 and February 4. Twenty sports were contested throughout the week-long multisport event which included cultural performances.
Team Yukon came first in the ulu count with 169, topping Alaska by 24. The team earned 62 gold, 56 silver and 52 bronze.
Statement from Premier Ranj Pillai on the passing of Dennis Schneider
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“I would like to express my sincere condolences on the passing of former MLA Dennis Schneider.
“Dennis served the territory as the MLA for Whitehorse West and the Speaker of the House from 2000 to 2002.
“Born in Manitoba, Dennis served with the RCMP for 36 years with postings in Saskatchewan and Whitehorse. Post-retirement in 1996, he embarked on his political career and several other enterprises, including a stint as a school bus driver.
The Government of Yukon is seeking input on proposed changes to the Forest Resources Act and Regulation
The Government of Yukon is seeking feedback on proposed changes to the Forest Resources Act and Regulation. The feedback received during the consultation and engagement period will be reviewed by the Forest Resources Act Working Group and final recommendations will be made to the Government of Yukon.
Public engagement begins on new minerals legislation
The Government of Yukon, in collaboration with Yukon First Nations and transboundary First Nations, is seeking public feedback to develop new minerals legislation for the territory.
The new legislation will address every stage of the life cycle of mining activity, from prospecting to the operation of a mine and the eventual closure and remediation of a site.
Statement from the Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Ranade on escalating rates of syphilis
“The Yukon is seeing increasing rates of syphilis across the territory which is cause for concern because it can cause serious, long-term health harms if left untreated. I encourage all sexually active Yukoners to use protection and make testing a regular part of their sexual health routine.
Yukon residential rent index updated and new conditions for ending residential tenancies introduced
As part of efforts to address housing pressures Yukoners are facing, the territory’s residential rent index has been updated. Rental increases in the Yukon are indexed to inflation up to a limit of 5 per cent. Should inflation fall below 2 per cent, landlords can still adjust rent up to 2 per cent.
An Exemption Regulation to the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (RLTA) has also been introduced that places conditions on ending a residential tenancy in the territory.
Premier Pillai to attend First Ministers’ meeting in Ottawa
Canada’s Premiers will be joining Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for a First Ministers’ meeting in Ottawa on February 7, 2023. The discussion will focus on building strong health care systems across the country.
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.
