Yukon News Releases
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:
New deputy minister appointed to the Executive Council Office
Today Premier Sandy Silver announced the appointment of Michael Hale as deputy minister for the Executive Council Office and Cabinet secretary.
Hale is moving from his role as deputy minister for the Department of Health and Social Services where he has been responsible for the development of the new public health authority.
A Policy for the Stewardship of Yukon’s Wetlands released
Today, Minister Nils Clark and Minister John Streicker announced the release of A Policy for the Stewardship of Yukon’s Wetlands, the territory’s first ever wetlands policy. Wetlands are important to the territory’s ecosystem and contribute to the wellbeing of Yukoners in a variety of ways, from hosting rich biodiversity to their cultural significance for First Nations peoples. The wetlands stewardship policy establishes a consistent and coordinated approach to wetland protection that reflects the values and interests of Yukoners.
Government of Yukon signs community wildfire protection plans with Haines Junction and Teslin
The Yukon’s first community wildfire protection plans have been finalized by the Wildland Fire Management branch and community-level working groups in Haines Junction and Teslin.
A community wildfire protection plan is a strategy for reducing the wildland fire risk around a community. Communities create their plans with support and technical input from Wildland Fire Management, balancing public safety needs with local priorities.
Twelve Yukon-based projects awarded more than $395,000 from the Community Development Fund
Twelve community projects in the Yukon have been awarded with $395,777 in essential funding from the Community Development Fund. These projects contribute to the economic, cultural and social benefits to their communities by providing Yukoners across the territory with invaluable opportunities and resources.
The Klondike Snowmobile Association, Music Yukon, Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Development Corporation, Humane Society Dawson and the Dawson City Arts Society are among the recipients of the most recent Tier 1 and Tier 2 intakes for funding provided by the Community Development Fund.
Work progresses on strengthening fire services in Keno, Ross River, Old Crow and other Yukon communities
The Government of Yukon recently delivered a wildland fire truck and firefighting equipment to Keno for use this winter. The new equipment is part of the government's work with unincorporated communities to strengthen their volunteer fire services through education, training and equipment.
Residents from Keno were provided a program orientation with the fire truck delivery and volunteers will begin training to respond as Scene Safety Responders this month. As mutual-aid partners, the Mayo Volunteer Fire Department also familiarized themselves with the vehicle’s operation.
Leadership update for two Government of Yukon departments
Today, Premier Sandy Silver announced a leadership change for the Department of Finance and a term extension for the deputy minister of the Department of Justice.
Scott Thompson has announced his retirement as deputy minister for the Department of Finance. Jessica Schultz has been appointed as acting deputy minister for the Department of Finance for one year, effective on February 17.
Government of Yukon launches new Yukon Dental Program
The Yukon's Dental Program launches today, providing $1,300 per year in dental benefits to Yukoners without dental coverage. Up to 8,000 Yukoners will benefit from the program.
The program will cover dental treatments necessary to relieve pain and infection, prevent disease, treat cavities and restore chewing and social function. It will also offer full coverage for preventive care, such as routine dental cleaning.
Government of Yukon expands services for pharmacists to include prescribing
Participating pharmacists in the Yukon can now assess and prescribe medications for common, minor ailments. They can also provide injections for travel-related diseases and prescribe medication for smoking cessation.
These expanded services will make better use of pharmacists’ clinical expertise and training, and align with the services provided by pharmacists in many other Canadian jurisdictions. This will help decrease pressures on emergency rooms, doctors’ offices and the entire health care system in the territory.
