Yukon News Releases
Statement from the Government of Yukon on National Indigenous History Month
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“This June, the Government of Yukon recognizes and honours National Indigenous History Month. It is a time to reflect on the rich history, heritage, resiliency and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis across our territory and Canada.
"This is an important time for Yukoners to learn about the unique and rich cultures, traditions and achievements of Indigenous Peoples in the Yukon.
Upgrading essential water infrastructure in Haines Junction
This is a joint news release between the Government of Canada and the Government of Yukon.
The Village of Haines Junction is upgrading over one kilometre of water and sanitary sewer pipes and over four kilometres of roads and alleys after a joint investment of $10 million from the federal and territorial governments.
Statement from the Yukon Advisory Committee on 5th anniversary of the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
The Yukon Advisory Committee on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit+ People has issued the following statement:
“Today we mark the five-year anniversary of the release of Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
Statement from Minister of Tourism and Culture John Streicker on International Archives Week
Minister John Streicker has issued the following statement:
“From June 3 to 9, the Government of Yukon joins the global community in celebrating International Archives Week in recognition of the invaluable role archives play in preserving our collective history. This year’s theme, #CyberArchives, underscores the growing significance of the digital landscape in safeguarding our history and knowledge for future generations.
Statement from Premier Pillai on ambassador visits
The following statement has been updated to reflect the number of times ambassadors have visited the Yukon.
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
New Judge appointed to the Yukon’s Territorial Court
Today, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Yukon Tracy-Anne McPhee announced the appointment of Elaine Barbara Cairns as a Judge of the Territorial Court of Yukon. Judge Cairns will fill a vacancy left by the retirement of Judge Karen Ruddy.
The Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation’s Water Treatment Plant Upgrades are now complete
The Government of Yukon has completed extensive renovations to the Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation’s water treatment plant. These upgrades ensure that critical infrastructure is in place to access clean drinking water.
The renovations include electrical upgrades, new piping, upgraded filtration and a new overhead pump for filling water delivery trucks. The work was managed by the Government of Yukon Infrastructure Development Branch. The water treatment facility is owned and operated by Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation.
New Whistle Bend Elementary School unveiled with community open house
The Government of Yukon has officially welcomed the community to Whistle Bend Elementary School, Whitehorse’s first new elementary school to be built in over 20 years.
Whistle Bend Elementary School will enhance education for Whitehorse’s growing Whistle Bend and Takhini North neighbourhoods, providing students in the area the opportunity to enjoy a high-quality learning environment closer to home.
Yukon schools and community organizations receive $400,000 for student attendance projects
This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and the Victoria Gold Yukon Student Encouragement Society’s Every Student, Every Day funding program.
A total of $400,000 in support has been awarded to 31 projects across the Yukon through the Every Student, Every Day fund, with support from the Government of Yukon.
Department of Education introduces new attendance policy to recognize cultural participation
The Government of Yukon is continuing to foster First Nations reconciliation, multiculturalism and educational inclusivity by ensuring that student participation in cultural and religious events is recognized positively in attendance records.
This initiative reflects a deep respect for the educational value of Indigenous cultural practices, ensuring that these absences are not marked negatively on student report cards. This policy extends to other cultural or religious activities, recognizing and respecting the diverse backgrounds of all Yukon students.
The Government of Yukon deployed firefighters to B.C. and NWT to support wildfire response
The Government of Yukon has dispatched wildland fire personnel to support wildfire response operations in Fort Liard, the Northwest Territories and Fort Nelson, B.C. The current wildfire activity and current hazard level in the Yukon has allowed for these early season deployments which will provide critical support to these northern areas and provide valuable experience for our crews.
Commissioner of Yukon receives the Order of St. John
Today, Commissioner Adeline Webber was honoured with the Order of St. John by Chancellor Dr. André Levesque. She also accepted the role of Vice-Prior of the St. John Council for Yukon and was made a Dame of Justice of the Order.
Established in 1888 by Queen Victoria, the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem is a charitable organization. It primarily supports the St. John Eye Hospital in Jerusalem and St. John Ambulance. The Order's roots go back to the 12th-century Knights Hospitaller, who cared for sick pilgrims in Jerusalem.
Joint statement from Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Chief Pauline Frost and Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai on the unified response to flooding in Old Crow
Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Chief Pauline Frost and Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai have issued the following statement:
“A unified command team made up of Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and Government of Yukon staff have been working over the last few weeks to prepare for and mitigate flooding in Old Crow.
Update on community space pilot project at Jim Smith Building
The Government of Yukon wishes to thank all those who made the Jim Smith Building community space pilot project a success, including Yukon government staff and community members.
The pilot project ran from March 18 to May 17, 2024, and was part of the government’s efforts to decentralize essential support services in downtown Whitehorse, aimed to improve accessibility to safe spaces for all, especially vulnerable populations.
Public update on after-action review: Klondike flooding 2024
Following the de-activation of the Emergency Control Group (ECG) in relation to break-up on the Klondike River and flooding in the Klondike Valley, an After-Action Review was held between all agencies involved in the monitoring and response related to this incident. The goal of this meeting was to evaluate the response and improve future emergency response strategies.
Key findings:
Ready-to-Learn Symposium celebrates innovative approaches in Yukon schools
The Government of Yukon, through the Department of Education, is committed to fostering learning environments that support every child’s emotional and cognitive development. On May 3, approximately 100 Yukon educators attended the Ready-to-Learn Symposium in Whitehorse. This symposium celebrated and advanced the Ready-to-Learn Schools initiative, which is transforming classrooms across the Yukon by creating supportive and inclusive learning environments.
The Yukon’s identification cards are getting a fresh, new look
The Government of Yukon will begin issuing new, upgraded driver’s licences and general identification cards after May 31, 2024. The new ID cards have been updated to align with the latest North American design standards. With these changes, the Yukon will have the most secure driver's licences and general identification cards available in Canada.
The new cards will:
Statement on the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia from Deputy Premier and the Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate McLean and Minister of Health and Social Services McPhee
Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean and Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee issued the following statement:
“Today, May 17, across the Yukon and around the world, we recognize International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. This is an opportunity to raise awareness of the discrimination, injustices and far too often violence and harassment faced by people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions.
Temporary pause on Whitehorse-based Yukon Nominee Program applications
Effectively immediately, the Government of Yukon is putting a temporary pause on the intake of Whitehorse-based applications for the Yukon Nominee Program. This measure aims to streamline efforts in processing existing applications. The program will continue to accept applications for nominees in Yukon rural communities.
