Yukon News Releases
Yukon Child and Youth Advocate to review Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) Policy
As part of its ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and inclusivity of all students, the Government of Yukon has referred the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) Policy to the Yukon Child and Youth Advocate Office for a comprehensive review.
New signage at Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport acknowledges Traditional Territories
This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon, the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council.
Travellers landing at the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport will now be greeted by a new welcome sign acknowledging the Traditional Territories of the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council and Kwanlin Dün First Nation.
New housing funding supports Yukoners facing gender-based violence
The Government of Yukon, in partnership with the federal government and the local not-for-profit community, has launched the gender-based violence stream of the Canada-Yukon Housing Benefit program. This initiative marks a significant step in the Government of Yukon’s approach to addressing gender-based violence and the ongoing commitment to supporting a more equitable society. The program will provide more than $2 million annually to help survivors of gender-based violence to obtain and maintain safe housing.
Statement from Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources John Streicker on the heap leach failure at the Eagle Gold mine
Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources John Streicker has issued the following statement:
“The Government of Yukon is closely monitoring the situation at the Eagle Gold mine, following the failure of the heap leach facility on Monday, June 24.
Yukon Public Libraries launches new website
The new Yukon Public Libraries website is now live at Yukonlibraries.ca. This launch follows the introduction of the new online catalogue at search.yukonlibraries.ca in July 2023, completing Yukon Public Libraries’ shift to a modern online system.
This new website was created to enhance usability and access to library resources. Patrons visiting the website can apply for library cards, book the library meeting rooms, register for events and retrieve community library information.
What We Heard report released on household waste disposal options
The Government of Yukon has released a What We Heard report following engagement about waste transfer stations with residents in Braeburn, Keno, Johnson’s Crossing and Silver City.
Government of Yukon attends Collision tech conference in Toronto
Premier Ranj Pillai and officials from the Department of Economic Development attended the 2024 Collision Conference in Toronto to support the Yukon’s startup community and to engage with leaders in innovation and entrepreneurship from across Canada. This aligns with the Government of Yukon’s goal to support Yukon startups attract investment as outlined in “Innovation Yukon: Bringing Northern Ingenuity to the World”.
Government of Yukon thanks Whitehorse community for conversation on downtown safety
The Government of Yukon wishes to offer its thanks to all members of the downtown Whitehorse community who attended the Downtown Community Conversation on June 18, 2024.
Statement from Deputy Premier McLean on return from diplomatic mission to London with Yukon First Nations delegation
Deputy Premier Jeanie McLean has issued the following statement:
"Returning from our diplomatic mission to London, alongside a distinguished delegation of Yukon First Nations leaders, fills me with an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude. I extend my deepest appreciation to all the esteemed Yukon First Nations leaders who joined us on this remarkable journey of cultural exchange and diplomatic engagement.
Addressing road safety on the Alaska Highway through Whitehorse
Recognizing the importance of road safety for everyone – drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, roadside workers and passengers alike – the Government of Yukon has reduced the speed limit on the Alaska Highway within the City of Whitehorse. The new, lower speed limit of 70 kilometers per hour applies from the Two Mile Hill intersection through to the Kulan Industrial Area. Areas with a lower speed limit will not see speed limits increased.
Statement from Minister responsible for French Language Services Directorate John Streicker on Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day
Minister responsible for French Language Services Directorate John Streicker has issued the following statement for Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day:
“Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day is a special occasion to come together every year on June 24 to celebrate the rich Francophone culture in the Yukon and across Canada.
Statement from the Government of Yukon on National Indigenous Peoples Day
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“Friday, June 21, marks National Indigenous Peoples Day. Let us recognize, celebrate and honour the rich histories, diverse cultures and ways of knowing and being of Indigenous Peoples across the Yukon.
Sheep hunting closure in Game Management Subzone 5–17 to conserve sheep in southwest Yukon starting August 1, 2024
In efforts to support sheep population recovery, the Government of Yukon has issued a sheep hunting closure for Game Management Subzone 5 – 17, representing the Donjek Sheep Management Unit. The closure is in effect from August 1, 2024, until October 31, 2026. While in effect, all licensed hunters are prohibited from harvesting sheep in this area.
Nine Yukon artists to be featured on new Welcome to the Yukon signs
The Government of Yukon is updating the welcome signs at all nine key points of entry to the territory with new designs featuring local artists’ work. Each sign will reflect the Yukon’s inspiring landscape, vibrant culture and creativity.
The Yukon welcome signs are an important part of a Yukon travel experience and a source of pride for Yukoners. These signs are regularly photographed and shared on social media to a large international audience. Improving these signs will help support businesses, communities, and visitor experiences across the territory.
Government of Yukon shares updated wildfire outlook
The Government of Yukon provided an update on the wildfire weather outlook at a briefing on June 13. In summary:
For the past month, the Yukon has had mixed weather. Conditions are dry through central Yukon (from Destruction Bay through Carmacks, Faro and Ross River). The rest of the territory, in the north and the south, is not very dry due to last fall’s rain and winter snowpack. This means the wildfires so far this year are not burning as deeply or intensely as last year’s wildfires.
New Indigenous-led conservation area in the Yukon protects wildlife, habitat and Inuvialuit culture and identity
This is a joint news release between the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Inuvialuit Game Council, Aklavik Hunters and Trappers Committee, Aklavik Community Corporation, the Government of Canada and the Government of Yukon.
The Government of Yukon has signed onto the Aullaviat/Anguniarvik Traditional Conservation Area Agreement together with the Government of Canada and Inuvialuit Parties to ensure the conservation and protection of Aullaviat/Anguniarvik, the Eastern North Slope of the Yukon in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region.
Government of Yukon and Blood Ties Four Directions Centre launch expanded Healthy Meals program
This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and Blood Ties Four Directions Centre.
The Government of Yukon and Blood Ties Four Directions Centre are pleased to announce the expansion of the Healthy Meals program, providing essential support to Whitehorse community members facing food insecurity.
Statement from Premier Pillai on Minister meetings in Ottawa
Premier Pillai has issued the following statement:
"This week I had the opportunity to meet with Minister LeBlanc, Minister Vandal, Minister Joly, and Minister Miller in Ottawa. These meetings provided a valuable opportunity to build on previous discussions with the federal government about issues important to Yukoners, as well as to expand on the conversations I chaired earlier this week at the Western Premiers’ Conference in Whitehorse.
Government of Yukon announces extended hours for Whitehorse Walk-in Clinic
The Government of Yukon is extending the operating hours of the Whitehorse Walk-in Clinic to better serve the community. Starting on Monday, June 17, the clinic will now be open:
- Monday to Wednesday: 9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 5:30 pm
- Thursday and Friday: 9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm
The clinic's telephone line will be open:
Statement from Premier Pillai on the Yukon’s 126th anniversary
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“Today we mark the 126th anniversary of the Yukon becoming a territory of Canada.
“It was June 13, 1898, that the land on which we are fortunate to live separated from the Northwest Territories and joined Confederation as the Yukon Territory. While this was a significant step in our journey as a maturing jurisdiction, it is crucial to recognize and honour the enduring presence of Yukon First Nations who have inhabited this land since time immemorial.
