Yukon News Releases
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.
The Government of Yukon congratulates the Association of Yukon Communities on a successful AGM
Premier Ranj Pillai issued the following statement:
“On behalf of the Yukon government, I want to express congratulations to the Association of Yukon Communities for hosting a successful 49th Annual General Meeting in Dawson City, from May 9 to 12, 2024. I greatly appreciate the Association of Yukon Communities’ efforts to bring together the territory’s elected officials and staff for a weekend of fostering deep community connection.
Statement from Premier Ranj Pillai on recent meetings with Selkirk First Nation and Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“Earlier this week, alongside MLA for Mayo-Tatchun Jeremy Harper, I had the pleasure of connecting with the leadership of Selkirk First Nation and the leadership of Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation in their respective communities.
During these meetings, Yukon First Nation Chiefs, Council members and I discussed areas of concern, common interests and opportunities for continued collaboration on shared priorities between our governments.
The Government of Yukon launches new online permits for commercial morel mushroom harvesting
Permits to commercially harvest morel mushrooms are now available online. The new online system makes applying for and accessing permits quicker, easier and more flexible.
Harvesting morel mushrooms for commercial use entails large-scale collection for profit-driven distribution and sale while harvesting morel mushrooms for personal use typically involves gathering small quantities for individual consumption. A permit is not required to harvest morel mushrooms for personal use.
The Government of Yukon supports mineral exploration with $1.4 million in program funding
The Government of Yukon is focused on investing in key sectors to build a sustainable and resilient economy. As such, the Government of Yukon is providing the mineral exploration industry with $1.4 million in funding through the Yukon Mineral Exploration Program in 2024–25. This year’s funding has been awarded to 42 projects focused on locating new discoveries and advancing exploration at known mineral occurrences.
2024 rent index set at 4.9 per cent
Effective May 15, 2024, the rent index will be adjusted from five per cent to 4.9 per cent. Landlords may not increase rents beyond this prescribed rent index. Landlords may also choose not to increase rent.
As required by the Regulation to amend the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, the residential rent index is adjusted yearly on May 15 to align with the Consumer Price Index for Whitehorse.
The rent index was implemented as part of the 2023 Confidence and Supply Agreement between the Yukon Liberals and the Yukon New Democratic Party.
Statement from the Minister responsible for the French Language Services Directorate Streicker on Yukon Francophonie Day
Minister John Streicker has issued the following statement:
“Today I'm thrilled to celebrate Yukon Francophonie Day, officially recognized by the Government of Yukon since 2007.
I invite all Yukoners to join in honouring the French language and Francophone culture that contribute to the Yukon's rich and diverse history.
Every year, we proudly support l’Association franco-yukonnaise for their community gathering open to all Yukoners. I encourage all Yukoners who are able, to attend these festivities.
Yukon school calendar dates finalized for 2024–25
A complete list of calendar dates for all Yukon schools for the 2024–25 school year is now finalized and available online at Yukon.ca. The calendar includes dates for all three school authorities: the First Nation School Board, Commission scolaire francophone du Yukon and Yukon Education.
School calendars are developed in partnership with school administrators, school councils and school communities and then approved by the Minister and school boards for schools under their authority.
Statement from Premier Pillai on the 2024 Arctic Inspiration Prize winners
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“Every year the Arctic Inspiration Prize nominees inspire us with their innovation, creativity and passion for their communities.
“I offer my heartful congratulations to all the nominees, and I am immensely proud to see four prizes awarded to finalists from the Yukon.
