Yukon News Releases
The May 1 snow survey shows snowpack ranges from well below average to record setting in Old Crow
The Government of Yukon Water Resources Branch has released the May 1 Yukon Snow Survey Bulletin and Water Supply Forecast. This is an important survey for Yukoners as it helps forecast water levels and flow conditions across the territory. Using these findings, the Government of Yukon and its partners can better prepare for potential flood risks.
Overall, the survey found that the snowpack ranges from well below average across the central Yukon to record high in Old Crow.
Northern Premiers meet in Nunavut for annual forum
Premier of the Yukon Ranj Pillai, Premier of the Northwest Territories R.J. Simpson and Premier of Nunavut P.J. Akeeagok met this week in Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet), Nunavut for the annual Northern Premiers’ Forum.
The Northern Premiers’ Forum is a crucial platform for leaders of the three territories to convene and tackle shared challenges. This year, the meeting in Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet), Nunavut, highlighted the significance of gathering in a community outside of the territorial capital.
Statement from Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources Streicker on a milestone at the abandoned Minto Mine site
Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources John Streicker has issued the following statement:
“Last month, reclamation and closure efforts at the Minto Mine site reached a milestone, surpassing the target of having 1 million cubic metres of water storage capacity available at the site. Adequate water storage capacity allows us to be able to respond safely to unforeseen weather events and ensure ongoing environmental protection.
The Government of Yukon and Association of Yukon Communities collaborate on Comprehensive Municipal Grant review
This news release has been updated with an anticipated conclusion date for the work of this task force.
As part of its commitment to fostering vibrant communities and ensuring effective delivery of essential services to residents, the Government of Yukon is collaborating with the Association of Yukon Communities to enhance the Comprehensive Municipal Grant.
Emergency alerting system test and other awareness activities planned for Emergency Preparedness Week
As Yukoners come together for Emergency Preparedness Week, May 5 to 11, 2024, the Government of Yukon is marking this important week with a series of awareness and educational activities to help Yukoners prepare for flood and fire season.
Public engagement on new lands legislation opens May 7, 2024
This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and Council of Yukon First Nations.
The Government of Yukon is developing a new Public Lands Act, a crucial step towards modernizing land management in the territory. In collaboration with First Nation partners, the government is seeking input from the public to shape this new legislation to ensure it reflects the values and interests of Yukoners.
Faro community wildfire protection plan finalized
Faro’s community wildfire protection plan has been finalized through collaborative efforts between the Government of Yukon’s Wildland Fire Management Branch and a community-level working group that includes the municipality.
Communities create their plans with support and technical input from Wildland Fire Management, balancing public safety needs with local priorities.
Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada educates at Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre
The Government of Yukon is committed to supporting opportunities for reconciliation in education.
Recently, Yukon students experienced a unique educational tool at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre in Whitehorse – the Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada. This engaging map redefines Canadian geography by showcasing Indigenous language groups, traditional place names and an Indigenous timeline of significant historical events.
The Governments of Canada and Yukon Announce Funding to Further Support Flood Mapping Efforts in the Yukon
This is a joint news release between the Government of Canada and the Government of Yukon.
Communities and governments are working together to prepare and adapt to impacts of climate change, to help improve quality of life for Canadians in higher-risk areas and to reduce the costs of disasters. In Canada, flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster, causing damage to households, property and infrastructure.
Commissioner of Yukon honours outstanding Yukoners with King Charles III Coronation Medals
Today, the Commissioner of Yukon Adeline Webber is launching the King Charles III Coronation Medal program in the Yukon. The Commissioner is a partner in the program and has 21 medals to give to deserving Yukoners.
To be eligible, nominees must have done something remarkable for Canada or their community and been alive on May 6, 2023. The first medals were given out today during an event at Taylor House. Commissioner Webber will present the medals.
Statement from Minister of Health and Social Services McPhee on Mental Health Awareness Week
Health and Social Services Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:
“Today marks the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Week, nationally observed from May 6 to 12. This year, the Canadian Mental Health Association is asking Canadians to embrace Healing through Compassion, a theme that underscores the role of compassion in enhancing mental health and overall wellbeing.
School bus registration for the 2024–25 school year now open
Whitehorse families can now register their students for school bus service for the 2024–25 school year by visiting yukon.ca/bus. They must register each year for busing.
The registration deadline is June 14, 2024.
Statement from Deputy Premier McLean on observing Red Dress Day on May 5
Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean has issued the following statement:
“As we approach the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit+ People, also known as Red Dress Day, I encourage all Yukoners to observe the day and reflect on how they can contribute to ending violence against Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit+ people.
Government of Yukon COVID-19 recommendations for spring
The Government of Yukon, following the latest guidelines from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization and the Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, is encouraging Yukoners at high risk of severe illness to get a COVID-19 booster this spring.
This includes:
Senior leadership changes in the Government of Yukon
Premier Ranj Pillai is pleased to announce that Jennifer Gehmair will be the acting Deputy Minister of the Department of Health and Social Services with responsibility for Social Services for six months. Additionally, Gary Gazankas has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Yukon Development Corporation.
Jennifer Gehmair has been with the Government of Yukon for 17 years in a variety of leadership positions, most recently as Assistant Deputy Minister of Social Services since late 2022. The appointment is effective May 3.
The spring 2024 sitting of the Yukon Legislative Assembly has concluded
As the Spring 2024 session of the Yukon Legislative Assembly concludes, the Government of Yukon is proud of the significant progress made on key priorities for Yukoners in the areas of health, housing, education, affordability and reconciliation.
The Government of Yukon community space at the Jim Smith Building remains open until May 17
The Government of Yukon is committed to improving the lives of all Yukoners, which includes working hard alongside our partners to foster a safe, inclusive and thriving downtown Whitehorse for everyone. As part of this commitment, the community space in the Jim Smith Building in Whitehorse will remain open until May 17, 2024.
The community space is on the ground floor of the Jim Smith Building at 2071 2nd Avenue in Whitehorse. It is open to the public from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.
The Government of Yukon launches Disaster Financial Assistance program
The Government of Yukon is announcing the 2024–25 Disaster Financial Assistance program aimed at helping Yukoners recover financially from a natural disaster.
The program – a commitment in the Yukon’s Our Clean Future strategy – contains three funding streams for households, small businesses and farms. The support will be used for repairing disaster-damaged primary residences and providing financial support for businesses and agricultural landowners with disaster-related property damage or loss.
The Government of Yukon is working to ensure safe water supply in all schools
The Government of Yukon is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all students and staff in Yukon schools. Following a new review of the 2018–19 test results of water fixtures, it has been determined that 30 schools require further testing and possible remediation due to updates to the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality.
Health Authority Act receives Assent in the Yukon Legislative Assembly
This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and Council of Yukon First Nations as secretariat support to the Chiefs Committee on Health.
The Health Authority Act received Assent on April 29, 2024.
