Yukon News Releases
Updated: 6 hours 10 min ago
2024 Council of the Federation Literacy Award nominations now open
The nomination period is now open for the 2024 Council of the Federation Literacy Award.
The Government of Yukon upholds the important role of literacy across the territory to help shape vibrant communities. Premier Ranj Pillai encourages Yukoners to nominate someone from their community who demonstrates outstanding achievement, innovative practice and excellence in adult literacy.
New funding for north Alaska highway upgrades to be provided over three years
The Government of Yukon is pleased to see the impact of the territory’s closer relationship with the Government of Alaska resulting in benefits for Yukoners and Alaskans. Following the Memorandum of Understanding signed in February by the Yukon’s Premier Ranj Pillai and Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy, much-needed upgrades on the north Alaska Highway will begin in 2025 and continue until the end of the project in 2027.
Statement from Premier Pillai on visit from UK Consul General Thomas Codrington
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“Yesterday, I had the privilege of meeting with United Kingdom Consul General Thomas Codrington as part of his visit to the Yukon.
“During our conversation, I highlighted key priority areas for the Government of Yukon, including infrastructure to support our mining sector, clean and secure energy, and our commitment to working in partnership with Yukon First Nations.
Elijah Smith Elementary School exterior retrofit complete
Whitehorse’s Elijah Smith Elementary School has a brand-new look. Extensive work on an exterior renovation, which began in early 2023, is now complete. This work occurred as part of the Government of Yukon’s ongoing investment in Yukon schools as a key support for a strong, sustainable future for generations to come.
Upgrades focused on energy efficiency, with the installation of a new roof, vapour barrier and insulation, the replacement of 122 windows and updates to 90,000 square feet of exterior surface area.
Government of Yukon provides more than $1.6 million to 21 Yukon-based projects through the Community Development Fund
To support projects, events and initiatives that provide long-term, sustainable economic and social benefits to Yukon communities, the Government of Yukon is providing over $1.6 million to 21 Yukon-based projects through the Community Development Fund.
Whitehorse Public Library reopens to the public
The Whitehorse Public Library is pleased to reopen its doors today to the public after a one-month closure for carpet installation.
The closure, which began March 25, was necessary to replace and upgrade the carpet. The new installation will create a safer, more inviting library space for library patrons.
The reopening of the library means a return to in-person services such as use of the meeting room, loans of physical library materials and programming. Everyone is thanked for their patience this past month.
Commissioner announces the book launch of From Fort Cudahy to Taylor House
Commissioner of Yukon Adeline Webber is delighted to announce the launch of the book From Fort Cudahy to Taylor House, authored by former Commissioner Angelique Bernard. This book is a testament to the rich history of the office of the Commissioner of Yukon and the enduring legacy it represents.
The Health Transformation Advisory Committee announces information sessions for Shäw Kwä’ą/Health and Wellness Yukon/ Santé et mieux-être Yukon
This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon, Council of Yukon First Nations and the Yukon Hospital Corporation.
Phase seven lottery and tender open for new lots in Whistle Bend
To address the demand for housing in Whitehorse, the Government of Yukon is investing $25 to $30 million annually to develop and release lots in the Yukon. Today, 136 lots, including single family, townhouses and multi-family lots are being released by public lottery and tender in the Whistle Bend subdivision in Whitehorse.
As the main land developer in the territory, this latest lot release builds on the Government of Yukon’s commitment to making land available to Yukoners.
Statement from Minister of Finance Sandy Silver on federal Budget 2024
Minister of Finance Sandy Silver has issued the following statement:
“The Government of Canada tabled the federal Budget 2024 yesterday.
The Government of Yukon provides funding for Chiefs and Mayors forum
Building off the relationship-building successes of the Yukon Forum, the Government of Yukon is pleased to contribute $11,000 in funding to support the Council of Yukon First Nations and the Association of Yukon Communities’ Chiefs and Mayors Forum for 2024-25. This funding will allow the forum to occur twice in the coming year. The first forum will be hosted on April 18, in Whitehorse at Mount MacIntyre.
Statement from Minister Streicker on tourism in the Yukon
Minister John Streicker has issued the following statement:
“During Canada’s National Tourism Week, I am pleased to provide Yukoners with a snapshot of the Yukon’s tourism sector and the Government of Yukon’s work toward recovery after the devastating effects of the pandemic.
“Tourism is an important industry in the Yukon, contributing an average of $284 million annually to our economy. It provides sustainable, diversified employment and growth that balances economic development with environmental, community, and cultural values.
New tourism banners by Yukon artists unveiled for National Tourism Week
In recognition of National Tourism Week, the Government of Yukon unveiled a new series of tourism banners featuring the artwork of six Yukon artists.
Displayed outside Yukon visitor information centres, in communities, along roadways and at visitor attractions throughout the territory, the banners welcome visitors and showcase the talents of the territory’s established and emerging artists.
The Government of Yukon is making life more affordable for rural Yukoners
The Government of Yukon is committed to supporting Yukoners in the face of higher costs of living and responding to high inflation and therefore will not be raising taxes on rural Yukoners, holding 2024 rural property tax rates at the same level as in 2023.
The Government of Yukon announces increased funding to support the sport community
The Government of Yukon is pleased to announce two forms of increased funding to benefit the Yukon’s vibrant sports community. This funding will support Yukon organizations and athletes as they pursue their passion for sport.
The Government of Yukon increased Sport Yukon’s 2023–24 operational funding with a one-time increase of $130,000 to better enable the organization to prepare for upcoming major games. This funding will also support Sport Yukon’s inclusive and accessible initiatives, support staffing costs, and fund the development of sport across the territory.
Premier Pillai attends Arctic Encounter Symposium in Anchorage
Citizens of the Yukon and Alaska share an extensive common border, strong social and Indigenous ties, and shared economic interests. As part of the Government of Yukon and the Government of Alaska’s commitment to work closely together on matters of joint concern and mutual interest, Premier Ranj Pillai attended the Arctic Encounter Symposium in Anchorage on April 12.
Statement from Minister Streicker on National Tourism Week
Minister John Streicker has issued the following statement:
“I am pleased to join Yukoners and many others across Canada in marking National Tourism Week, celebrated from April 15 to 19 this year.
“Led by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, Tourism Week is a national, grassroots initiative that celebrates and recognizes the importance of the travel and tourism sector.
New accessible duplex opens in Faro
The Government of Yukon is committed to improving access to housing across the territory and is pleased to announce that two newly constructed homes in Faro are now available for Yukon Housing Corporation tenants.
The Government of Yukon releases tender for Dawson City Recreation Centre using new procurement method
The Dawson City Recreation Centre project is advancing to design and construction tender using a new procurement method.
The replacement of the Dawson Recreation Centre is an important priority for the City of Dawson and the Government of Yukon. The facility will provide Dawsonites with a modern gathering place that supports recreational activities.
As the project enters the design and construction tender stage, it brings the community one step closer to realizing a contemporary hub that fosters physical activity, social connections and enhances overall wellbeing.
