Yukon News Releases
Updated: 10 hours 54 min ago
Government of Yukon supports evolving health care needs while strengthening progress of infrastructure projects
Delivering patient-centred health care continues to be a top priority for the Government of Yukon. At the same time, the Government of Yukon has made significant progress in advancing major capital infrastructure projects like the Dempster Fibre line and Nisutlin Bay Bridge replacement.
Update on flooding at Ch'ëdähdëk Forty Mile Historic Site: Damage assessed and Request for Proposals issued for long-term conservation plan
This is a joint release with Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in.
In May of 2023, an ice jam formed at the confluence of the Forty mile and Yukon rivers 88 km downriver from Dawson City, resulting in extensive ice and water damage to the co-managed Ch'ëdähdëk (Forty Mile) Historic Site, one of the eight component sites that make up the Tr’ondëk-Klondike UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Statement from Minister Jeanie McLean on Girl Guides’ World Thinking Day
Minister of Education and Minister of Women and Gender Equity Jeanie McLean has issued the following statement:
“Since 1926, February 22 has been designated as World Thinking Day, a day devoted to celebrating Girl Guides and their efforts to empower girls in the Yukon, across Canada and around the world.
Statement from Premier Pillai and Minister Streicker on Heritage Day
Premier Pillai and Minister of Tourism and Culture John Streicker have issued the following statement:
"For more than 47 years, Yukoners have marked Heritage Day as a chance to recognize and celebrate the essence of living in this remarkable territory. This day provides us with an opportunity to reflect on our territory's history, celebrate its diverse cultures and appreciate the contributions of those who came before us.
The Government of Yukon provides update on Downtown Whitehorse Safety Response Action Plan
Today, Minister of Health and Social Services and Minister of Justice Tracy-Anne McPhee provided an update on progress made with action items identified in the Downtown Whitehorse Safety Response Action Plan.
Actions since the December 20, 2023 update include:
The Yukon and Canada enter a four-year funding agreement on Foreign Credential Recognition
The Government of Yukon is addressing health care labour shortages by facilitating the recognition of credentials for internationally educated health professionals.
Today in Whitehorse, Premier Ranj Pillai, alongside the federal Minister of Small Business Rechie Valdez, on behalf of federal Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages of Canada Randy Boissonnault, alongside Yukon MP Dr. Brendan Hanley, announced the $3.6 million Foreign Credential Recognition Project for internationally educated health care workers.
Statement from Minister Streicker on recipients of the 2023 Yukon Heritage Awards
Minister of Tourism and Culture John Streicker has issued the following statement:
“Congratulations to the five recipients of the 2023 Yukon Heritage Awards! These annual awards are presented by the Yukon Historical and Museums Association to individuals, organizations and businesses which have made a significant contribution to the conservation or interpretation of Yukon’s heritage. The awards were presented at an event yesterday evening at the Yukon Archives to honour all of the recipients.
The Yukon is a little bit metal
Snowshoeing, dogsledding, ice fishing, fat tire biking in the Yukon… it’s a little bit metal.
Sightseeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, helicopter touring in the Yukon… it’s a little bit metal.
Northern lights, hot springs, Yukon in the winter… it’s a little bit metal.
"Metal" isn’t just for mining anymore. As part of its ongoing work to promote the Yukon as a year-round tourism destination, the Department of Tourism and Culture (Tourism Yukon) has launched a sick new winter tourism marketing campaign about all the ways the Yukon is metal.
Government of Yukon seeking input to inform review of Mayo wildfire evacuation
The Government of Yukon is seeking input for the After Action Review of the Mayo wildfire evacuation last summer. The Village of Mayo was under an Evacuation Order due to threat from the Talbot Creek wildfire in August 2023.
The Government of Yukon has contracted Loomex to conduct the After Action Review. The review is intended to capture feedback from emergency responders, governments and residents affected by the wildfire and evacuation. The review will also provide recommendations to help improve preparedness, response and recovery processes for future incidents.
Statement on flood preparedness from Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn
Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn has issued the following statement:
“In recent years, a number of locations across Yukon have been impacted by severe flooding. I know flood preparedness is on top-of-mind for many Yukoners. While it is too early to predict what the spring will hold, we are taking steps to prepare for potential spring flooding.
Government of Yukon launches Inclusive Yukon Families public engagement
Furthering the Government of Yukon’s commitment to inclusivity and building a society where all people are valued and recognized as their true selves, the Yukon government is launching the Inclusive Yukon Families public engagement from February 15 to March 15, 2024. This public engagement will include an online survey and targeted in-person engagement aiming to better reflect parenthood and explore how naming options can be expanded to address barriers, burdens and inequities experienced in the current system.
Statement on Wear Red Canada from the Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:
"Today marks Wear Red Canada, a day to acknowledge and promote the prevention and detection of heart disease in women.
The Government of Yukon celebrates recipients of the 2023 Sport Awards
The Yukon is home to many talented athletes, from those starting their sport careers to those who are competing at the highest levels of competition. Together, the Government of Yukon, Sport Yukon, Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle and Special Olympics Yukon celebrated the territory’s top athletes with an award ceremony on February 12, 2024.
For the Government of Yukon awards, athletes earned the Premier’s Award of Sport Excellence or the Minister’s Award of Sport Recognition for their accomplishments in 2023.
Statement from Premier Pillai on the recipients of the inaugural Yukon Sustainability Awards
Premier and Minister of Economic Development Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“Congratulations to the winners of the inaugural Yukon Sustainability Awards! These awards celebrate Yukon businesses dedicated to building a greener economy. They lead by example, integrating sustainable practices into their business models, while also prioritizing First Nations reconciliation and collaboration. The creation of these awards was a commitment I made in Our Clean Future and we were pleased to see how much interest there was in the first year of the campaign.
The Government of Yukon extends engagement period for review of the Child Care Act
The public engagement for the review of the Child Care Act has been extended to February 29, 2024, to allow Yukoners more time to respond to the proposed changes to this important legislation.
The engagement period launched on November 27, 2023, and has garnered several hundred responses from parents, early childhood educators, operators of family day homes and early learning and child care centres, First Nations governments, education partners and interested stakeholders.
Statement from Minister of Tourism and Culture John Streicker in honour of Yukon Rendezvous Days
The Minister of Tourism and Culture John Streicker has issued the following statement:
“As Yukon Rendezvous Festival celebrates its 60th year, Yukoners and visitors alike look forward to celebrating Rendezvous from February 9 to 25.
“For 60 years this treasured mid-winter celebration has brightened our days, helping us shake off our cabin fever and say goodbye to our winter blues. From axe throwing to snow carving, craft fairs to hand games, burlesque to masquerade, there is truly something for everyone.
Government of Yukon leadership meets with Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy during first official visit to the territory
On February 8 and 9, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy paid his first official visit to the Yukon along with Alaska State Commissioner of Fish and Game Douglas Vincent-Lang, Alaska State Commissioner of Transportation and Public Facilities Ryan Anderson and Alaska State Commissioner of Natural Resources John Boyle.
Government of Yukon supporting Whitehorse General Hospital during period of high demand
The Whitehorse General Hospital is experiencing higher than normal volume and demand.
The Government of Yukon, Yukon Hospital Corporation and Yukon Medical Association are working collaboratively to help ensure Yukoners continue to have access to care when they need it.
To mitigate pressures at the hospital, the Department of Health and Social Services is:
Statement from Premier Pillai on Lunar New Year 2024
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“Tomorrow marks the Lunar New Year, one of the most significant celebrations in the lunar calendar.
“Also known as the Spring Festival, the Lunar New Year is an opportunity for many members of Asian communities across the world to reunite with family, share festive meals and partake in age-old traditions that bridge generations. The colourful parades, traditional dances and the exchange of red envelopes all contribute to the festive atmosphere that envelops communities during this special time.
