Yukon News Releases
Updated: 2 hours 52 sec ago
Government of Yukon announces 2024 rent index, aligning with Whitehorse inflation rate
The Government of Yukon is continuing to index residential rent increases in 2024 to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Whitehorse. On May 15, 2024, the residential rent index will change from five per cent to 4.9 per cent. Effective this date, the maximum by which landlords will be able to raise rents will be 4.9 per cent, aligned with inflation.
The rent index came into effect under a new Regulation to the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (RLTA) in 2023 as part of the Yukon government’s Confidence and Supply Agreement with the Yukon New Democratic Party.
Statement from Ministers in response to provincial announcements on policies regarding 2SLGBTQIA+ young adults
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy Anne-McPhee and Minister of Education and Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equity Jeanie McLean issued the following statement:
“The Government of Yukon is deeply concerned about a number of policies being enacted by governments across Canada that will have significant impacts on the health and safety of 2SLGBTQIA+ young adults.
“All young people deserve to be who they are and have their identities represented and respected at school. Further, no one should be denied medical care based on their identity.
Yukon 125 Prize recipients announced
The recipients for the 125 Prize were unveiled at an event yesterday evening at the Whitehorse Visitor Information Centre. Three projects will be sharing the $250,000 prize and represent a variety of activities and pursuits celebrating the Yukon.
The 125 Prize is a unique, one-time opportunity for Yukoners to achieve something extraordinary, whether an individual pursuit or a collective project.
The three prize project recipients are:
Update on the status of the Dawson ice bridge
The Government of Yukon continues to monitor the status of the Yukon River in Dawson. Unfortunately, there is still not enough ice to construct a bridge. If the ice becomes thick enough, the Yukon government will make every effort to build a crossing for light-duty vehicles.
Residents are reminded that medical emergency services are always accessible by calling 9-1-1. Virtual health appointments and other online health resources are also available including:
Full-service midwifery care resumes for Yukoners
The Yukon Midwifery Program will resume accepting applications for full-service midwifery care on February 12. The program team has grown and now includes second birth attendants in addition to three registered midwives.
A second birth attendant is a regulated health professional, often a registered nurse, who works within their own scope of practice to support out-of-hospital births alongside a registered midwife.
Statement from Minister of Tourism and Culture John Streicker in honour of the 2024 Yukon Quest
Minister of Tourism and Culture John Streicker has issued the following statement:
“As the Yukon Quest gears up for its 40th running, our government is proud to recognize the cultural and historic significance of the race and the spirit of community it inspires.
“Since 1984, the Yukon Quest has been an iconic showcase of the challenges, triumphs and frozen beauty of the territory. From the frenzy of the start line to the fellowship along the trail, the event continues to embody the sense of adventure and perseverance for which the North is known.
Statement from Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee on World Cancer Day
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:
"This Sunday marks World Cancer Day, a day to honour and remember everyone affected by cancer and join together to prevent, detect, treat and beat cancer.
“Cancer is a leading cause of death in Canada, and it indiscriminately and inevitably touches all of us at some point in our lives, whether it be through our own cancer diagnosis or the diagnosis of a family member or friend.
Statement from Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee on Eating Disorders Awareness Week
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:
“February 1 to 7, 2024 is Eating Disorders Awareness Week. This week is held each year to bring awareness to eating disorders and highlights the significant challenges of disordered eating behaviours.
Statement from Premier Pillai on Black History Month
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“Today marks the start of Black History Month when we celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians and remember the ongoing challenges and racialized discrimination that Black people endure.
Government of Yukon announces honoraria increase for Emergency Medical Services community responders
The Government of Yukon has increased honoraria for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) community responders. As essential contributors to the Yukon EMS, community responders play a crucial role in delivering health care within their respective communities. These Yukoners, who volunteer their services, currently receive compensation in the form of an honorarium for their on-call availability.
Government of Yukon announces residential Managed Alcohol Program
The Government of Yukon is pleased to announce the implementation of a residential Managed Alcohol Program (MAP), a key harm reduction component of the Substance Use Health Emergency Strategy.
Whitehorse Public Library is closing from March 25 to April 21
From March 25 to April 21, 2024, the Whitehorse Public Library will be closed to the public for carpet installation.
The carpet in the library is old and torn in spots and is due for replacement. While there never is an ideal time to close the library for building maintenance, the dates were specifically chosen to minimize disruptions. The closure will come after the coldest months of winter have passed and spring break has ended.
Government of Yukon to open warming centre at Jim Smith Building
The Government of Yukon is opening a warming centre in the Jim Smith Building from March 18 to May 1, 2024. In line with the Downtown Whitehorse Safety Response Action Plan and efforts to provide additional essential support services in downtown Whitehorse, this pilot project aims to improve accessibility to safe warming spaces for all, especially vulnerable populations.
Yukon Housing Corporation launches “Creating Home,” a new approach to housing
This news release has been updated with a quick fact about the Quadruple Aim framework.
The Yukon’s minimum wage increases to $17.59 per hour
Effective April 1, 2024, Yukon’s minimum wage will increase from $16.77 to $17.59 per hour. This increase is based on the 2023 Consumer Price Index for Whitehorse which is 4.9 per cent.
A minimum wage tied to inflation, as with other social supports, aims to help reduce poverty, increase affordability and address income inequality across the territory.
Statement from Premier Pillai on the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action against Islamophobia
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“On this National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action against Islamophobia, we commemorate the lives lost seven years ago today in the violent, hate-fuelled attack at the Centre culturel islamique de Québec in Sainte-Foy, QC. Yukoners express our unwavering solidarity with the Muslim community here in the Yukon, across Canada, and around the world.
Statement from Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee on the Yukon Coroner's news release on toxic illicit drugs
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:
"The recent news release from Yukon’s Chief Coroner, highlighting the continuing tragedy of lives lost to toxic illicit drugs in our community, is a stark reminder of the persistent challenge we continue to face. The data revealing the impact of substance use, particularly opioids, in our territory is deeply troubling. These are not just statistics; they represent our community members, friends, and family – their loss is felt by us all.
Dáshäw k'e thrives with successful completion by third cohort of students
This is a joint release with Yukon First Nations Education Directorate.
Eleven student leaders have successfully completed the third offering of Dáshäw k'e, a multi-credit, semester-long program at F.H. Collins Secondary School that offers Yukon First Nations culturally-centred high school education.
Statement from the Minister of Highways and Public Works Nils Clarke on Data Privacy Day
Minister of Highways and Public Works Nils Clarke has issued the following statement:
“Around the globe, Canada and many countries recognize Data Privacy Day, which was first celebrated in Canada on January 28, 2008.
Government of Yukon highlights territory’s mineral potential at conferences in Vancouver
This week, Premier Ranj Pillai, Deputy Premier Jeanie McLean, Energy, Mines and Resources Minister John Streicker, and Finance Minister Sandy Silver attended the Association for Mineral Exploration’s (AME) Roundup conference and the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference. Both conferences bring together experts, investors and companies in the resource sector.
