Yukon News Releases

Statement from Minister responsible for Women and Gender Equity Directorate McLean and Health and Social Services Minister McPhee on Transgender Day of Visibility

3 hours 52 min ago

Minister responsible for Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean and Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee issued the following statement:

“Each year on March 31, we celebrate transgender, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people to recognize their contributions and accomplishments across the Yukon and Canada. Today we raise awareness of the discrimination against this community to help continue to build a more inclusive future for each and every Yukoner.

Government of Yukon receives feedback to help guide next steps on the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

4 hours 39 min ago

More than 1,500 Yukoners shared their suggestions for improvements to the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act as part of the Government of Yukon’s review of this important piece of legislation.

Following an advertising and public information campaign by the Government of Yukon, 1,420 Yukoners responded to an online and paper survey developed in partnership with the Yukon Bureau of Statistics. From February 1 to 29, respondents shared their input on key issues impacting landlords and tenants, as well as revisions to Act. 

Statement from Premier Pillai on Nunavut’s 25th anniversary

5 hours 30 min ago

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

"On behalf of the Government of Yukon and all Yukoners, I extend best wishes to all Nunavummiut as they celebrate their territory’s 25th anniversary.

“Seeing Nunavut’s progress and achievements over the past twenty-five years is incredible. This year was especially significant for our northern neighbours as they celebrated the signing of the Nunavut Devolution Agreement. This milestone represents a significant step forward in their journey towards greater self-determination and sovereignty.

Statement from Premier Pillai on visit with Japanese Consul General Maruyama

Wed, 03/27/2024 - 17:47

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

“Today I had the pleasure of meeting with Japanese Consul General Maruyama and introducing Mr. Maruyama and his wife, Suzue, in the Yukon Legislative Assembly.

“Consul General Maruyama has proven to be an invaluable partner in fostering a strong relationship between Japan and the Yukon. This marks the sixth visit from Japanese diplomats in just over a year, underscoring Japan's sustained and significant involvement with the Yukon.

The Government of Yukon shares updates for the upcoming 2024–25 fishing and hunting licensing year

Wed, 03/27/2024 - 17:15

The licensing season for fishing and hunting for the 2024–25 season starts April 1. Fishing and hunting licences are valid from April 1 to March 31 every year so Yukoners who fish and hunt will need to renew their licences for 2024–25.

Fishing licences are available for early sale. If you are planning to fish on April 1, people must purchase a 2024–25 fishing licence in person or online.

Automatic enrolment is underway for the new Whistle Bend Elementary School

Wed, 03/27/2024 - 16:19

Whistle Bend Elementary School, which is the first new elementary school to be built in Whitehorse in more than 20 years, will welcome students in August 2024 for the 2024–25 school year.

Students are expected to attend a school in the attendance area of their primary home address, and the attendance area for the new school includes the neighbourhoods of Whistle Bend and Takhini (north of the softball fields). Automatic enrolment for Whistle Bend Elementary School is now underway and based on:

Statement from Minister Mostyn on emergency preparedness

Tue, 03/26/2024 - 19:02

Minister Richard Mostyn has issued the following statement:

 

“As the weather gets warmer, I know all of us Yukoners are thinking ahead to the spring and summer; especially, in terms of wildfires and flooding across our territory.

“We understand the importance of acting now and planning ahead to protect our land and ensure the safety and wellbeing of Yukoners.

“Our government is working with municipal and First Nations governments and other local response agencies on emergency training, planning and hazard identification.

Statement from Premier Pillai on Holi

Mon, 03/25/2024 - 11:21

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

“On Sunday evening, Hindu Yukoners and friends gathered around fires to sing, dance and celebrate Holi, also known as the Festival of Colours.

“Marking the end of winter and the start of spring, Holi is a time to celebrate hope, peace and the triumph of light over darkness. Festivities include dancing, sharing food, lighting bonfires, spraying water and throwing coloured powder – orange for optimism, blue for vitality, green meaning harmony and red symbolizing joy and love.

Deadline extended to support homeowners struggling with affordability

Fri, 03/22/2024 - 17:15

The deadline for Yukoners to apply for the Canada-Yukon Housing Homeowner Benefit has been extended to March 31, 2024.

This program was developed in recognition of high interest rates, heating costs and the overall cost of living. Eligible Yukon homeowners with low or moderate incomes can apply for a one-time payment to help them with their housing costs.

Statement from Deputy Premier McLean and Minister Mostyn on the Yukon Native Hockey Tournament

Fri, 03/22/2024 - 14:03

Deputy Premier Jeanie McLean and Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn have issued the following statement:

 

“On behalf of the Government of Yukon, we are pleased to recognize the 44th annual Yukon Native Hockey Tournament, which kicks off today.

“The tournament has been held since 1973 and is arguably the largest and most enduring made-in-Yukon event. That inaugural tournament saw players like John Flynn, Danny Joseph, Roy Johnson, Tommy Taylor, Jim Bob Titus and the Farr brothers lead the Dawson City Sluicers to a first-ever tournament win.

Statement from Minister Clarke on World Water Day

Fri, 03/22/2024 - 13:24

Minister of Environment Nils Clarke has issued the following statement:

“In observance of World Water Day on March 22, the lights of the Jim Smith Building are blue to raise awareness about the importance of fresh water. This day is a reminder to be conscious of the ways we use, consume, and interact with water in our lives, and think about how we can support the world’s water and sanitation challenges.

“Each year, World Water Day raises awareness of the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water.

Statement from Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee on World Tuberculosis Day

Fri, 03/22/2024 - 11:43

Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:

“As we observe World Tuberculosis Day this Sunday, we focus on deepening our understanding of tuberculosis, its spread and how we can collectively work towards its eradication.

“Tuberculosis, despite being preventable and treatable, continues to impact millions worldwide. We are steadfast in our commitment to combating this global health issue. Our efforts are not only focused on treatment but also on prevention and education.

Statement from Premier Pillai on Holy Week

Fri, 03/22/2024 - 11:38

Premier Pillai has issued the following statement:

“Christians worldwide are preparing for Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week, the most sacred week in the year in Christianity.

“In Christian communities, Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday hold special significance, commemorating the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These days are central to the Christian faith.

“For those who observed Lent, may you find joy and inspiration as we approach Easter.” 

Statement from Premier Pillai on Purim

Fri, 03/22/2024 - 11:31

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

“This weekend marks Purim, a Jewish holiday which commemorates the survival of the Jewish people who were marked for death by their Persian rulers in the 5th century BCE, as recounted in the Book of Esther.

The story of Purim is one of ritual, performance and feminism, celebrated with masquerading, feasts, charity and the retelling of the Purim story.

Statement from Minister of Education Jeanie McLean on educational assistant allocation process for 2024–25 school year

Thu, 03/21/2024 - 19:55

Minister of Education Jeanie McLean has issued the following statement:

“Educational assistants are an important part of the broader supports for Yukon learners. Each spring, educational assistants are allocated to Yukon schools for the following school year.

The Government of Yukon expands Good Energy clean transportation incentives

Thu, 03/21/2024 - 17:10

The Government of Yukon is expanding the clean transportation rebates to include commercial medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles. The government is also adding boats, all-terrain vehicles and other modes of electric transportation.  

 Yukoners can now get up to $2,500 in rebates based on battery size for alternative electric transportation options such as electric boats, motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles. Rebates of up to $10,000 are now available for commercial electric vehicles such as pick-ups and utility vans that meet medium-duty class 2B criteria and above.

Update on work to address break-in at Whitehorse Victim Services office

Thu, 03/21/2024 - 16:02

Since the break-in at the Whitehorse Victim Services office, staff at the Department of Justice have been working diligently to assess records and client information stored at the office on Main Street and to address identified security concerns while continuing to serve clients.

A large portion of the records at Victim Services are contained in an electronic database, including client case notes. An audit of the database has been completed and the Department of Justice can confirm that it was not accessed during the break-in.

Statement from Premier Pillai and Minister McPhee on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Thu, 03/21/2024 - 14:24

Premier Ranj Pillai and Minister of Justice Tracy-Anne McPhee have issued the following statement:

“In observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21, we remember the tragic events in Sharpeville, South Africa, in 1960, when 69 individuals were murdered during an anti-apartheid protest.

Statement from Minister responsible for Yukon Liquor Corporation Silver on Social Responsibility Initiatives

Wed, 03/20/2024 - 18:53

Minister responsible for Yukon Liquor Corporation Sandy Silver has issued the following statement:
 

“We are fortunate to live in a territory that offers an incredible variety of events, initiatives and gatherings that enrich our lives and foster vibrant communities.

“Regardless of whether we are choosing to use substances at a community event or on our own, it is important for each of us to prioritize safety, act responsibly and minimize risks for ourselves and others.

Report on French-Language services for 2022–23 year released on International Francophonie Day

Wed, 03/20/2024 - 12:00

Today, on International Francophonie Day, the Government of Yukon is unveiling its 2022–23 report on French-language services. This report highlights efforts focused on strengthening the Government of Yukon's French language capacities in order to increase the public’s access to timely services and information in French as well as the government’s commitment to supporting a thriving Yukon Francophone community.

Main accomplishments include:

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