Yukon News Releases
Updated: 11 hours 1 min ago
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.
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.
