Yukon News Releases
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Statement from Minister Mostyn on emergency preparedness
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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:
Victim Services office in Whitehorse to remain closed until March 25 – services still available through phone and email
Following the break-in at the Whitehorse Victim Services office between the evening of March 15 and the morning of March 16, the Whitehorse Victim Services office will remain closed until Monday, March 25, to allow staff to continue to conduct a proper assessment, identify what information may have been accessed, determine if there are specific risks to individuals and contact impacted individuals directly.
Government of Yukon begins engagement on Yukon Labour Market Development Strategy
Labour market needs have been rapidly evolving and like many jurisdictions across Canada and around the world, the Yukon is experiencing an ongoing labour shortage.
In order to meet future labour market challenges the Government of Yukon will conduct a multi-staged public engagement to develop a future Yukon labour market strategy. Engagement will seek to define the priorities, challenges and opportunities faced by the Yukon labour market.
Statement from Minister responsible for Women and Gender Equity Directorate McLean on proclamation of Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQIA+ Awareness to Celebration Day in the Yukon
Minister Jeanie McLean has issued the following statement:
“I was proud to join members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and their allies today in Whitehorse for the proclamation of Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQIA+ Awareness to Celebration Day (Two-Spirit Day) and the raising of the Two-Spirit flag outside the Yukon Legislative Assembly. The Yukon is one of the first provincial/territorial jurisdictions in Canada to recognize the spring equinox as Two-Spirit Day.
Coordinated Vaping Product Taxation Agreement Act receives assent
Bill no. 35, the Coordinated Vaping Product Taxation Agreement Act, has received assent in the Yukon Legislative Assembly.
This Bill allows the Government of Yukon to enter into an agreement with the Government of Canada to join their coordinated vaping product taxation framework. The framework will double the existing federal tax on vaping products and the Yukon will receive 50 per cent of the revenue collected in the territory. The Government of Yukon will not add its own tax on these products as part of the agreement.
Statement from Premier Pillai on Nowruz
Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“I am pleased to join with those in the Yukon who celebrate the joyous time of Nowruz, a time of renewal, hope and cherished traditions. Nowruz, steeped in over 3,000 years of history, symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and the arrival of spring brings with it a sense of rejuvenation and optimism.
Update on the Dawson City Ice Bridge
Unfortunately, due to unfavourable conditions, construction will not proceed on this year's ice bridge in Dawson City.
The decision to cancel the ice bridge construction this year was made following close monitoring of the river by the Department of Highways and Public Works and in consideration of public safety. Due to temperature fluctuations and an upstream ice jam, open water remained in the location of the planned bridge, preventing construction of the crossing.
