Yukon News Releases

The Yukon’s minimum wage increases to $17.59 per hour

lun, 01/29/2024 - 14:25

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

lun, 01/29/2024 - 13:42

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

ven, 01/26/2024 - 18:54

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

ven, 01/26/2024 - 16:36

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

ven, 01/26/2024 - 13:41

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

ven, 01/26/2024 - 13:18

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.

Government of Yukon seeks public input in review of the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

ven, 01/26/2024 - 11:54

The Government of Yukon is committed to supporting a sustainable and affordable housing market across the territory.

Last summer, the Yukon government began a review of the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. As part of this process, the Government of Yukon brought together 11 community members to discuss key issues affecting landlords, tenants and businesses to help inform the broader review.

The Yukon government is now seeking input from Yukoners on key issues impacting landlords, tenants and businesses, as well as additional feedback regarding the Act.

Statement from Premier Pillai on the International Day in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust

ven, 01/26/2024 - 11:48

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

“January 27 is the International Day in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust. On this solemn occasion, we pause to remember and honour the millions of innocent lives lost during one of the darkest chapters in human history. The Holocaust – or Shoah, as it is known in Hebrew – stands  as a stark reminder of the depths to which hatred, prejudice and discrimination can lead societies and individuals.

Extended Producer Responsibility now enabled in the Yukon

jeu, 01/25/2024 - 18:40

The Government of Yukon has made progress on its efforts to improve waste management across the territory by approving a regulation that sets general rules for developing and implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in the territory.  

EPR shifts the costs of recycling from taxpayers to those producing and selling packaging, paper products, as well as hazardous and special products.

Government of Yukon creates opportunity for the Yukon’s private sector to offer electric vehicle charging services

jeu, 01/25/2024 - 16:23

The Government of Yukon has implemented a new regulation under the Public Utilities Act that allows the Yukon’s private sector to offer electric vehicle charging services and collect user fees on the electricity sold to the public. Prior to this, only regulated public utilities could sell electricity under the Public Utilities Act.  

Propane leak at Whistle Bend Place successfully contained and resolved

jeu, 01/25/2024 - 15:35

A propane leak at the Whistle Bend Place long-term care home in Whitehorse has been  successfully managed, ensuring the safety of all residents and staff. The Government of Yukon thanks the prompt and effective actions of staff and emergency services.

Statement from Premier Pillai on intergovernmental meetings

jeu, 01/25/2024 - 12:19

Premier Ranj Pillai issued the following statement: 

While in Vancouver this week at the Association for Mineral Exploration’s Roundup conference and the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference, I had the opportunity to meet with colleagues and counterparts to discuss shared priorities and opportunities for closer collaboration with respect to resource development and energy.

The Government of Yukon begins clearing work in Whistle Bend

mer, 01/24/2024 - 14:18

The Government of Yukon is completing clearing work to help enable the development of new lots in the Whistle Bend area and stormwater site improvements.  

The area between Casca Boulevard and Whistle Bend Way behind Whistle Bend Place is being developed to provide public service lots, 15 commercial lots and medium to high-density residential lots, providing the potential for up to 400 units of housing.  

This area will be cleared of trees, roots and stumps over the next couple of months to allow ground construction to start in the spring.  

Statement from Minister Clarke and Minister McLean on school bus driver testing

mer, 01/24/2024 - 13:00

Minister of Highways and Public Works Nils Clarke and Minister of Education Jeanie McLean have issued the following statement:

“Like many jurisdictions across Canada, the Yukon has experienced a shortage of school bus drivers. Transportation to and from school is a big part of day-to-day education for Yukon students and making sure they get there and back safely is a key priority for our government.

Call for artwork proposals issued for new “Welcome to the Yukon” signs

mer, 01/24/2024 - 11:49

The Government of Yukon is preparing to replace the “Welcome to the Yukon” signs at nine gateway locations and is seeking original artwork by Yukon artists that provides welcoming imagery representative of the territory’s unique culture, history and natural beauty.

Statement from Minister of Education on International Day of Education

mer, 01/24/2024 - 10:35

Minister of Education Jeanie McLean has issued the following statement:

“On January 24, we celebrate International Day of Education. This day was initiated by the United Nations General Assembly on December 3, 2018. It is an opportunity to recognize how crucial education is for peace and growth across the world.

Statement from Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn on Team Yukon selections

mar, 01/23/2024 - 11:49

Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn has issued the following statement:

“In 45 days, the Yukon will send 355 athletes, cultural performers, coaches and support personnel to the 2024 Arctic Winter Games in the Mat-Su Valley, Alaska.

“Since October, the territory’s athletes have been competing for a chance to represent Team Yukon at the circumpolar north’s largest multi-sport event and now, rosters are finalized for the games.

Update on the status of the Dawson ice bridge for January 22, 2024

lun, 01/22/2024 - 17:56

The Government of Yukon continues to monitor the conditions of the Yukon River in Dawson. While the river continues to show signs of ice formation, there is still not enough to construct an ice bridge at this time.  

It remains a priority to provide a reliable means of crossing the river for residents this winter. Emergency services are accessible for West Dawson residents by calling 911. Virtual health appointments and other health resources online are also available to residents, including:

Statement from Premier Pillai and Minister Streicker on industry conferences

lun, 01/22/2024 - 13:00

Premier and Minister of Economic Development Ranj Pillai and Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources John Streicker have issued the following statement:

“This week, our government is excited to attend two major industry conferences in Vancouver: The Association for Mineral Exploration Roundup and the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference. These are important events for industry professionals, investors and stakeholders in the mineral exploration and mining sector, and we are pleased to be a part of the work being done.

Statement from Premier Pillai on the Outstanding Youth Achievement Awards

ven, 01/19/2024 - 10:50

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

“Nominations for the 2024 Outstanding Youth Achievement Awards are now open. The Outstanding Youth Achievement Awards serve as a beacon of recognition and celebration, spotlighting the remarkable accomplishments and contributions of the Yukon’s young leaders.

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