Government of Yukon

2017 news releases


News Releases - 2017

Government strengthens laws to protect the rights of transgender Yukoners
April 25, 2017 – Changes to the Vital Statistics and Human Rights acts will prohibit discrimination on the grounds of gender identity and gender expression.

Yukon and Canada invest to renew infrastructure at Yukon College
April 25, 2017 – The governments of Canada and Yukon are investing a combined $3.06 million to create a new Innovation Commons and upgrade existing power infrastructure at Yukon College.

Saiga education days highlight antelope’s ice age past and present plight
April 25, 2017 – The Beringia Interpretive Centre is holding a two-day educational event for elementary students.

Yukon to offer free HPV immunization to boys
April 24, 2017 – Expanding Yukon's immunization program to include boys will help protect youth from HPV-related cancers and other serious health problems.

Government of Yukon tables National Aboriginal Day Act
April 24, 2017 – If passed, the legislation will create National Aboriginal Day as an annual statutory holiday in Yukon beginning June 21, 2017.

Digital media projects eligible for Government of Yukon film funding initiatives
April 24, 2017 – Yukon digital media projects are now eligible for funding under Government of Yukon film funds.

Yukon government invites public comment on draft pharmacist and rural permit holder legislation
April 21, 2017 – The Government of Yukon is seeking public feedback on draft pharmacist and rural permit holder legislation.

Yukon Legislative Assembly opens with speech from the throne
April 20, 2017 – Commissioner Doug Phillips opened the second session of the 34th Yukon Legislative Assembly with a speech from the throne.

88 Days from North American Indigenous Games
April 19, 2017 – Government of Yukon is counting down to the North American Indigenous Games along with the Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle.

One of Yukon’s longest serving Commissioners dies at age 97
April 14, 2017 – The Government of Yukon marks the passing of James Smith.

Government of Yukon supports proposed federal cannabis legalization and regulation
April 13, 2017 – Government of Yukon is getting ready for the legalization of cannabis.

Funding programs support artistic exploration and creative communities
April 13, 2017 – Three arts fund programs are supporting a wide range of projects.

Ministers visit Old Crow
April 12, 2017 – Three Yukon government ministers visited Old Crow this week.

Yukon government supports Tier 3 projects generating economic benefits to Yukon’s citizens
April 12, 2017 – Government of Yukon's CDF awarded more than $1 million to eight community organizations through Tier III funding last week.

Yukon advisory committee to support work of National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in Yukon
April 11, 2017 – Minister responsible for the Women's Directorate Jeanie Dendys, Kwanlin Dün First Nation Chief Doris Bill and Yukon Aboriginal Women's Council president Doris Anderson will co-chair the reconvened group of advocates and community leaders.

Government of Yukon signs on to new Canadian Free Trade Agreement
April 7, 2017 – The Government of Yukon is pleased to join Canada and the provinces and territories in signing the Canadian Free Trade Agreement.

Yukon and B.C. sign water management agreement
April 5, 2017 – Yukon and BC work together to manage shared water in the Liard River Basin.

Government of Yukon and Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in begin work on new timber supply analysis
April 3, 2017 – Work begins on new timber supply analysis for Dawson forest planning area.

Community Development Fund awards $131,000 for Yukon projects
April 3, 2017 – Ten organizations will receive more than $131,000 from the Community Development Fund, creating approximately 2,000 hours of employment.

Statement from the premier on National Aboriginal Languages Day
March 31, 2017 – The premier recognizes March 31 as National Aboriginal Languages Day.

Government of Canada supports bus purchase for Teslin Tlingit Council
March 31, 2017 – A 28-seat passenger bus will provide Teslin Tlingit Council citizens with transportation to Whitehorse and other communities.

Government of Yukon issues special warrant to meet financial commitments
March 30, 2017 – The Government of Yukon has issued a special warrant to ensure government programs and functions continue to operate while the 2017-18 budget is debated during the spring legislative sitting.

New Yukon Supreme Court justice to be added
March 30, 2017 – Federal government allows for Yukon Supreme Court justice appointment in 2017–18 budget.

Interim Electrical Rebate renewed
March 29, 2017 – Government of Yukon to extend rebate and reduce the amount Yukoners pay for electricity.

Yukon launches first phase of new online corporate registry
March 29, 2017 – The first phase of a new corporate online registry has been launched for Yukon business and not-for-profit organizations.

A statement from Premier Sandy Silver on the 2017 federal budget
March 23, 2017 – Premier and Minister of Finance Sandy Silver issued a statement in response to the Government of Canada's 2017 budget.

Successful trip to Ottawa for Yukon premier
March 23, 2017 – Premier visits Ottawa to support First Nations and Yukon interests.

Yukon First Nation filmmakers attend Berlin film festival
March 22, 2017 – The Government of Yukon supports First Nation filmmakers participating in the Berlin International Film Festival and Marketplace.

Yukon fossil key to uncovering bison’s North American invasion
March 21, 2017 – DNA from bison fossil from Old Crow helps shed light on bison family tree.

Canada, Yukon and First Nations governments meet at the Intergovernmental Forum in Whitehorse
March 17, 2017 – Federal Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, Yukon premier and First Nations met for an Intergovernmental Forum.

Government of Yukon provides funding towards the development of community projects
March 16, 2017 – New recipients of the community development fund have been announced.

Government of Yukon invites feedback on changes to student assessment in schools
March 16, 2017 – The Government of Yukon will be changing how schools assess and report on student progress and is looking for feedback on the proposed changes from students, teachers, parents and community members.

Government of Yukon, First Nations and industry stand together on key issues
March 16, 2017 – Government of Yukon, First Nations and Yukon Chamber of mines confirm united support for federal Bill C-17.

Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in and Yukon government reach agreement on exploration notification
March 15, 2017 – Yukon government agrees it has a duty to notify regarding mineral exploration activities.

Yukon presents on Indigenous women’s empowerment at the United Nations
March 15, 2017 – Minister responsible for the Women's Directorate presents at the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations in New York.

Legislative amendments will protect the rights of transgender Yukoners
March 13, 2017 – Amendments to the Vital Statistics Act will remove the requirement for sex reassignment surgery before a person can change the gender on their birth registration.

PDAC a successful showcase of Yukon’s mineral industry
March 9, 2017 – The Government of Yukon presented at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) this week.

Government of Yukon to offer French fluency exam for eligible students
March 9, 2017 – The Government of Yukon will now start offering the Diplôme d'études en langue française (DELF) French diploma exam, an internationally recognized French fluency exam, at no cost to students.

Government of Canada, Yukon First Nations and Government of Yukon to gather for the Intergovernmental Forum
March 7, 2017 – The Intergovernmental Forum will take place Thursday, March 16, 2017.

Statement on the release of Office of the Auditor General of Canada reports
March 6, 2017 – The Government of Yukon has responded to the Office of the Auditor General of Canada's reports.

Government of Yukon launches ColonCheck Yukon program and awareness campaign
March 3, 2017 – The new program helps Yukoners detect early signs of colorectal cancer.

Yukon Legislative Assembly to reconvene April 20
March 2, 2017 – Premier Silver has called for the Legislative Assembly to be reconvened.

New chair appointed for Yukon Hospital Corporation Board
March 1, 2017 – A new board chair has been appointed to the Yukon Hospital Corporation.

Heritage projects promote Yukon First Nations language and oral history
February 22, 2017 – The Government of Yukon is helping to preserve Yukon's cultural legacy through the Yukon Historic Resources Fund.

A statement from the minister of Community Services on the legal suit filed for the Dawson wastewater treatment plant
February 22, 2017 – The following statement has been issued in response to the legal suit filed for the Dawson wastewater treatment plant.

New members appointed to the Yukon Housing Corporation Board of Directors
February 21, 2017 – New appointments have been made to the Yukon Housing Corporation Board of Directors.

New community projects funded through the Community Development Fund
February 14, 2017 – The Government of Yukon awarded more than $186,000 to 12 community organizations through the Community Development Fund.

Premier, ministers and First Nations delegation wrap up successful meetings in Ottawa
February 8, 2017 – The Government of Yukon reaffirms its relationship with First Nations during a series of meetings in Ottawa.

New website compiles information about current research and monitoring in Yukon
February 8, 2017 – The new site compiles research and monitoring initiatives conducted by or in partnership with the Government of Yukon.

Government of Yukon and Kwanlin Dün First Nation advance land titles registration
February 8, 2017 – An amendment to Kwanlin Dün First Nation's Self-Government Agreement has been approved allowing select land title registration.

Minister shares Yukon social services perspective with federal, provincial and territorial colleagues
February 3, 2017 – Yukon leading by example with collaborative relationships on social services issues.

Get active with the ParticipACTION 150 Play List
February 3, 2017 – ParticipACTION 150 Play List is a fun challenge to introduce Yukoners to 150 activities and inspire Yukoners to have an active lifestyle.

Premier and ministers head to Ottawa with First Nations delegation
February 3, 2017 – The government of Yukon is joining with First Nations Chiefs to attend meetings in Ottawa.

Government of Yukon supports students in their health-related studies
February 3, 2017 – Health bursaries have supported 137 Yukon students over the past 10 years in a wide variety of post-secondary health studies.

Government of Yukon issues temporary staking prohibitions for all of Kaska asserted traditional territory in Yukon
February 1, 2017 – The Government of Yukon has put mineral staking prohibitions in place for the Kaska asserted traditional territory.

Nominations sought for 2017 Community Safety Awards
February 1, 2017 – The nomination period for the 2017 community safety awards is now open.

Popular blood pressure clinics return for a fifth year
February 1, 2017 – More than 750 Yukoners took advantage of last year's blood pressure screening clinics; 9 per cent identified as being at risk.

Naloxone kits available across Yukon
January 31, 2017 – The Government of Yukon is making an overdose-reversing take-home naloxone kit available.

Government of Yukon commits funding for resource road upgrades
January 31, 2017 – Government of Yukon supports the local resource sector with new agreement.

A statement from the Government of Yukon in response to the United States executive order
January 30, 2017 – The following statement has been issued in response to an Executive Order regarding immigration in the U.S.

A statement from the Government of Yukon on the attack at a Quebec City mosque
January 30, 2017 – The following statement has been issued in response to a shooting at a Quebec City mosque.

Alternative emergency shelter slated to open
January 30, 2017 – Partnership results in 10 more emergency shelter beds for those with nowhere else to go.

Aboriginal employees recognized for exceptional public service
January 27, 2017 – Premier recognizes Kim Carlick, Marie Eshleman and George Bahm for their outstanding public service.

Territorial premiers meet to discuss northern policy
January 27, 2017 – The territorial premiers met this week to discuss shared priorities.

Visual and performing artists present work to national and international audiences
January 27, 2017 – Yukon performers join pan-northern partners to present a contemporary interpretation of Canada's North.

Five community projects to receive crime prevention, victim services funding
January 26, 2017 – The Crime Prevention and Victim Services Trust is providing funding totaling $87,957 to five community-led projects that focus on crime prevention or services for victims.

Memorandum of understanding on mining signed by self-governing Yukon First Nations and Government of Yukon
January 25, 2017 – Government of Yukon and First Nations agree to work together to facilitate mining activity

Government of Yukon increases funding support for hard rock and placer exploration
January 24, 2017 – Yukon Geological Survey will distribute an increased amount of funding for the Yukon mineral exploration program.

Government of Yukon provides financial assistance to mineral sector organizations
January 24, 2017 – Yukon's mining industry will benefit from government funding.

Yukon Police Council seeks public input on policing priorities
January 24, 2017 – The Yukon Police Council is seeking input from Yukon citizens and stakeholders.

Government of Yukon issues special warrant to meet financial commitments until 2017–18 budget
January 23, 2017 – The Government of Yukon has issued a special warrant in order to ensure Yukon priorities and commitments continue to be met until the tabling of the 2017–18 budget during the spring legislative session

Education to roll out redesigned Kindergarten to Grade 12 curriculum
January 23, 2017 – Education in Yukon will move towards multi-disciplinary, applied skill development beginning in September 2017.

A statement from the Government of Yukon regarding the Peel regional land use planning case
January 19, 2017 – A statement from Minister of Justice Tracy-Anne McPhee.

Territories reach new health care agreement with Canada
January 16, 2017 – Northern premiers have reached an agreement with the federal government to increase health-care funding.

Government of Yukon and First Nations sign intergovernmental declaration
January 13, 2017 – The Yukon premier and chiefs have committed to hold four Yukon Forums a year and develop a join action plan for shared priorities.

Home health monitoring goes live in Yukon
January 11, 2017 – Patients with some chronic conditions can now receive support in their homes and communities.

Premier sets direction for ministers
January 10, 2017 – The letters highlight commitments ministers and their departments have been asked to accomplish.

Governments of Canada and Yukon invest in the Ross River suspension bridge
January 10, 2017 – Phase 2 repairs to the Ross River suspension bridge will begin soon. Local residents and visitors to the area will once again be able to safely cross the Pelly River.

Government of Yukon and First Nations to meet for Yukon Forum
January 5, 2017 – Government of Yukon and First Nations will meet for a Yukon Forum on January 13.