The Government of Yukon is proud to celebrate women in firefighting by supporting the tenth annual Ember Fire Academy, which began on Monday, September 9, with 12 recruits.

As women are historically under-represented in the Canadian fire service, the Ember Fire Academy was established to introduce women to firefighting. This free week-long program offers Yukon women ages 16 and up an opportunity to learn about the fire service in an empowering and inclusive environment.

On September 9 and 10, over 350 Yukon early childhood educators and operators from across the territory gathered for the 2024 Early Learning and Child Care Conference hosted by the Government of Yukon at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre in Whitehorse.

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

“September 9 is International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder – FASD – Awareness Day, and throughout this month, we come together to raise awareness about FASD and its impact on individuals, families and our communities. This year's theme, Everyone Plays a Part, is a powerful reminder that everyone in our community has a role in supporting healthy pregnancies and creating safe, equitable spaces for people with FASD.   

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

“It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Rolf Hougen. Rolf was a true Yukoner with deep roots in the territory, whose contributions spanned generations and profoundly shaped our community.

The Government of Yukon continues to closely monitor and respond to the impacts of the June 24, 2024, heap leach facility failure at Victoria Gold Corporation’s Eagle Gold Mine on the Traditional Territory of the First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun.

Activities on-site

New camp constructed

Denis Vachon is the recipient of the Yukon’s 2024 Council of the Federation Literacy Award. Premier Ranj Pillai presented the award to Denis at a small ceremony on September 4 ahead of International Literacy Day on September 8.

This has been updated to clarify that MLA Jeremy Harper is not a member of the Government of Yukon Cabinet.

This news release has been updated with additional background information for Frances Taylor.

The Government of Yukon continues to commemorate the territory’s 125th anniversary by awarding 125 medals to Yukoners who embody the values of leadership and reconciliation and contributed significantly to the wellbeing of the territory.

Today, the Government of Yukon celebrates another 25 outstanding Yukoners. Over the course of September, another 25 recipients will be announced each week.

This week’s Yukon 125 medal recipients are:

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

“September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month across Canada. To help raise awareness and encourage meaningful conversations about this disease, buildings across the country are being lit up in blue.

“We join in bringing awareness to this disease by lighting up the government sign at Jim Smith Building in blue from September 1st to 8th. The blue lights are a reminder of our ongoing commitment to supporting Yukoners affected by prostate cancer.

The Government of Yukon welcomes Team Yukon back from the 2024 Canada 55+ Games held in Quebec City. A record 162 participants and supporters attended the Games from August 27 through August 30.

The Government of Yukon is proud to have supported this year’s Canada 55+ Games with a $75,000 grant to ElderActive Recreation Association. Team Yukon took home an impressive 58 medals while competing in 12 events, plus the five-kilometer and 10-kilometre bonus events.