The Government of Yukon has released a What We Heard report summarizing the feedback from more than 1,500 Yukoners reviewing the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. This feedback will help the Yukon government develop updates to the Act that will treat Yukoners more fairly and support a sustainable and equitable rental market across the territory. 

Yukoners who participated in the public engagement opportunity told the Yukon government the following:

With the sudden passing of Deputy Minister of Environment Michael Prochazka on August 2, 2024, Premier Ranj Pillai has implemented interim leadership measures to ensure continuity and stability in the Department of Environment’s operations.

Effective immediately, Briar Young will serve in the role of Deputy Minister of Environment until a permanent replacement is appointed. Briar Young has over 24 years of experience in environmental management and natural resource regulation, holding various positions in the public and private sectors.

On August 2, Victoria Gold personnel discovered dead fish in Haggart Creek. Upon discovering the dead fish, the company ceased discharging water from the mine water treatment plant and fish were collected and stored for future analysis. No additional dead fish have been observed since August 2.

Premier Ranj Pillai, Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn and the Yukon Wildland Fire Management Branch have issued the following statement:

“The Government of Yukon and Wildland Fire Management extend their heartfelt condolences to Alberta after the death of an Alberta Wildfire crew member in Jasper on August 3.

“In honour of his service, flags at Yukon Wildland Fire Management have been set to half-mast. Our thoughts are with his colleagues and loved ones during this difficult time.

Premier Ranj Pillai issued the following statement:

“On July 31, 2024, I responded by letter to Chief Dawna Hope of the First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun (FNNND) regarding her requests to halt all exploration and mining activities, the staking of new mining claims and consultation and engagement on mining licenses and the issuance of new mining licences in FNNND’s Traditional Territory.

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

“On Friday, August 2, 2024, Minister of Highways and Public Works and Minister of Environment Nils Clarke was injured in the two-vehicle automobile collision that resulted in the death of Deputy Minister of Environment Michael Prochazka. Minister Clarke was transported to Vancouver, where he remains in hospital. He is hopeful for a full recovery, and he and his wife Janet thank the community for their well wishes.

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

"It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Deputy Minister of the Environment Michael Prochazka.

"Michael's many years of public service began at Parks Canada where for over a decade he worked to make the Yukon's national parks and historic sites more accessible to the public. Together with Yukon First Nations communities, Michael worked to develop Indigenous-led tourism opportunities, ensuring the full story of the Yukon's national parks and historic sites could be appreciated by visitors.

Yesterday, the Department of Environment’s Senior Groundwater Scientist Brendan Mulligan and Senior Fisheries Biologist Cameron Sinclair provided an update on water and fish monitoring offsite of Victoria Gold’s Eagle Gold Mine. In addition, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Sudit Ranade provided an update on human health recommendations for recreating in the area.

Website launch:

This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and Yukon Hospital Corporation.

The Government of Yukon and the Yukon Hospital Corporation are committed to providing high-quality, accessible care for all Yukoners. Working together, they recently increased the number of beds available in the Yukon’s health care system, with the addition of 12 new long-term care rooms at Whistle Bend Place and five new hospital beds available at Thomson Centre for acute care patients.

The Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Sudit Ranade has issued the following statement:

“Based on current information there are no additional risks to anyone recreating in the surrounding area of the Victoria Gold mine site, including hunting. Harvesting wildlife or gathering plants in the area are not considered health risks at this time. In general, wildlife that appears sick or injured should not be targeted for harvest.