The Government of Yukon is opening a warming centre in the Jim Smith Building from March 18 to May 1, 2024. In line with the Downtown Whitehorse Safety Response Action Plan and efforts to provide additional essential support services in downtown Whitehorse, this pilot project aims to improve accessibility to safe warming spaces for all, especially vulnerable populations.
This news release has been updated with a quick fact about the Quadruple Aim framework.
Effective April 1, 2024, the 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.
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.
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.
This is a joint release with Yukon First Nation 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.