Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean has issued the following statement:

“On May 17 over 130 countries around the world observe International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. This date was created in 2004 to draw attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex people, and all of those with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions and sex characteristics. This year's theme is "Together always: united in diversity".

Government of Yukon officials joined municipal representatives and community leaders in Watson Lake for the 2023 Association of Yukon Communities (AYC) annual general meeting (AGM).

As bears become active again, it is essential to stay vigilant and understand how to prevent and manage encounters while engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, camping, hunting, enjoying neighborhood trails or even staying home.

Conservation officers are reminding the public to:

The Government of Yukon and the City of Whitehorse have renewed their commitment to collaborate on projects related to tourism and culture in Whitehorse through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The new Tourism Partnership agreement identifies a number of opportunities for the City and the Government of Yukon to work together and share information and resources in the promotion and development of Whitehorse and the Yukon as vibrant tourism destinations.

They include:

The Department of Education held its first-ever Cultural Olympics in celebration of Yukon Francophonie Day yesterday afternoon. French-speaking high school students attended Rotary Park to participate in a variety of activities and celebrate Francophone cultures with peers.

The purpose of this event was to provide a platform for students to express themselves in French and enhance their language skills within an authentic cultural setting, while also facilitating interaction between students who speak French as a first or second language.

The sixth intake of the Housing Initiatives Fund (HIF) is supporting 11 shovel-ready projects throughout Yukon, which will construct approximately 159 new affordable homes across the territory.

Shovel-ready projects in Whitehorse will be led by the following proponents:

• Habitat for Humanity;
• Council of Yukon First Nations; and
• Grey Mountain Housing Society.

Shovel-ready projects in Yukon communities will be led by the following proponents:

Minister John Streicker has issued the following statement:

“Since 2007, the Government of Yukon has proudly recognized May 15 as Yukon Francophonie Day. On this special day, we celebrate 150 years of Francophone presence across the Yukon as well as the French language and the Francophone culture that continue to shape the history and identity of our territory.

The Government of Yukon has hired a contractor to ensure environmental protection is maintained at the Minto Mine.

The mine operator, Minto Metals Corporation, has indicated that it is not able to continue operations at the site.

JDS Mining has been immediately mobilized to the Minto Mine site under contract to the Government of Yukon. The company is familiar with the operation of the mine and has experience in mine site care and maintenance elsewhere in the Yukon.

The Government of Yukon is committed to promoting the firewood supply. That is why the timber incentive program has been extended for an additional year, offering commercial timber harvesters financial assistance through March 2024.

The Timber Harvesting Incentive offers $10 per cubic metre harvested. Registered Yukon harvesting businesses can apply for this incentive by filling out the application form at Yukon.ca/timber-harvesting-incentive. 

The nomination period is now open for the 2023 Council of the Federation Literacy Award.

The awards are presented annually, in each province and territory, to celebrate the work of educators, volunteers, learners, community organizations and businesses in literacy.

Premier Ranj Pillai encourages nominations to recognize Yukoners who demonstrate outstanding achievement, innovative practice and excellence in adult literacy development.