The Government of Yukon, through the Department of Education, is committed to fostering learning environments that support every child’s emotional and cognitive development. On May 3, approximately 100 Yukon educators attended the Ready-to-Learn Symposium in Whitehorse. This symposium celebrated and advanced the Ready-to-Learn Schools initiative, which is transforming classrooms across the Yukon by creating supportive and inclusive learning environments.

The Government of Yukon will begin issuing new, upgraded driver’s licences and general identification cards after May 31, 2024. The new ID cards have been updated to align with the latest North American design standards. With these changes, the Yukon will have the most secure driver's licences and general identification cards available in Canada.

The new cards will:

Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean and Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee issued the following statement:

“Today, May 17, across the Yukon and around the world, we recognize International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. This is an opportunity to raise awareness of the discrimination, injustices and far too often violence and harassment faced by people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions.

Effectively immediately, the Government of Yukon is putting a temporary pause on the intake of Whitehorse-based applications for the Yukon Nominee Program. This measure aims to streamline efforts in processing existing applications. The program will continue to accept applications for nominees in Yukon rural communities.  

Premier Ranj Pillai issued the following statement:

“On behalf of the Yukon government, I want to express congratulations to the Association of Yukon Communities for hosting a successful 49th Annual General Meeting in Dawson City, from May 9 to 12, 2024. I greatly appreciate the Association of Yukon Communities’ efforts to bring together the territory’s elected officials and staff for a weekend of fostering deep community connection.

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

“Earlier this week, alongside MLA for Mayo-Tatchun Jeremy Harper, I had the pleasure of connecting with the leadership of Selkirk First Nation and the leadership of Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation in their respective communities.

During these meetings, Yukon First Nation Chiefs, Council members and I discussed areas of concern, common interests and opportunities for continued collaboration on shared priorities between our governments.

Permits to commercially harvest morel mushrooms are now available online. The new online system makes applying for and accessing permits quicker, easier and more flexible.

Harvesting morel mushrooms for commercial use entails large-scale collection for profit-driven distribution and sale while harvesting morel mushrooms for personal use typically involves gathering small quantities for individual consumption. A permit is not required to harvest morel mushrooms for personal use.

The Government of Yukon is focused on investing in key sectors to build a sustainable and resilient economy. As such, the Government of Yukon is providing the mineral exploration industry with $1.4 million in funding through the Yukon Mineral Exploration Program in 2024–25. This year’s funding has been awarded to 42 projects focused on locating new discoveries and advancing exploration at known mineral occurrences.

Effective May 15, 2024, the rent index will be adjusted from five per cent to 4.9 per cent. Landlords may not increase rents beyond this prescribed rent index. Landlords may also choose not to increase rent.

As required by the Regulation to amend the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, the residential rent index is adjusted yearly on May 15 to align with the Consumer Price Index for Whitehorse.

The rent index was implemented as part of the 2023 Confidence and Supply Agreement between the Yukon Liberals and the Yukon New Democratic Party.   

Minister John Streicker has issued the following statement:

“Today I'm thrilled to celebrate Yukon Francophonie Day, officially recognized by the Government of Yukon since 2007.  

I invite all Yukoners to join in honouring the French language and Francophone culture that contribute to the Yukon's rich and diverse history.

Every year, we proudly support l’Association franco-yukonnaise for their community gathering open to all Yukoners. I encourage all Yukoners who are able, to attend these festivities.