Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn announced today the Government of Yukon will provide $2 million in funding to the City of Whitehorse to offset costs resulting from their response to the 2022 escarpment slide on Robert Service Way.

In the spring of 2022, a landslide occurred on the escarpment along Robert Service Way and the Yukon River. The slide forced the closure of the roadway as well as the Millennium and Airport trails for approximately six weeks, as tension cracks were observed and slides occurred elsewhere along the escarpment.

All of the Yukon’s eight municipalities have signed agreements to participate in delivering the Government of Yukon’s Better Buildings program. This means all Yukon residential and commercial property owners throughout the Yukon can access low-interest funding to make energy-efficiency retrofits to their homes and businesses.

The Better Buildings program provides up to $50,000 for residential and $100,000 for commercial buildings for upgrades that reduce annual energy consumption. Eligible participants repay through local improvement charges added to their annual property taxes.

Team Yukon is back in action for the 2023 Canada Winter Games in Prince Edward Island. More than 170 Yukon athletes, coaches and mission staff will represent the territory at the country’s largest multi-sport competition from February 18 to March 5.

Team Yukon will have athletes competing in 15 of the 20 sports on the schedule including archery, which is making its return to the Games.

Leading Team Yukon into the opening ceremonies as flag bearer will be hockey player Gavin McKenna.

Premier Ranj Pillai met in Whitehorse today with the federal Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities Dominic LeBlanc and federal Minister of Health Jean-Yves Duclos.

Today’s discussions built on progress from last week’s working meeting of First Ministers on health care in Ottawa and advanced Yukon-specific negotiations on bilateral agreements on health care funding.

To encourage opportunities for all Yukoners to participate in Yukon Francophonie Day celebrations a $15,000 annual funding program is being launched by the Commissioner of Yukon.

The funding will support community groups, businesses, municipalities and educational institutions in organizing local events promoting the vitality and diversity of the Yukon Francophone community. 

To be eligible, events must:

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement following his meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau:

“I was pleased to meet with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Whitehorse today at Northlight Innovation. Our discussions focused on the still active multi-national response to the security incidents of the past few days.

“We also discussed ways of advancing the Yukon’s priorities, including infrastructure development, clean energy, arctic security and health care.

“Today, I was briefed by Minister of Public Safety Marco Mendocino and Minister of Northern Affairs Dan Vandal about the high altitude airborne object shot down over the Yukon. I also spoke with Minister of National Defence Anita Anand.

“We recognize events like these can generate concern, but I want to assure Yukoners that at no time was the safety of Yukoners at risk. I also want to commend the Prime Minister for taking decisive action to protect Yukoners and all Canadians.

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

“After this day’s events, our government has been in contact with the federal government and we are tracking events as they unfold.

“This past week, I met with federal representatives to discuss Arctic security, recognizing the challenges our country and territory will face in the years ahead.

“We will continue to track events and ensure Yukoners are kept informed.”

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

“50 years ago, on February 14, 1973, Yukon First Nations leaders presented Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow to then-Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau.

“This forward-looking document articulated a vision for a fair and just future where First Nations people would be equals in Yukon’s society, economy and governance. It was both a statement of grievances as well as a proposal of solutions.

This news release was edited to correct the medal total.

The Government of Yukon congratulates all members of Team Yukon for proudly representing the territory at the 2023 Arctic Winter Games in Wood Buffalo, Alberta.

Over 350 athletes, coaches, cultural delegates and support staff travelled to Fort McMurray, between January 29 and February 4. Twenty sports were contested throughout the week-long multisport event which included cultural performances.