Premier Pillai has issued the following statement:

“I am pleased to recognize all 2022 Arctic Inspiration Prize nominees from across the North and very proud to see two finalists from the Yukon in the running this year. Each year, the Government of Yukon contributes $100,000 to the Arctic Inspiration Prize to ensure it continues to inspire, enable and celebrate the achievements of the people of the North.

It is the first time since 2018 that Team Yukon has formed for an Arctic Winter Games. More than 350 athletes, coaches, cultural delegates and mission staff will make the trip to Wood Buffalo, Alberta, from January 29 to February 4 to represent the territory.

Twenty sports will be contested throughout the week-long games, including archery, which makes its Arctic Winter Games debut.

Wrestler Jaymi Hinchey will lead Team Yukon into the opening ceremonies as the flag bearer.

Premier Ranj Pillai, Deputy Premier Jeanie McLean and Energy, Mines and Resources Minister John Streicker were in Vancouver this week to promote the Yukon’s mineral resources at the Association for Mineral Exploration’s Roundup conference. The Yukon delegation highlighted the territory’s mineral potential and progressive mining industry along with a wide range of government initiatives underway to support mining, including regional land-use planning, wetlands stewardship, renewable energy and new minerals legislation under development in partnership with Yukon First Nations.

A new municipal services building in Watson Lake will house the town’s fire hall, public works department and training facility.

Members of the public and government officials took a tour of the 1,400-square-metre building on Saturday during an open house. The Yukon government worked with the Town of Watson Lake to address their specific needs for the space, which was designed to replace the old town-owned public works building and a building that the town had rented as the fire hall since 1997.

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement: 

"As I committed to on my first day on the job, I will defend the interests of the Yukon.

"Many Yukoners are very concerned about the proposed amendments to Bill C-21 and the impacts they would have on law-abiding firearms owners in the territory. As a lawful gun owner, avid hunter and member of a family who has worked a trapline on the land for generations, I have a deep appreciation for the concerns.

Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:

“One year ago, in response to an unacceptable increase in opioid-related deaths and substance use-related harms in the territory, the Government of Yukon declared a Substance Use Health Emergency (SUHE). This declaration was a commitment to respond and a call to action to all governments, communities, organizations, partners and Yukoners to do their part.

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

Today, Member of Parliament for the Yukon Brendan Hanley, on behalf of the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion Ahmed Hussen, Premier and Minister responsible for Yukon Housing Corporation Ranj Pillai, Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee, City of Whitehorse Mayor Laura Cabott, and Wildstone Construction and Engineering Ltd. announced the opening of 47 new affordable homes at 401 Jeckell Street in Whitehorse.

Four community-led projects focused on crime prevention and services for victims of crime have received $170,968 through the Crime Prevention and Victim Services Trust.

The fall 2022 funding intake received diverse applications from a broad range of organizations. Funded projects will be delivered in several Yukon communities, as well as in Whitehorse.

The Yukon government has lifted the public health emergency under the Public Health and Safety Act, following a recommendation from the Chief Medical Officer of Health.

In alignment with other provinces and territories, lifting the public health emergency is another step the Yukon is taking to manage COVID-19 in a more sustainable way while continuing to support Yukoners’ wellbeing. As COVID-19 continues to evolve, it can be managed within the existing structures used to manage other communicable diseases.

Premier Ranj Pillai has announced senior leadership changes in the departments of Health and Social Services, Tourism and Culture, Education, the Women and Gender Equity Directorate, the Yukon Development Corporation and the Yukon Housing Corporation.