The Government of Yukon is moving forward on its commitment to develop a Student Outcome Strategy that will improve student outcomes in the Yukon, including for First Nations students, rural students and students with diverse learning needs.

The government has contracted IRP Consulting to begin engaging with Yukon First Nations to gather feedback and include their input on the development of the strategy. Following their work with Yukon First Nation governments, there will be opportunities to include student voices as well as feedback from partners and stakeholders.

A ceremony took place yesterday to mark the unveiling of a set of eagle feathers to be used in Yukon courtrooms as part of a series of initiatives aimed at making the law courts more culturally-inclusive for Yukon First Nations and Indigenous Peoples.

The initiative is the result of a joint effort between the Council of Yukon First Nations, Yukon First Nations, the Government of Yukon and judiciary representing both the Supreme Court of Yukon and the Territorial Court of Yukon.

The Government of Yukon is considering creating a new general holiday for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in the Yukon and is seeking public input through an online survey from March 8, 2022, to April 30, 2022. In addition, the Yukon government is engaging directly with Yukon First Nations governments to determine their support to create the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a general holiday in the territory.

The Government of Yukon Water Resources Branch has released the March 1 Yukon Snow Survey Bulletin and Water Supply Forecast. The March 1 survey confirms snowpack levels are above to well above average in most major Yukon watersheds.

Minister of Justice Tracy-Anne McPhee tabled Bill No. 13 today, proposing an amendment to the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) Act that would require a review of the legislation.

The Government of Yukon is committed to completing a comprehensive review of the Act. The review will begin in 2023 in order to allow the Department of Justice time to prepare for a full review of the legislation.

Yukoners with family members or relatives in Ukraine who are looking for safe haven in the Yukon can now visit the new Ukrainian Family Support Desk. The support desk will help Yukoners and Ukrainians find pathways and resources for Ukrainians who are looking to seek residency in the Yukon and Canada.

The support desk will be staffed by Department of Economic Development staff who are equipped with extensive knowledge of immigration and temporary resident pathways.

The Ukrainian family support desk will:

 This is a joint news release with the Government of Yukon and Vuntut Gwitchin Government (VGG). 

Last week the Old Crow winter road opened to restricted traffic. The road will help move materials into the community to support infrastructure projects in the coming years, including the new Health and Wellness Centre, a 10-plex housing unit and the Old Crow Elders Complex.

The road spans 280 kilometres from Eagle Plains to Old Crow. The road will not be publicly accessible and the Vuntut Gwitchin Government (VGG) will control access.

Joint news release with the Association of Yukon Communities and the Government of Yukon

Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn and Association of Yukon Communities (AYC) President Gord Curran have signed a renewed partnership agreement at the AYC’s quarterly board meeting on March 5, 2022. The agreement sets the foundation for how the Yukon government and the Association of Yukon Communities will continue to work together over the next three years based on principles of fairness, cooperation and collaboration.

Today, Premier and Finance Minister Sandy Silver tabled Bill #12 in the Yukon Legislative Assembly. The Income Tax Amendments Act, (2022) includes a range of proposed administrative changes that will ensure that the Yukon’s Income Tax Act remains up to date with its federal equivalent and continues to meet the needs of the territory. The changes to the Yukon’s Income Tax Act do not involve any new or increased taxes for Yukoners.

The Government of Yukon is releasing 74 residential lots by public lottery in the Whistle Bend and Logan subdivisions in Whitehorse and three lots in Mayo.  

Lottery applications will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on March 28, 2022. The draw will take place at 1 p.m. on March 31, 2022.