The Yukon is continuing to move forward with a more responsible waste management in the territory. Starting January 1, 2023, single-use paper bags will be banned in the Yukon.

Disposing of waste is expensive and can tarnish natural environments. Single-use products like paper bags are resource-intensive and create emissions when being produced and transported. This ban is another step in reducing waste and protecting the Yukon’s environment.

This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

The Government of Yukon and the Yukon Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have launched a new Mobile Crisis Response Team in Whitehorse. The new unit, named Car 867, will respond to calls for service related to mental health issues and suicide risks.

This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and Council of Yukon First Nations

An awareness campaign launched earlier this year promoting the value of the Yukon’s heritage resources and what to do with chance finds has been recognized by the National Trust for Canada with a Governors’ Award.

The Government of Yukon will be implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in the territory, which will make companies and producers responsible for the recycling or disposal of their products and packaging.

EPR will help make recycling more financially sustainable, keep more waste out of landfills and help the Yukon reach the waste diversion and greenhouse gas reduction targets under Our Clean Future.

The Government of Yukon is sending representatives to the 27th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, known as COP27, running from November 6 to 18 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. 

Today, Premier Sandy Silver tabled the 2021–22 Public Accounts in the Yukon Legislative Assembly.

For the 2021–22 fiscal year, the Public Accounts report that the annual, non-consolidated surplus was $8.9 million. This represents a $15.5 million change from the $6.6 million deficit forecast in the 2021–22 Main Estimates. The annual surplus is based on total non-consolidated year-end revenues of $1.712 billion and expenses of $1.707 billion.

Two moose and three caribou have been donated to Elders in four long-term care homes in the territory by local Yukon outfitters, Yukon Stone Outfitters and Mervyn’s Yukon Outfitting. 

The welcomed donations will provide enough game meat and bones for an entire year and will be included as part of meal planning for Elders.

This generous donation helped the First Nations Services team reach their Traditional Foods Program goal this year.

Today Minister of Tourism and Culture Ranj Pillai announced a new $1 million Community Tourism Destination Development Fund to support community projects across the Yukon that focus on sustainable tourism development in their community or region. 

Chris Spencer is the recipient of the Council of the Federation Award for Innovation in Mental Health and Addictions Care in the Yukon. 

The Government of Yukon and City of Whitehorse are co-hosting a Recycling Summit from November 1 to 3.

Yukoners are invited to an open house on November 1 from 4 pm to 7 pm at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre. The open house will feature booths from local organizations, art installations, workshops and will be an opportunity for Yukoners to provide in-person feedback on Extended Producer Responsibility.  

The summit will bring together organizations and Yukoners interested in recycling and waste diversion to learn more about the circular economy in the Yukon.