The Government of Yukon expands Good Energy clean transportation incentives

The Government of Yukon is expanding the clean transportation rebates to include commercial medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles. The government is also adding boats, all-terrain vehicles and other modes of electric transportation.  

 Yukoners can now get up to $2,500 in rebates based on battery size for alternative electric transportation options such as electric boats, motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles. Rebates of up to $10,000 are now available for commercial electric vehicles such as pick-ups and utility vans that meet medium-duty class 2B criteria and above.

Update on work to address break-in at Whitehorse Victim Services office

Since the break-in at the Whitehorse Victim Services office, staff at the Department of Justice have been working diligently to assess records and client information stored at the office on Main Street and to address identified security concerns while continuing to serve clients.

A large portion of the records at Victim Services are contained in an electronic database, including client case notes. An audit of the database has been completed and the Department of Justice can confirm that it was not accessed during the break-in.

Statement from Premier Pillai and Minister McPhee on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Premier Ranj Pillai and Minister of Justice Tracy-Anne McPhee have issued the following statement:

“In observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21, we remember the tragic events in Sharpeville, South Africa, in 1960, when 69 individuals were murdered during an anti-apartheid protest.

Statement from Minister responsible for Yukon Liquor Corporation Silver on Social Responsibility Initiatives

Minister responsible for Yukon Liquor Corporation Sandy Silver has issued the following statement:

“We are fortunate to live in a territory that offers an incredible variety of events, initiatives and gatherings that enrich our lives and foster vibrant communities.

“Regardless of whether we are choosing to use substances at a community event or on our own, it is important for each of us to prioritize safety, act responsibly and minimize risks for ourselves and others.

Report on French-Language services for 2022–23 year released on International Francophonie Day

Today, on International Francophonie Day, the Government of Yukon is unveiling its 2022–23 report on French-language services. This report highlights efforts focused on strengthening the Government of Yukon's French language capacities in order to increase the public’s access to timely services and information in French as well as the government’s commitment to supporting a thriving Yukon Francophone community.

Main accomplishments include:

Victim Services office in Whitehorse to remain closed until March 25 – services still available through phone and email

Following the break-in at the Whitehorse Victim Services office between the evening of March 15 and the morning of March 16, the Whitehorse Victim Services office will remain closed until Monday, March 25, to allow staff to continue to conduct a proper assessment, identify what information may have been accessed, determine if there are specific risks to individuals and contact impacted individuals directly.

Government of Yukon begins engagement on Yukon Labour Market Development Strategy

Labour market needs have been rapidly evolving and like many jurisdictions across Canada and around the world, the Yukon is experiencing an ongoing labour shortage.

In order to meet future labour market challenges the Government of Yukon will conduct a multi-staged public engagement to develop a future Yukon labour market strategy. Engagement will seek to define the priorities, challenges and opportunities faced by the Yukon labour market.

Statement from Minister responsible for Women and Gender Equity Directorate McLean on proclamation of Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQIA+ Awareness to Celebration Day in the Yukon

Minister Jeanie McLean has issued the following statement:

“I was proud to join members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and their allies today in Whitehorse for the proclamation of Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQIA+ Awareness to Celebration Day (Two-Spirit Day) and the raising of the Two-Spirit flag outside the Yukon Legislative Assembly. The Yukon is one of the first provincial/territorial jurisdictions in Canada to recognize the spring equinox as Two-Spirit Day.

Coordinated Vaping Product Taxation Agreement Act receives assent

Bill no. 35, the Coordinated Vaping Product Taxation Agreement Act, has received assent in the Yukon Legislative Assembly.

This Bill allows the Government of Yukon to enter into an agreement with the Government of Canada to join their coordinated vaping product taxation framework. The framework will double the existing federal tax on vaping products and the Yukon will receive 50 per cent of the revenue collected in the territory. The Government of Yukon will not add its own tax on these products as part of the agreement.

Statement from Premier Pillai on Nowruz

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

“I am pleased to join with those in the Yukon who celebrate the joyous time of Nowruz, a time of renewal, hope and cherished traditions. Nowruz, steeped in over 3,000 years of history, symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and the arrival of spring brings with it a sense of rejuvenation and optimism.