To ensure that fire services are meeting the needs of Yukoners across the territory, the Yukon Fire Marshal’s Office is implementing a new “levels of fire service” model in unincorporated communities.

Defining levels of service was recommended by the 2021 Review of the Yukon Fire Marshal’s Office and since 2022, Destruction Bay, Keno, Old Crow, Pelly Crossing and Ross River have launched new fire programs. This innovative model offers multiple levels of fire service to match the needs and capacities of individual Yukon communities.

The Government of Yukon strongly believes in working with communities and community groups to find ways to prevent crime and support victims of crime. Through the spring 2023 intake of the Crime Prevention and Victims Services Trust (CPVST), the Government of Yukon is providing over $343,000 in funding to eight community projects intended to reduce crime, prevent gender-based violence and violence against women and children, provide services and information for victims of crime, or provide information about crime prevention and victimization.

The Government of Yukon is continuing to increase access to supportive housing options for low-income seniors and Elders by signing a second lease to provide an additional 16 units, for a total of 26 inclusive rental suites, at the Normandy Living Independent Seniors Living Community in Whitehorse.

These additional suites are available for low-income seniors and Elders through the Yukon Housing Corporation. Eligible clients will pay 25 per cent of their income towards rent and 40 per cent of their income towards services, which include meals, housekeeping and laundry.

Team Yukon, consisting of more than 130 athletes, coaches and mission staff, returned home after participating in the North American Indigenous Games in Halifax. This multi-sport event brought together representatives from 756 Indigenous Nations to celebrate, share and reconnect through sports and culture in Kjipuktuk (Halifax), Dartmouth and Millbrook First Nation.

Yukon Public Libraries patrons will notice changes when accessing the online catalogue starting July 24.

Along with a modified appearance, the new online catalogue will boast increased search-function capabilities and make it easier for users to manage their patron accounts. The catalogue will also make navigating the online resources easier and introduce new features, such as personalized recommendations and the ability to submit book requests directly from a patron account.

Minister of Environment Nils Clarke has issued the following statement:

“Today, I had the pleasure of celebrating the addition of 41 sites at Congdon Creek Campground, reflecting our government’s commitment to increasing camping opportunities for Yukoners and visitors alike.

“This expansion makes Congdon Creek Campground the largest campground in the territory, in one of the most beautiful spots in the Yukon — along the coast of the stunning Kluane Lake also known in Southern Tutchone as Łù'àn Män.

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

“Today is International Drug Users Remembrance Day, an opportunity to honour the memory of those whose lives were cut short due to substance use and the associated societal stigma.

“Behind the statistics of drug-related fatalities, we must remember that these are human lives. These individuals were mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, friends and neighbours. Substance use has no boundaries and affects us all.

Premier Ranj Pillai, Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn and the Yukon Wildland Fire Management branch have issued the following statement:

“The Government of Yukon and Wildland Fire Management send our deepest condolences to Alberta after the death of a helicopter pilot fighting wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area, Alberta.

Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn has issued the following statement:

“On July 20, our government, together with the Government of Canada and the City of Whitehorse, announced funding for two projects at the Mount McIntyre Recreation Centre: ventilation and heating upgrades as well as general centre improvements like new windows and exterior doors. These upgrades were a priority identified by the City of Whitehorse and so we are pleased to help them bring this to fruition.

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

A Yukon First Nations Chiefs Committee on Health has been formed to provide direction and oversight regarding the transformation of the health and social system in the Yukon. This includes the implementation of the Putting People First report and the creation of Health and Wellness Yukon, a health authority for the territory.