Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

“On Canadian Armed Forces Day, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the many members and veterans of the Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Navy, and Royal Canadian Air Force who protect and defend Canadian security and values at home and around the world.  

Minister of Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean and Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee have issued the following statement:

The Government of Yukon is committed to making life more affordable for parents and families, now and in the long term. To help address inflation and the costs associated with raising children, the rate of the Yukon Child Benefit will increase by 6.8 per cent on July 1, 2023. Future annual increases will match the Whitehorse Consumer Price Index to ensure that the benefit keeps pace with the rising cost of living.

Premier Ranj Pillai has appointed Lauren Haney as the deputy minister for the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources.

Samantha Paterson has been acting deputy minister pending a permanent appointment and will return to her role as assistant deputy minister for corporate services with the department.

This appointment is effective June 5.

Premier Ranj Pillai has released the following statement:

“I am delighted to extend my warmest wishes to the Filipino community in the Yukon as we celebrate Filipino Heritage Month.

“Filipinos are the largest immigrant group in the Yukon, making up about 21 per cent of the Yukon’s immigrant population. Filipino Heritage Month offers an excellent opportunity to honour Filipino culture, traditions and values that add to the diversity of the territory.

Premier Ranj Pillai and Deputy Premier Jeanie McLean issued the following statement:  

“As we enter the month of June, the Government of Yukon would like to recognize and honour National Indigenous History Month. This is an important opportunity to reflect upon the rich and diverse heritage of Indigenous Peoples here in the Yukon and across Canada. 

This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and Kluane First Nation. 

Today, Deputy Premier and Minister of Education Jeanie McLean, Kluane First Nation Chief Bob Dickson and Minister of Highways and Public Works Nils Clarke all joined a community celebration of the future site for the Kêts’ádań Kų̀ school build project in Burwash Landing. 

Current Kluane Lake School students also participated in the day’s festivities and brought contributions for a time capsule that will be buried on the school grounds during future construction.

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Commissioner Angélique Bernard for her years of dedicated service to the people of the Yukon.

“Angélique Bernard was sworn in as Yukon's 36th Commissioner on March 12, 2018 and served the territory for one term. She was also the first Francophone Commissioner to the Yukon.

The Government of Yukon has applied for a judicial review of the assessment of the Michelle Creek mineral exploration project. This is the first mineral exploration project to be assessed in the area covered by the Peel Watershed Regional Land Use Plan since the plan was approved. The Yukon government has identified a number of significant concerns in the evaluation report that impact the government's ability to reach an informed conclusion about the next course of action for this project.

Last week, Premier Ranj Pillai traveled to Ross River and Carmacks to meet with local First Nations leaders to address ongoing issues, challenges and opportunities while fostering stronger partnerships for the future. The Premier visited Mayo on Sunday, May 28 to celebrate 30 years of self-government with First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun.