Michael Hale, Deputy Minister for the Executive Council Office and Cabinet secretary has resigned from the Government of Yukon.

The following statement was released by Premier Ranj Pillai:

“May is Asian Heritage Month in Canada.

“Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity to reflect on and recognize the many contributions that Canadians of Asian heritage have made and continue to make to Canada.

The following statement was released by Premier Ranj Pillai: 

“Since 2018, Canadians have recognized May as Canadian Jewish Heritage Month.  

“While overcoming significant obstacles, the Canadian Jewish community has made many important contributions to the social, economic, political and cultural fabric of Canada. 

“The Yukon’s Jewish population is small but vibrant, warm and welcoming. We are grateful to have the Jewish Cultural Society of Yukon represent Jewish Yukoners and bring their culture to the forefront. 

Yukoners diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (AUD) can now apply for exception drug coverage under the Chronic Disease and Disability Benefits Program. The program supports individuals living with a chronic disease or disability by covering costs for prescription drugs and medical equipment. The program has now expanded to include coverage for AUD medications.

The Government of Yukon has finalized an agreement with the Alzheimer Society of B.C. to expand dementia services across the territory. This aligns with the Yukon government’s efforts to provide supports for seniors and caregivers and implement recommendations from Putting People First and the Aging in Place Action Plans.

The Yukon dementia support expansion is intended to inform, educate and support Yukon-based community members and health care providers who are either living with dementia or providing personal or professional care for someone living with dementia.

The following statement was released by Premier Ranj Pillai and Minister responsible for Yukon Workers’ Compensation Health and Safety Board Richard Mostyn:

“Today Yukoners and people around the world pause to pay respect to those who have lost their lives or suffered injury or illness due to a work-related incident.

“On this date, April 28, we renew our steadfast commitment to health and safety in the workplace.

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:   

“My heart is heavy as I join the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council and the Yukon community in mourning the loss of the incredible Elder and matriarch Shirley Adamson. Her passing is a profound loss to her family, community, and to all those whose lives she touched with her wisdom, kindness, and leadership. 

“Shirley was a respected leader, community member, and a life-long advocate for Indigenous language, cultural and governance revitalization. Her legacy will continue to impact and inspire generations to come. 

Today, with the conclusion of the 2023 Spring Sitting of the Yukon Legislative Assembly, the Government of Yukon passed its 2023-24 Budget, and several other pieces of legislation received assent.

Budget 2023–24 demonstrates the territory’s robust position nationally, with the Government of Yukon taking real action to make life more affordable for Yukoners, strengthen the health care and social services system, build resiliency to climate change, and invest in a more equitable future where all residents benefit from a thriving economy.

Yesterday, the Government of Yukon reached an important milestone in making more land available to Yukoners. 

Following the release of lots in the Whistle Bend subdivision of Whitehorse earlier this spring, the Yukon government has offered 82 single-family lots to applicants through public lottery. Four multi-family lots and 33 townhouse lots were offered to successful bidders through the tender process. 

Applications were accepted between March 31 and April 18, 2023. Successful applicants were contacted following the draw and bid opening.

The Government of Yukon is committed to supporting effective local governance and sustainable local services in the Yukon and is increasing funding for communities to deliver programs and services to growing populations.

The Yukon’s eight municipalities received more than $22 million through the 2023 Comprehensive Municipal Grant, an increase of $1.1 million over 2022.