Together with partners in the education field, the Government of Yukon is reimagining the Yukon school system and working to create school environments that are safe, inclusive and build on student strengths.

Today, the Honourable Jeanie McLean tabled the 2022 Annual Report for the Department of Education in the Yukon Legislative Assembly, highlighting progress in supporting learners, fulfilling commitments with Yukon First Nations, and helping ensure student and staff health and safety.

Today, Premier Ranj Pillai announced a new Paid Sick Leave Rebate Program that will provide workers and self-employed Yukoners with up to 40 hours of paid sick leave per 12-month period at no cost to their employer. The program covers all eligible workers earning less than or equal to the average Yukon private-sector wage of $33.94 per hour.

Workers who earn below this threshold are most likely to experience financial hardship if they take unpaid sick leave.

The rebate program aims to:

The Government of Yukon has signed interim regional solid waste agreements with the municipalities of Teslin and Watson Lake.

Premier Ranj Pillai has released the following statement: 

“On behalf of the Government of Yukon, I am pleased to congratulate Darren Taylor on his recent election as Chief of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in.  

“Chief Taylor has a long history of serving his community as Director of Natural Resources, in roles with land claims negotiation and implementation and as a previous Chief of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in. 

“I would also like to extend my congratulations to the elected Deputy Chief Erin McQuaig and Councillors Kylie Van Every, Kyrie Nagano and Ryan Peterson.  

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

“On behalf of the Government of Yukon, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Dawna Hope on her recent election as Chief for the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun. 

“I would also like to extend my congratulations to the elected Deputy Chief Roberta Hager and Councillors Edward Brown, Helaina Moses, Geri-Lee Buyck and Paul Profeit.

“I commend your commitment and dedication to serving your community.

Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee and Chief Medical Officer of Health Sudit Ranade have released the following statement:

“The Substance Use Health Emergency continues to have a profound and devastating impact on our communities, with the toxic drug supply compounding the issue even further.

Keeping people safe while strengthening the territory’s long-term response to wildfires is a priority for the Government of Yukon. In response to feedback received following the 2022 wildfire season, the Government of Yukon is launching a new online Wildfire Hub to make it easier to find information about the Yukon’s wildfire situation as well as potential impacts to residents and travellers.

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement: 

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Vuntut Gwitchin Elder Robert Bruce Jr. He was a respected leader and a beloved member of his community who played many important roles during his life.

“Robert Bruce Jr. dedicated his adult life to preserving and promoting the culture, language and traditions of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation.

The Recreation and Parks Association of Yukon (RPAY) is celebrating their 30th anniversary on April 19.

Thirty years ago, the RPAY was established after the Breaking Trails Conference highlighted the need for an association to facilitate recreation in the Yukon. Additionally, recreation leaders in rural Yukon demanded increased support for recreation and the formation of an organization to coordinate and promote these interests. Today, RPAY continues to be a leader in recreation through their programs and training initiatives.

Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources John Streicker has issued the following statement:

“An inspector’s direction has been issued for Minto Metals Corporation to prepare to take action to protect the environment during the spring snow melt.