Statement from Premier Pillai on Ramadan

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:  

“Muslims around the world and here in the Yukon are preparing for Ramadan. 

“Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed as a month of reflection, fasting, prayer and community.  

Yukon Archives names artist-in-residence

The Yukon Archives has named Tara Kolla as the successful candidate for the Artist-in-Residence Program. The nine-week residency is part of ongoing celebrations commemorating the Yukon Archives’ 50th anniversary.

A longtime member of the Whitehorse arts community, Kolla is a multi-disciplinary artist whose work “1905 - 1907” was acquired for the Yukon Permanent Art Collection in 2016. 

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

This statement has been edited to show that First Nations 101 training is available for all Government of Yukon employees.

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

“The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is held annually on March 21. This observation marks the date police in Sharpeville, South Africa, killed 69 people during an anti-apartheid protest in 1960.

Statement from Premier Pillai on Nowruz

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement: 

“I am pleased to join with many in the Yukon to celebrate Nowruz, also known as the Persian or Iranian New Year.

“Nowruz is traditionally held on the spring equinox and has been celebrated for over 3,000 years. Traditional customs include the gathering together of families, enjoying incredible food, gift exchanges and artistic performances.

Statement from the Minister Responsible for the French Language Services Directorate John Streicker on International Francophonie Day

Minister John Streicker has issued the following statement:

“Today on International Francophonie Day, we join Francophones and Francophiles in the Yukon and around the world in celebrating the vibrancy of the French language.

“The growing Yukon Francophone community is rich, diversified, and creative - we can easily relate to this year’s theme ‘321 million French speakers, billions of cultural contents.’ It is a privilege to have access to such a wide variety of cultural events in French throughout the year.

Government of Yukon increases access to primary healthcare providers

The Government of Yukon is improving access to healthcare for all Yukoners and working hard to ensure a standard of high-quality health care services across the territory. In response to the increasing demand for primary care service providers, the Government of Yukon is expanding the Find a Primary Care Provider Program, formerly known as the Find a Family Doctor Program, to include nurse practitioners.  

Statement from Premier Pillai on Kwanlin Dün First Nation election

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

On behalf of the Government of Yukon, I would like to congratulate Sean Smith (Uyenets’echįa) on his recent election as Chief for the Kwanlin Dün First Nation. 

“I would also like to extend my congratulations to the new Councillors Charlene Charlie, Charles Chief, Linda Moen, Jesse Ryder, Jolene Smarch and Ray Sydney.

The Yukon receives increase in allocations under the Yukon Nominee Program

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has informed the Government of Yukon that they are increasing the territory’s number of allocations under the Provincial Nominee Program for 2023. This will allow more foreign workers to come to the Yukon under the Yukon Nominee Program. 

This change increases the Yukon’s nominee allocations from 300 to 430 for the year. The program helps employers fill crucial positions with foreign nationals who intend to settle in the Yukon, strengthening the territory’s workforce. 

Statement from Premier Ranj Pillai on International Day to Combat Islamophobia

Premier Pillai has issued the following statement::

“Today, on International Day to Combat Islamophobia, we reflect on the importance of diversity and the impact that intolerance and discrimination have on individuals, families, and communities.

Here in the Yukon, we are fortunate to have a growing Islamic community. Yukon’s first mosque in Whitehorse opened its doors in 2018 and serves as a symbol of the welcoming and inclusive community that we strive to be.

Indigenous-led youth retreat to foster connections and support mental wellness

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

From March 6 to 10, 2023, Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin First Nation and the Government of Yukon hosted an Indigenous-led by-youth-for-youth retreat at the Sky High Wilderness Ranch outside of Whitehorse.