September 8 is International Literacy Day, a time to recognize the importance of literacy as a foundation for lifelong learning and development and as a matter of human rights and dignity. 

Literacy and numeracy are two important skills that develop during early childhood. They are a key component of student success, and the Government of Yukon is committed to improving these skills for students across the territory.

Premier Ranj Pillai, Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources and Tourism and Culture John Streicker, and a Yukon business delegation departed today on a mission to Tokyo, Japan, and Trivandrum and New Delhi, India. The Premier and Minister met briefly with the Consul General of Japan Mr. Maruyama and Consul General of India Mr. Manish in Vancouver before their departure.

The business delegation accompanying the Premier and Minister includes:

Premier Ranj Pillai and Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn have issued the following statement:

“Since the day’s establishment in 2017, Canadians have paused on the second Sunday in September to remember firefighters who have fallen in the line of duty.

“On Sunday, September 10, we will join all Yukoners in observing Firefighters’ National Memorial Day. This day commemorates the courage, selflessness and unwavering commitment of firefighters and remembers those firefighters who have fallen in the line of duty.

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

“September 9 is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day, part of the broader FASD Awareness Month. The theme this year is Uniting our Strengths: Finding Solutions Together, which serves as a reminder that FASD is more than just an individual issue, but an important focus for the whole community.

Minister of Education Jeanie McLean has responded to the Yukon Ombudsman report part one on the 2019 Hidden Valley Elementary School incident:

“The Government of Yukon has reviewed the Yukon Ombudsman’s first report on its investigation into the 2019 Hidden Valley Elementary School incident. We find this report to be aligned with the assessment provided by Amanda Rogers in her Independent Review Report.

Premier Ranj Pillai and Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn have issued the following statement:

“As wildfire season draws to a close, our government – on behalf of all Yukoners – thanks Yukon First Nations for their contributions to wildland fire management.

“We are proud of the ongoing partnership between Wildland Fire Management and Yukon First Nations and we strongly support the Yukon First Nations Wildfire’s Warrior and Beat the Heat initiatives, two unique initiatives aimed at providing learning and skill development.

Chief Morris has issued the following statement:

Susan McCallum is the recipient of the Yukon’s 2023 Council of the Federation Literacy Award. Deputy Premier Jeanie McLean presented the award to Susan today at a ceremony held at the Guild Hall in Whitehorse with family, friends and colleagues in attendance. This award celebrates Susan’s creativity in inspiring First Nations youth and citizens to actively engage in their traditional languages.

Premier Ranj Pillai and Minister of Education Jeanie MacLean have issued the following statement:

“On behalf of the Government of Yukon, we would like to extend a warm welcome to all those starting or continuing their studies at Yukon University this year.

Premier Ranj Pillai and Minister responsible for Workers’ Safety and Compensation Board Richard Mostyn have issued the following joint statement:

“Each year, on Labour Day, we celebrate the backbone of our territory and country – workers.

“We celebrate labour activists, union members and leaders, and all those who have fought and continue to fight for workers’ rights. We honour their successes and we take the opportunity to acknowledge how much more is left to do.