Premier Pillai appoints new Chief of Staff

Premier Ranj Pillai has announced the appointment of Jason Cunning as his new Chief of Staff.

Jasmina Randhawa, current Chief of Staff, is leaving the Government of Yukon.

Mr. Cunning’s appointment as Chief of Staff is effective immediately.

Ranj Pillai sworn in as the Yukon’s 10th Premier

Today, Ranj Pillai was sworn in to office as the 10th Premier of the Yukon. Premier Pillai’s Cabinet was also sworn in during a ceremony at the Jim Smith Building led by the Administrator of the Yukon Adeline Webber. 

In addition to his role as leader of the territory, Premier Pillai will be the Minister responsible for the Executive Council Office, Yukon Housing Corporation and Minister of Economic Development.

The new Cabinet of the Yukon government comprises:                

Canada and the Yukon sign agreement in principle to deepen collaboration on planting 2 billion trees nationally

This is a joint news release between the governments of Canada and Yukon.

Tree-planting efforts across Canada have played a large part in tackling the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. As part of the Government of Canada’s broader approach to nature-based climate solutions, trees planted as part of the 2 Billion Trees program will help restore nature, create healthy forest ecosystems and increase carbon capture.

Solstice Maternity temporarily welcomes clients of the Yukon Midwifery Program

The Yukon Midwifery Program is working closely with Solstice Maternity to temporarily place clients under the care of the Solstice Maternity team. Solstice Maternity will be responsible for all prenatal care and births while registered midwives will continue to offer postnatal care to current clients, as well as emotional support and information during pregnancy.

Indigenous employees recognized for public service excellence

Today, Premier Sandy Silver presented the 2022 Indigenous Employees Award of Honour to Pat Joe of the Department of Education for her outstanding leadership and high standard of public service.

Statement from the Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean on the National Roundtable on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People

Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean has issued the following statement:

New deputy minister appointed to the Executive Council Office

Today Premier Sandy Silver announced the appointment of Michael Hale as deputy minister for the Executive Council Office and Cabinet secretary.

Hale is moving from his role as deputy minister for the Department of Health and Social Services where he has been responsible for the development of the new public health authority.

A Policy for the Stewardship of Yukon’s Wetlands released

Today, Minister Nils Clark and Minister John Streicker announced the release of A Policy for the Stewardship of Yukon’s Wetlands, the territory’s first ever wetlands policy. Wetlands are important to the territory’s ecosystem and contribute to the wellbeing of Yukoners in a variety of ways, from hosting rich biodiversity to their cultural significance for First Nations peoples. The wetlands stewardship policy establishes a consistent and coordinated approach to wetland protection that reflects the values and interests of Yukoners.

Government of Yukon signs community wildfire protection plans with Haines Junction and Teslin

The Yukon’s first community wildfire protection plans have been finalized by the Wildland Fire Management branch and community-level working groups in Haines Junction and Teslin.

A community wildfire protection plan is a strategy for reducing the wildland fire risk around a community. Communities create their plans with support and technical input from Wildland Fire Management, balancing public safety needs with local priorities.

Twelve Yukon-based projects awarded more than $395,000 from the Community Development Fund

Twelve community projects in the Yukon have been awarded with $395,777 in essential funding from the Community Development Fund. These projects contribute to the economic, cultural and social benefits to their communities by providing Yukoners across the territory with invaluable opportunities and resources.

The Klondike Snowmobile Association, Music Yukon, Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Development Corporation, Humane Society Dawson and the Dawson City Arts Society are among the recipients of the most recent Tier 1 and Tier 2 intakes for funding provided by the Community Development Fund.