City of Whitehorse Mayor Laura Cabott and Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn released the following joint statement:

“This year, wildfires have had – and continue to have – a devastating impact on communities across the North, throughout Canada and across North America.

“Here in the Yukon, we have seen the impacts of climate change, with flooding in the Klondike and severe fires leading to the evacuation of Old Crow and the Village of Mayo. We also see communities across Canada and the United States dealing with the impacts of natural disasters.

This is a joint news release between the Council of Yukon First Nations and the Government of Yukon.

Today, the Government of Yukon, in partnership with First Nations governments, the Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) and in conversations with the Yukon Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), launched the Substance Use Health Emergency Strategy.

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

“Yesterday, I was pleased to meet with the new US Consul General in Vancouver, Jim DeHart, to discuss the Yukon’s relationship with the United States and areas where our governments can collaborate further.

“We discussed the need for funding from the United States Government to support upgrades to the Alaska Highway. This corridor is a vital link between central Alaska and the contiguous United States, which is essential to maintain critical supply chains to and from Alaska and for Yukon communities.

Today, the Government of Yukon and the Teslin Tlingit Council signed a heat purchase agreement. This agreement will supply the Khàtìnas.àxh Community School in Teslin with heat from the Teslin Tlingit Council’s biomass facility, a renewable energy source.

Premier Ranj Pillai and Minister of the Public Service Commission Sandy Silver have issued the following statement:

“August 21 to 25 marks the fifth anniversary of Public Service Pride Week, a celebration of 2SLGBTQIA+ public servants, as well as diversity, pride and authenticity more broadly.

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

“As young Yukoners head back to school, we would like to wish them a happy and productive school year.

“Whether you are just starting school in kindergarten or counting down the days to high school graduation, we hope you take advantage of opportunities to learn and grow offered to you throughout your educational journey.

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

“I was delighted to welcome Consul General Arlene Magno of the Philippines to the Yukon today to build on the long-standing cooperation between our jurisdictions.

“We continued discussions about the importance of continued Filipino immigration to the Yukon to support our growing economy, reunite families and develop a strong labour market in the territory.

The Government of Yukon has awarded $25,000 each to the Whitehorse Aboriginal Women’s Circle and Carcross/Tagish First Nation for one-year projects under the Prevention of Violence against Aboriginal Women Fund.

The Government of Yukon is assisting with emergency response operations in the Northwest Territories (NWT) and supporting Yellowknife residents who are evacuating their homes.

Four individuals from the Fire Marshal’s Office (three Special Heavy Operations Team (SHOT) members and one Deputy Fire Marshal) were deployed along with five City of Whitehorse firefighters to work directly with the City of Yellowknife Fire Department.

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

“On the third Monday of August each year, Discovery Day commemorates the discovery of gold at Bonanza Creek near Dawson City and offers us an opportunity to learn more about the Yukon’s unique history.

“Discovery Day is an important milestone for the Yukon. It marked the start of the Klondike Gold Rush, led to the formation of our territory and had significant impacts on the traditional territories and ways of life of Yukon First Nations.