The Government of Yukon has finalized an agreement with the Alzheimer Society of B.C. to expand dementia services across the territory. This aligns with the Yukon government’s efforts to provide supports for seniors and caregivers and implement recommendations from Putting People First and the Aging in Place Action Plans.

The Yukon dementia support expansion is intended to inform, educate and support Yukon-based community members and health care providers who are either living with dementia or providing personal or professional care for someone living with dementia.

The following statement was released by Premier Ranj Pillai and Minister responsible for Yukon Workers’ Compensation Health and Safety Board Richard Mostyn:

“Today Yukoners and people around the world pause to pay respect to those who have lost their lives or suffered injury or illness due to a work-related incident.

“On this date, April 28, we renew our steadfast commitment to health and safety in the workplace.

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:   

“My heart is heavy as I join the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council and the Yukon community in mourning the loss of the incredible Elder and matriarch Shirley Adamson. Her passing is a profound loss to her family, community, and to all those whose lives she touched with her wisdom, kindness, and leadership. 

Today, with the conclusion of the 2023 Spring Sitting of the Yukon Legislative Assembly, the Government of Yukon passed its 2023-24 Budget, and several other pieces of legislation received assent.

Budget 2023–24 demonstrates the territory’s robust position nationally, with the Government of Yukon taking real action to make life more affordable for Yukoners, strengthen the health care and social services system, build resiliency to climate change, and invest in a more equitable future where all residents benefit from a thriving economy.

Yesterday, the Government of Yukon reached an important milestone in making more land available to Yukoners. 

Following the release of lots in the Whistle Bend subdivision of Whitehorse earlier this spring, the Yukon government has offered 82 single-family lots to applicants through public lottery. Four multi-family lots and 33 townhouse lots were offered to successful bidders through the tender process. 

Applications were accepted between March 31 and April 18, 2023. Successful applicants were contacted following the draw and bid opening.

The Government of Yukon is committed to supporting effective local governance and sustainable local services in the Yukon and is increasing funding for communities to deliver programs and services to growing populations.

The Yukon’s eight municipalities received more than $22 million through the 2023 Comprehensive Municipal Grant, an increase of $1.1 million over 2022.  

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.