Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

“On behalf of the Government of Yukon, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Dawna Hope on her recent election as Chief for the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun. 

“I would also like to extend my congratulations to the elected Deputy Chief Roberta Hager and Councillors Edward Brown, Helaina Moses, Geri-Lee Buyck and Paul Profeit.

“I commend your commitment and dedication to serving your community.

Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee and Chief Medical Officer of Health Sudit Ranade have released the following statement:

“The Substance Use Health Emergency continues to have a profound and devastating impact on our communities, with the toxic drug supply compounding the issue even further.

Keeping people safe while strengthening the territory’s long-term response to wildfires is a priority for the Government of Yukon. In response to feedback received following the 2022 wildfire season, the Government of Yukon is launching a new online Wildfire Hub to make it easier to find information about the Yukon’s wildfire situation as well as potential impacts to residents and travellers.

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement: 

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Vuntut Gwitchin Elder Robert Bruce Jr. He was a respected leader and a beloved member of his community who played many important roles during his life.

“Robert Bruce Jr. dedicated his adult life to preserving and promoting the culture, language and traditions of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation.

The Recreation and Parks Association of Yukon (RPAY) is celebrating their 30th anniversary on April 19.

Thirty years ago, the RPAY was established after the Breaking Trails Conference highlighted the need for an association to facilitate recreation in the Yukon. Additionally, recreation leaders in rural Yukon demanded increased support for recreation and the formation of an organization to coordinate and promote these interests. Today, RPAY continues to be a leader in recreation through their programs and training initiatives.

Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources John Streicker has issued the following statement:

“An inspector’s direction has been issued for Minto Metals Corporation to prepare to take action to protect the environment during the spring snow melt.

The Government of Yukon is protecting the McIntyre Creek area from additional mineral staking and land development.

Today, the Yukon government amended a prohibition of entry order under the Quartz Mining Act to expand the boundary of an existing staking ban. As a result, no new quartz mineral claims in the McIntyre Creek area will be permitted. In addition, a new administrative land reserve was established to protect the area from new land disposition while providing flexibility for responsible land-use decision making.

Premier Pillai has released the following statement:

“April 17 marks Yom HaShoah or Holocaust Remembrance Day, and is observed by the international Jewish community as a day of commemoration of the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust and the millions of other victims of Nazi persecution. Jewish communities commemorate this solemn day each year, which corresponds to the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.

Today, Yukon students and guardians gathered at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre, alongside Minister of Education Jeanie McLean and media, to celebrate the opening of the Youth Roots: Photovoice project. This project aligns with the Yukon government’s commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of youth in response to the Substance Use Health Emergency.

The Photovoice project presents an exhibit of photos from Yukon youth expressing how they promote mental wellness. In total, 39 Yukon youth from five communities participated in the project.

In response to earthquakes that struck areas of Türkiye and Syria on February 6, the Government of Yukon is announcing support for people affected by this devastating natural disaster.

The Government of Yukon is donating $25,000 to Yukon Cares to support the resettlement of Turkish and Syrian nationals displaced by these events. Yukon Cares, established in 2015, is a community organization that works to bring refugee families to the Yukon.