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.

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

“Over the past three days, I had the pleasure of meeting with federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Energy and Mines on how we can work collectively to support a low-carbon and energy-secure future for all Canadians.

The Government of Yukon and the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency combined financial contributions to launch a new support program offering funding for commercial harvesters and retailers.

Commercial harvesters and retailers can now apply for reimbursements of up to $15,000 for purchases, repairs and upgrades to harvest equipment, vehicles, trailers, personal protective equipment and other equipment. For larger harvesting businesses, the funds can be used for things like planning and administrative costs.

Since publishing this news release we have corrected the number of fire personnel sent to the NWT and the type of personnel.

The Government of Yukon has sent wildland fire personnel to support wildfire response operations in the Northwest Territories.

“Today, on International Overdose Awareness Day, we come together to acknowledge a profound challenge that too often remains in the shadows. Overdose, much like the broader Substance Use Health Emergency, is a complex issue that knows no boundaries. It affects our families, our friends and our communities. Behind every statistic, there is a human story of parents, children, siblings, friends and loved ones. Every life lost is a heartbreaking reminder of the work still ahead of us.

In September, Premier Ranj Pillai and Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources and Tourism and Culture John Streicker, accompanied by a delegation of Yukon-based business leaders and government officials, will embark on a mission to Japan and India.

The aim of this mission is to develop partnerships to address health and human resource challenges, promote innovation and collaboration in critical minerals and technology, create lasting relationships that will increase business investment in the Yukon and increase tourism from Asia.

The Yukon has enjoyed economic growth every year since 2016, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the territory continues to have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country. However, many Yukoners are feeling financial pressures due to inflation.

To alleviate these pressures, the Government of Yukon has introduced a number of measures to make life more affordable for all Yukoners.

Some of the ways that the Government of Yukon is making housing more affordable for everyone include:

On August 23, 2023, the Substance Use Health Emergency Strategy was introduced as a result of partnership and a shared commitment to the health and wellbeing of all Yukoners. Building on this foundation of collaboration and transparency, the Government of Yukon will continue to work closely with partners and the recently-established Yukon First Nations Chiefs Committee on Health to advance and implement the recommendations as well as identify future actions.

The Government of Yukon, with the support of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, is pleased to announce that construction of a 10-unit Housing First Complex in Watson Lake is now underway.

The complex was designed with input from the Liard First Nation Chief and Council, the Town of Watson Lake Mayor and Council, and local community members.

Four Yukon youth have been awarded the Outstanding Youth Achievement Award for their devotion and contribution to their communities.

The 2023 recipients are Steven Domingo of Carmacks, Shanine Villaver of Faro, Jack Walcher-Wegmann of Mount Lorne and Kalie Bennett of Whitehorse. 

The awards recognize these individuals for their positive impact on the Yukon, demonstrated through outstanding performance in areas such as the arts, athletics, academics, community engagement and exemplary role modelling.