Latest news with #GovernmentofYukon
Cision Canada
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Cision Canada
Strengthening southern Yukon communities against wildfire exposure Français
WHITEHORSE, YT, July 3, 2025 /CNW/ - Communities in southern Yukon will reduce their wildfire risk after a combined investment of more than $17 million from the federal and Yukon governments. The funding was announced by Dr. Brendan Hanley, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Member of Parliament for Yukon, on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada, along with the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and the Honourable Nils Clarke, on behalf of Richard Mostyn, Minister of Community Services, for the Government of Yukon. Funding for the Government of Yukon's Wildland Fire Management branch will decrease fire risk in the communities of Whitehorse, Teslin, and Haines Junction—communities which are part of the northern boreal forest region and prone to aggressive wildfire behaviour. This region relies on Wildland Fire Management to protect life, critical infrastructure, and property from the impacts of wildfire while facilitating the creation of wildfire-resilient places to live. Funding will support different treatment phases, which include both retreatment and new fuel break construction. With new forest regrowth and new FireSmart standards, previous risk reduction efforts may become less effective over time. Retreatment includes increasing spacing between trees and removing live or dead vegetation that could allow fires to climb the landscape or trees from the forest floors. New treatment will include reducing or managing materials that are flammable or combustible in the wildland-urban interface. These measures follow national standards set out by FireSmart Canada and will increase the wildfire resilience of these three communities. Quotes "More than ever before, investing in resilient infrastructure is essential to help northern communities prepare for and respond to unpredictable natural events. Through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund, we are able to support projects that strengthen environmental stability and reduce wildfire risks in Whitehorse, Teslin, Haines Junction, and surrounding areas – safeguarding these communities for years to come." Dr. Brendan Hanley, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Member of Parliament for Yukon "Unfortunately, every year in the North, we see firsthand the devastating impact of wildfires. Proactive investments like the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund are critical to protecting our communities and public infrastructure while also keeping families safe." The Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations "Our Yukon communities continue seeing the impact climate change is having on the North. Although we can't predict where wildfire activity will happen, we can take measures to protect ourselves. Thank you to the Government of Canada for their investment of over $13 million for this proactive work and pleased to announce the Government of Yukon's support of these efforts with over $3 million." Richard Mostyn, Minister of Community Services Quick Facts Making adaptation investments now will have major economy-wide benefits later. Every dollar that is invested in adapting and preparing for climate-related disasters can return as much as $13 to $15 in benefits. The federal government is investing $13,842,900 in this project through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF), while the territorial government is investing $3,247,500. To date, over $2.9 billion has been announced for more than 117 infrastructure projects that help communities better prepare for, and withstand, the potential impacts of natural disasters, prevent infrastructure failures, and help keep Canadians safe. On November 24 th, 2022, the federal government released Canada's National Adaptation Strategy: Building Resilient Communities and a Strong Economy. It commits $1.6 billion in new federal funding to help address both immediate and future climate risks to Canadian communities. As part of the National Adaptation Strategy and Government of Canada Adaptation Action Plan, the federal government has launched the Climate Toolkit for Housing and Infrastructure (CTHI) initiative. The Climate Toolkit for Housing and Infrastructure will support the development of integrated climate-related tools, resources and services for communities through: A Climate Help Desk to provide direct support to address infrastructure and climate-related inquiries; A roster of Climate and Infrastructure Experts to provide access to expert advice to strengthen climate-related considerations of public infrastructure and housing projects; and Climate Tools and Resources that are widely available and accessible through the Platform. Federal funding is conditional on fulfilling all requirements related to consultation with Indigenous groups and environmental assessment obligations. Federal funding is conditional on the signing of the contribution agreement. Canada's National Adaptation Strategy Strengthened Climate Plan Climate Toolkit for Housing and Infrastructure Housing and Infrastructure Project Map Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
Cision Canada
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Cision Canada
Call2Recycle Launches First Territorial Battery Recycling Program in Yukon, Expanding National Reach Français
WHITEHORSE, YT, July 2, 2025 /CNW/ - Call2Recycle, Canada's leading battery collection and recycling organization, is proud to announce the launch of its Recycle Your Batteries, Canada! program in Yukon, beginning July 1, 2025. This marks a significant milestone as Yukon becomes the first Canadian territory to implement an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) battery recycling program in partnership with Call2Recycle. The initiative, overseen by the Government of Yukon, is designed to give residents greater access to safe, convenient, and environmentally responsible options for disposing of used household batteries. The program aligns with Yukon's commitment to sustainability and circular economy goals, while helping producers meet their regulatory obligations under EPR. "This launch represents an exciting new chapter for Call2Recycle and for Canada's battery recycling landscape," said Joe Zenobio, President and CEO of Call2Recycle. "Expanding into Yukon not only strengthens our national presence but also highlights the growing momentum for EPR solutions across Canada. We're proud to support Yukoners with a program that delivers environmental benefits and simplifies battery recycling in urban and remote communities." Yukon residents will now have access to a growing network of convenient battery collection sites in retail outlets, municipal facilities, public institutions, and other accessible locations throughout the territory. The program's launch in Yukon builds on Call2Recycle's mission to make battery recycling accessible for all Canadians, no matter where they live. This expansion follows the organization's successful program launches in multiple provinces and reflects its continued leadership in battery stewardship. In 2024 alone, Call2Recycle collected over 6.8 million kilograms of batteries nationwide, underscoring its commitment to protecting the environment and supporting a more circular, sustainable economy. With nearly three decades of experience and a collection network spanning close to 15,000 locations across Canada, Call2Recycle remains at the forefront of safe battery disposal and environmental responsibility. Yukoners are encouraged to participate in the program and help build a cleaner, greener future by recycling their used batteries at designated drop-off locations. To learn more about the program or find your nearest collection site, visit the Recycle Your Batteries, Canada! website. About Call2Recycle Canada, Inc. Call2Recycle is Canada's leading organization for the collection and recycling of batteries and battery-powered products. As a trusted steward for more than 400 members including producers of single-use and rechargeable batteries Call2Recycle fulfills regulatory obligations while advancing a circular economy. The organization manages several leading programs, including Recycle Your Batteries, Canada! for household and e-bike batteries, Recycle Your Vapes for battery-powered vapes and e-cigarettes in Québec, and the voluntary EV Battery Recovery program for electric vehicle batteries, also in Québec. Call2Recycle operates provincially approved programs in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Québec, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia, and serves as a registered Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) in Ontario and Alberta. Its collection and recycling services cover household batteries (up to 5 kg) and e-transport batteries used in e-bikes, e-scooters, e-skateboards, hoverboards, and electric vehicles (EVs). Since 1997, Call2Recycle has diverted more than 50 million kilograms of batteries from Canadian landfills. It is committed to excellence in environmental stewardship, holding certifications in globally recognized standards, including R2v3, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO 9001. With a network of over 15,000 collection locations—including leading retailers and municipal sites—Call2Recycle is a trusted partner in building a cleaner, more sustainable Canada.
Winnipeg Free Press
26-06-2025
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Judge approves process to put Yukon Eagle Gold Mine in Yukon up for sale
An Ontario judge has approved a request from the court-appointed receiver to begin the process to sell the gold mine at the centre of a disaster north of Mayo, Yukon. A statement from Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai says selling the Eagle Gold Mine where millions of tonnes of cyanide-soaked ore spilled last year is a chance for the government to get back the 'significant' cash it paid to respond to the emergency. Pillai says the judge's ruling is an important first step and any final decision on a buyer will still require approval by the court, based on the receiver's recommendation. The sale process begins with months of advertising and vetting of potential buyers. Court documents show the deadline to pick a successful bid for the mine is Nov. 5. The plan says the sale is expected to close at the end of the year, after it is approved by the court. 'As both the lender to the receiver and the territory's main mining regulator, the Government of Yukon provided input on the terms of this process and will work closely with the receiver and its financial adviser as the process unfolds over the coming months,' Pillai said in the statement. He said the government's focus is on protecting the interest of Yukoners. Monday Mornings The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week. 'That includes communicating criteria that reflect important priorities to the Government of Yukon, that can be considered by the receiver in identifying a reputable, experienced and well-resourced operator who is committed to upholding strong economic, social and governance principles,' he said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 26, 2025.
Toronto Sun
21-06-2025
- Climate
- Toronto Sun
Nearly 200 homes on alert for Yukon wildfires as early season heat event hits
Published Jun 21, 2025 • 1 minute read This file photo shows the Cap Mountain fire burning near Whitehorse, Yukon on Tuesday July 5, 2022. Photo by handout/Government of Yukon / THE CANADIAN PRESS Nearly 200 homes in Yukon are on alert for possible evacuation due to nearby wildfires as temperatures soar into the high 20s across the territory this week. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Yukon's Emergency Coordination Centre says about 100 households are under evacuation alert in West Dawson due to danger from the Quebec Creek wildfire. The centre also says the same fire has forced the alert to be activated for 102 campsites in the area as well, on top of the 100 households. Two other evacuation alerts are also active in the territory, with 80 households affected in the Henderson Corner-Dempster Cutoff area while another seven households are asked to prepare for possible evacuation at Silver Trail. The Emergency Coordination Centre says West Dawson presents another challenge if evacuation is needed: The community has one major road leading north out of the community, with the path south requiring a ferry or other watercraft across the Yukon River. Environment Canada says a ridge of high pressure is bringing unseasonably high temperatures to the region, with Dawson seeing forecasted highs of 28 degrees for both Saturday and Sunday. Parts of the region is also under a severe thunderstorm watch. Environment Canada says the early-season heat event is expected to gradually fade by early next week, but residents should be cautious of heat exhaustion and be mindful of the health of older adults and other people at risk with the high temperatures. Columnists Columnists Toronto & GTA World Toronto & GTA
Cision Canada
17-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
The federal government invests in Indigenous-led solar initiative in Watson Lake Français
WATSON LAKE, YT, June 17, 2025 /CNW/ - Investing in green energy infrastructure is vital to building cleaner and more sustainable northern communities. With a joint investment of more than $28.6 million from the federal government, the Government of Yukon and First Kaska Utilities LP, the Sādę Solar Initiative project will significantly reduce diesel use for power generation in Watson Lake. This project will construct a 2.85MW solar power plant combined with a battery energy storage system that will connect to the existing micro-grid in Watson Lake, which is currently powered by diesel generators. The plant, located within the asserted traditional territory of the Liard First Nation (LFN), will be brought online in two stages to maintain grid stability and manage power fluctuations. Additional works include preparing the site for solar panel installation and upgrading the access road to support a high volume of transport trucks during the construction period. When running at full capacity in the peak season, the plant will provide more energy than peak loads, allowing for full generator off time. The solar energy produced is expected to replace more than 24 percent of the diesel-generated power in Watson Lake, ultimately reducing diesel consumption by approximately 1,020,300 litres and cutting GHG emissions by 3,509 tonnes annually. This initiative is also expected to have economic benefits for LFN, allowing them to generate revenues by selling surplus power to the grid operator, while creating jobs and training opportunities. Quotes "The federal government is proud to support this important Indigenous-led energy project in Watson Lake. The Sādę Solar Initiative will make a significant impact on the community by reducing its dependency on diesel with a cleaner and renewable source of power. This will help northern communities become more sustainable and affordable places to live, while ensuring reliable energy is available for years to come." Dr. Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for the Yukon, on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada "The Sādę' Renewable Energy solar farm project provides meaningful economic development potential for the Liard First Nation and is a great step in reducing pollution and advancing economic reconciliation. The project is to be the largest solar Indigenous-led energy project in the Canadian North and is another example of how successful partnership with Indigenous Peoples ensures Canada can become a clean, affordable, reliable energy superpower." The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources "By supporting projects like the Sādę Solar Initiative in Watson Lake, we are championing Indigenous-led climate solutions in northern communities and beyond. Investments through the Low Carbon Economy Indigenous Leadership Fund empower communities to make greener energy choices while creating long-lasting economic opportunities." The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change "Congratulations to Kaska Utilities and Liard First Nation on breaking ground for the Sādę Solar Initiative today. This project is a significant step forward in reducing diesel-dependence for the community of Watson Lake, supporting climate change mitigation and energy security goals for the territory. I look forward to continued collaboration on Indigenous-led energy solutions throughout the Yukon." John Streicker, Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources and Minister responsible for Yukon Development Corporation, Government of Yukon "This is not just an investment in infrastructure, but an investment in our people and our future. Through First Kaska Utilities Ltd., we are demonstrating what Indigenous leadership in the clean energy sector can look like—visionary, self-determined, and grounded in our traditional values." , CEO of First Kaska Utilities Ltd. Quick Facts The Government of Canada is investing $28,600,000 towards the Sādę Initiative project. The First Kaska Utilities LP will also be providing their support. The federal government is providing $18,000,000 through the Arctic Energy Fund of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, $5,000,000 through the Indigenous Leadership Fund, and $5,600,000 through the Clean Energy For Remote and Rural Communities Program. The Arctic Energy Fund of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program supports energy security in communities in the North, including Indigenous communities, by investing in upgrades to existing fossil fuel-based energy systems, as well as supplementing or replacing these systems with renewable energy options. Launched in 2018, the Clean Energy For Remote and Rural Communities Program is a key part of Canada's efforts to reduce the reliance of rural and remote communities on diesel fuel for heat and power. With an overall funding commitment of $453 million until 2027, the program has supported over 200 renewable energy demonstration, deployment and capacity building projects to date across Canada. The Indigenous Leadership Fund supports climate action by Indigenous peoples. The program funds up to $180 million towards Indigenous-owned and Indigenous-led renewable energy, energy efficiency, and low-carbon heating projects across Canada. The Government of Yukon administers the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program and collaborates with all orders of government to build infrastructure across the Yukon. Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Housing and Infrastructure Project Map Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program Indigenous Leadership Fund Indigenous Leadership Fund - Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
