Highlights of Yukon Days 2024

Press Release

Dec 09, 2024

Last week, leaders from the Government of Yukon and Yukon First Nations met with federal Ministers and parliamentary secretaries in Ottawa, Ontario as part of Yukon Days, an annual event where territorial leaders gather together in Ottawa to advocate for the Yukon’s shared priorities as a unified voice.

During Yukon Days, an Intergovernmental Forum was held between Yukon First Nations, the Government of Yukon and the Government of Canada to discuss priorities of mutual interest.

In true collaboration, Ross River Dena Council, the Government of Yukon and Parks Canada signed a Memorandum of Understanding to assess the feasibility of establishing a new protected area in the Yukon. The partnership explores innovative, Indigenous-led approaches to stewardship that balance environmental conservation, cultural preservation and economic opportunity.

The Government of Yukon and the Government of Canada also signed a Letter of Intent to support a more secure, prepared and resilient North through the development of a Naval Reserve in the Yukon. Premier Ranj Pillai also met with other northern Premiers and participated in the launch of Canada’s new Arctic Foreign Policy.

Yukon Days is an important opportunity to meet collectively with Yukon First Nations Chiefs and federal Ministers to address the Yukon’s top priorities. By working together, we can ensure the best possible outcome on shared goals for all Yukoners. Thank you to the colleagues and counterparts who joined us this week as we represented Yukoners at a federal level.

Premier and Minister of Economic Development Ranj Pillai

Discussing the priorities and concerns of Yukoners with my counterparts from all three levels of government is a great opportunity. Together, we are working to improve initiatives that impact the health, wellbeing and safety of Yukoners.

Minister of Health and Social Services, Minister of Justice and Attorney General Tracy-Anne McPhee

We know that in order to advocate for the shared priorities of Yukoners, our voices are stronger together. We met to discuss a diverse array of topics from salmon to renewable energy, from land use planning implementation to tourism development. As we focus on building the Yukon, meeting trilaterally to discuss the Yukon’s unique context is imperative.

Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources, Minister of Tourism and Culture and Minister responsible for the French Language Services Directorate John Streicker

Quick facts

• Yukon Days is an opportunity for Yukon leaders from Yukon government and Yukon First Nations to meet with federal officials.
• The Intergovernmental Forum provides an opportunity for Yukon First Nations with modern treaties, the Government of Yukon and the Government of Canada to discuss areas of mutual interest and advance intergovernmental relationships.

Backgrounder

Trilateral meetings with Yukon First Nations leaders and Government of Canada included the following:

• Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault
• Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health Ya’ara Saks
• Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario Patty Hajdu
• Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec Soraya Martinez Ferrada
• Parliamentary Secretary Mike Kelloway to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
• Parliamentary Secretary Julie Dabrusin to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

Bilateral meetings between the Government of Yukon and the Government of Canada, included the following:

• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
• Minister of National Defence Bill Blair
• President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Transport Anita Anand
• Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic LeBlanc
• Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Gary Anandasangaree
• Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller
• Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency Dan Vandal
• Minister of Veterans Affairs of Canada Ginette Petitpas Taylor
• Minister of Health Mark Holland
• Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health Ya’ara Saks
• Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault
• Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
• Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Arif Virani
• Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay
• Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Julie Dabrusin
• Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage Taleeb Noormohamed
• Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson and Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok

Media contact

Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca

Joanna Lilley
Communications, Executive Council Office
867-334-2670
joanna.lilley@yukon.ca

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