Read about Yukon current events at local newspapers: The Yukon News and The Whitehorse Star.

LATEST NEWS RELEASES FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF YUKON

FOR RELEASE     #09-074
March 20, 2009

WHITEHORSE – Yukon government is expanding its 2009-10 investment attraction efforts into the Japanese market.

“New investment capital is critical to economic growth enabling businesses to expand operations, pursue new opportunities and explore potential,” Economic Development Minister Jim Kenyon said. “Our relationship with China has proved extremely successful and now it is time to expand our investment attraction strategy towards Japan.”

Japanese companies are now expressing strong interest in Yukon’s known mineral deposits and continue their interest in Yukon as a favourite destination for Japanese travelers. In addition, Japan has expressed interest in Yukon’s forest industry as well as Yukon as a possible location for research and innovation.

“It is a priority of the Yukon government to strengthen Yukon’s economy and to encourage private sector growth through the attraction and capture of external investment,” Kenyon added.

For several years, the Economic Development department has facilitated meetings and nurtured potential partnerships between Asian investors and Yukon mining companies. Significant investment arrangements and strategic alliances have been achieved between Yukon-based companies and Chinese investors.

By expanding investment attraction efforts to Japan, and by building on the existing relationships with China and Korea, the Yukon government is continuing to raise awareness of the many investment opportunities in the territory.

Investment attraction efforts will continue throughout 2009 and will include trade show attendance, meeting facilitation and possibly site visits in Yukon.

For more information, visit www.investyukon.com.

-30-

Contact:
Emily Younker Cabinet Communications 867-633-7961 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it	MaryRose Metcalfe Communications, Economic Development 867-456-3913 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

FOR RELEASE     #09-063
March 13, 2009

WHITEHORSE – Yukon government’s Department of Economic Development will commit $135,000 to support an event at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games, subject to legislative approval. The event will showcase Yukon investment opportunities and highlight Yukon businesses.

“A surprising amount of business networking is conducted at the Games. The 2010 Winter Games will provide us with an excellent opportunity to showcase Yukon’s valuable assets to a global market,” Economic Development Minister Jim Kenyon said. “We are taking advantage of this by presenting Yukon businesses and investment opportunities – the best that Yukon has to offer.”

As part of a coordinated northern showcase called Canada’s North Weekend, the Economic Development department will host two Yukon business/investment attraction events. These events will be targeted at international decision makers attending the Olympics and those in the lower mainland who are interested in Yukon as a trading partner.

“This event will serve to expand the awareness of Yukon to potential investors and to position Yukon as an excellent place to invest and do business,” Kenyon said.

Events will showcase Yukon businesses that have export or investment ready products or services. The focus of one event will be on First Nation businesses and partnerships in Yukon. The department is working with the Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) to coordinate this event at the Four Host Aboriginal Pavilion in Vancouver. A second targeted investment attraction reception is planned in partnership with Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.

This is a portion of Yukon’s overall 2009/10 budget to support activities related to the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. Details of the event are pending and will be released once they are finalized.

For more information about Yukon’s participation at the 2010 Olympics visit www.gov.yk.ca.

-30-

Contact:
Emily Younker Cabinet Communications 867-633-7961 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it	Sunny Patch Communications, Economic Development 867-667-5387 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

FOR RELEASE     #09-027
February 18, 2009

WHITEHORSE – A one-year $1.1-million increase to the Yukon Mining Incentive Program (YMIP) was announced today by Energy, Mines and Resources Minister Brad Cathers, bringing the total annual support for this program to $1.8 million.

“YMIP supports prospectors and mineral exploration companies who, in turn, support Yukoners by creating jobs and purchasing goods,” Cathers said.

YMIP is a well-used program that helps stimulate mineral discoveries and advances existing discoveries to a mature exploration stage. Since 2003, projects receiving funding through YMIP were responsible for 20 significant new discoveries, including the Andrew lead-zinc deposit and the White Gold property.

“This additional funding will allow the government to respond to an anticipated increase in YMIP applications and the increasing cost of mineral exploration,” Cathers said. “With the current economic situation, funding sources for mineral exploration are becoming more difficult to secure. The increase to YMIP provides targeted support to exploration projects and encourages continued investment and work.”

This increase will be in place for fiscal year 2009/10, subject to approval by the legislative assembly. The goal of this increase is to support sustained mineral exploration activities in Yukon and ensure that Yukon continues to be a destination of choice for prospectors and exploration companies.

YMIP accepts grant applications in three categories. This funding will increase the maximum grant available in each of these categories, better reflecting current exploration costs. The three categories and their revised maximum amounts are:

• Grassroots Prospecting – 100% of costs up to $15,000
• Focused Regional – 75% of costs up to $25,000
• Target Evaluation – 50% of costs up to $50,000

For more information about YMIP and other programs available through the Yukon government, visit www.geology.gov.yk.ca.

-30-

Contact:
Emily Younker Cabinet Communications 867-633-7961 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it	Mark Roberts Communications, Energy, Mines & Resources 867-667-5307 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

FOR RELEASE     #08-308
December 8, 2008

WHITEHORSE – At a meeting in Ottawa Friday, trade ministers concluded two major items on the Council of the Federation’s Five-Point Action Plan on Internal Trade.

Provincial and territorial trade ministers approved wording to strengthen the Agreement on Internal Trade’s Labour Mobility chapter. All Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT) parties, with the exception of Ontario, approved draft text to the AIT Dispute Resolution chapter which will significantly strengthen the enforcement mechanisms. This will include a more effective compliance process with the provision of an appeals process and the potential for monetary penalties.

Subject to final cabinet approvals, as of April 1, 2009, workers qualified to work in one jurisdiction will face no barriers when seeking work in other parts of Canada.

“Yukon remains committed to creating a more efficient and effective business and work environment,” Economic Development Minister Jim Kenyon said. “The Agreement on Internal Trade provides a valuable forum where we can work with our counterparts to achieve this goal.”

Minister Kenyon assumed the Chair of the Committee on Internal Trade for a one-year term effective Dec. 6. Yukon will host the annual Committee on Internal Trade meeting on June 16, 2009 in Whitehorse.

The AIT is a national, intergovernmental trade agreement signed by Canadian First Ministers in 1995 to reduce and eliminate barriers to the free movement of persons, goods, services, and investment within Canada and to establish an open, efficient, and stable domestic market.

For more information on the AIT, please visit www.ait-aci.ca.

-30-

FOR RELEASE     #08-277
November 5, 2008

WHITEHORSE – A Yukon contingent led by Economic Development Minister Jim Kenyon is headed to the annual China Mining Congress and Expo being held in Beijing.

“China Mining is one of the largest mining forums in Asia and the world, and for the third year in a row, will provide the opportunity to showcase Yukon’s mineral potential on a competitive global stage,” Kenyon said.

The congress and expo runs from November 11–13.

Kenyon will be accompanied by officials from the departments of Economic Development and Energy, Mines and Resources, who will be involved in a number of information sessions and networking opportunities, including:

• delivering numerous presentations on topics profiling opportunities, strategic advantages and regulatory regimes in Yukon;

• hosting a ‘Yukon Night’ reception; and

• facilitating meetings between Yukon mining companies and potential Chinese investors.

“The Yukon government has established a relationship with the Chinese government based on its demand for minerals and our desire to market our resources,” Kenyon added. “Robust trade and investment between Canada and China will be fundamental elements of Canada’s and Yukon’s future prosperity.”

In addition to Beijing, Kenyon will also travel to Shaanxi Province to meet with the Deputy Governor of that region and the Director General of Northwest Mining and Geological Exploration Bureau for Non-Ferrous Metals.

For more information on China Mining Congress and Expo, visit www.china-mining.com.

-30-

FOR RELEASE     #08-256
October 23, 2008

WHITEHORSE – Premier Dennis Fentie released the measures the Yukon government will take to manage local impacts of the global economic downturn.

“Like many other jurisdictions in Canada and the world, we are concerned with what has transpired in the global capital markets,” Fentie said. “To ensure that our economy remains strong we will engage in several initiatives to manage economic impacts the Yukon may experience as a result of what is transpiring around the world.”

The government’s measures include:

• Continuing to maintain a prudent financial position so there is money available to invest where necessary.

• Hosting roundtable discussions with key stakeholders within Yukon to collect advice and input to aid and inform decisions.

• Focusing on key infrastructure investments that will create jobs in the short term and provide an environment for long-term investment and growth.

• Promoting research and development opportunities in Yukon, such as the Cold Climate Innovation Centre and the Climate Change Centre of Excellence.

• Striking an internal committee of deputy ministers, chaired by Premier Fentie, to monitor and assess economic trends and identify opportunities.

• Implementing labour mobility initiatives.

• Expanding trade opportunities with foreign partners.

• Encouraging the federal government to continue to make strategic investments in Canada’s North, meeting their commitment of unlocking vast potential in Yukon which will continue to help Canada’s economic future and ultimately result in economic benefits for Yukoners.

• Continuing to work with First Nation governments to ensure an appropriate federal mandate is renewed to adequately resource First Nation governments and enhancing First Nation capacity to more fully participate in Yukon’s economy.

“Six consecutive year-end surpluses have given this government flexibility for times like this,” Fentie said. “Yukoners should remain confident; this government stands ready to manage changes to our financial environment and will take any action that may be required as we go through this global economic cycle.”

-30-

Whitehorse, Yukon

September 5, 2008

The Honourable Chuck Strahl Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians announced funding today to develop an innovation centre on cold climate research and technology.

“In the long-term this centre will help to diversify the Yukon economy and contribute to the Territory’s economic self-reliance, while building Canada’s northern knowledge base and capacity in the North,” said Minister Strahl.  “When fully implemented this centre will focus on northern solutions to northern challenges and bring international recognition for cold climate technology, development and innovation.” 

Through the Strategic Investment and Northern Economic Development (SINED) initiative, the Government of Yukon is receiving $200,000 to plan the development of the Yukon Cold Climate Innovation Cluster and Centre. The centre will develop sustainable technologies and related solutions for cold climate regions. This is the third year the Government of Yukon has received funding for this project.  With this amount, the total funding for this project through SINED is $600,000. 

The project is oriented to applied research with strong commercial prospects.  A number of business and education partners are committed to the project, and costs are shared with the Government of Yukon.

“The Yukon Cold Climate Innovation Centre is a critical, fundamental component of the Climate Change Research Centre of Excellence,” Yukon Government Economic Development Minister Jim Kenyon said. “The centre will play a key role in developing partnerships between the scientific community, the private sector, and government."

The current phase of the project is focussed on the development of the centre and includes working with potential partners, developing governance structures and early research assistance.

This announcement reinforces the Canadian government’s commitment to advance an integrated Northern Strategy focused on strengthening Canada’s sovereignty, protecting our environmental heritage, promoting economic and social development, and improving and devolving Northern governance.

-30-

This release is also available on the Internet at www.inac.gc.ca

For more information, please contact:

FOR RELEASE     #08-206
August 27, 2008

WHITEHORSE - Yukon's Economic Outlook is now available online. Formerly an annual publication, the format has changed to provide for more timely and relevant information to a larger audience.

"This up-to-date economic data gives us a clear picture of how our economy is evolving," Economic Development Minister Jim Kenyon said. "It also serves as a great resource for investors in making informed business decisions about Yukon."

The website will be updated periodically with current data on Yukon's economy, examining global factors, trends, growth and indicators. Data respecting population and labour numbers, consumer prices, and updates on the various industry sectors, will also be included. This first Economic Outlook will include economic data updated to August 11 and, as in all future versions, will be available in a printable format.

"There are many indicators in 2008 that Yukon's economy will once again register economic growth at a pace that will approach or equal the 3.8 per cent real growth in the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2007, among the very best in Canada," Kenyon added.

The website will be maintained by the Business and Economic Research branch of the Department of Economic Development. The branch provides analysis and reporting to support a broader understanding of the economy, and monitors and evaluates economic trends, issues and opportunities affecting Yukon.

The Economic Outlook can be found at www.economics.gov.yk.ca/economy08.

-30-

FOR RELEASE     #08-143
June 11, 2008

WHITEHORSE – Two days of interactive sessions and presentations by investment marketing specialists from across Canada formed the federal/provincial/territorial Investment Marketing Managers’ Meeting on June 9 and 10 in Whitehorse.

“Economic Development was very pleased to host this meeting for the first time,” Economic Development Minister Jim Kenyon said. “It served to align common strategies and activities that will further marketing efforts across the country and showed how Yukon’s efforts compare with national standards and practices.”

The meeting provided an opportunity for participants from across Canada to report on and exchange information about global marketing and promotion initiatives. Participants also learned about new investment and marketing tools and products.

Sessions included a morning dedicated to Global Marketing and Branding Strategy and an afternoon addressing Working Together to Capitalize on Global Marketing Initiatives.

Participants from provincial, territorial and the federal Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade took part in a business familiarization tour of Whitehorse and attended networking receptions.

-30-

FOR RELEASE     #08-142
June 10, 2008

WHITEHORSE – Economic Development Minister Jim Kenyon is pleased to be assuming the chair of the Committee on Internal Trade and is looking forward to hosting the 2009 meeting in Whitehorse next June.

“We are eager to host our fellow signatories to the Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT) and showcase Yukon as one of the last great frontiers with an abundance of natural resources and untapped business potential,” Kenyon said.

The Committee on Internal Trade concluded its annual meeting in Vancouver on June 10 with a presentation from Yukon and the designation of Kenyon as chair for 2009, starting in December this year.

“The Government of Yukon is working to fulfil its commitment to providing the necessary leadership and climate to make Yukon businesses competitive in the global economy,” Kenyon added. “Through this agreement, we continue to work with other provinces and territories to build a stronger Canadian economy by addressing obstacles to internal trade and mobility.”

Discussions were driven by the Five-point Internal Trade Workplan and included the topics of labour mobility, dispute resolution, energy, agriculture and reconciliation of regulations. 

The Committee on Internal Trade is the working group of the AIT, which Yukon has been a party to since it came into effect in 1995.

-30-

FOR RELEASE     #08-135
June 4, 2008

 WHITEHORSE – The Yukon government will not join the B.C. - Alberta Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA).

“Yukon remains committed to eliminating existing internal trade barriers and will work through the Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT) to address those issues,” Premier Dennis Fentie said. “We will continue to encourage business investment from other jurisdictions and we support Yukon businesses who venture beyond our borders.” 

After a thorough analysis we concluded that one of the challenges associated with joining TILMA included possible difficulties implementing the recommendations of the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board and the large costs associated with dispute resolution.

The internal review of TILMA included legal counsel and input from six Yukon organizations:

• Council of Yukon First Nations
• Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce
• Yukon Chamber of Commerce
• Association of Yukon Communities
• Yukon Indian Development Corporation
• Yukon Federation of Labour

The government will continue to evaluate internal trade issues through the AIT, which is a national intergovernmental trade agreement signed by Canadian First Ministers to reduce and eliminate barriers to the free movement of persons, goods, services, and investment within Canada and to establish an open, efficient, and stable domestic market.

“Yukon’s Economic Development Minister, Jim Kenyon, will assume the chair of the working committee of the AIT, the Committee on Internal Trade in December,” Fentie added. “As chair, Yukon will hold a seat of significant authority while it continues to negotiate strongly to ensure the AIT meets the needs of Yukoners.”

Kenyon is attending a meeting of the Committee on Internal Trade June 9 and 10 in Vancouver.

-30-

Please visit www.economicdevelopment.gov.yk.ca for further information.

FOR RELEASE     #08-134
June 2, 2008

WHITEHORSE – Two days of interactive panel discussions, presentations by business leaders from Yukon and abroad, and an evening networking opportunity are some of the highlights of the Foundations Economic Conference taking place June 3 and 4 in Whitehorse.

The theme of the conference is ‘Showcasing Today’s First Nations Business Success Stories and Supporting Tomorrow’s.’

“We are pleased to support this conference as it will provide significant networking opportunities with a number of First Nations and non-First Nations business leaders, it will also serve to inform Yukon’s business community of First Nations’ corporate successes,” Economic Development Minister Jim Kenyon said. “It will be an ideal occasion for Yukon and its First Nations to promote themselves as open for business.”

Taking place at the Yukon Inn, the conference consists of two days of interactive panel discussions with business leaders who will talk about personal successes and challenges related to their businesses.

The evening of June 3 will provide a networking opportunity for participants, with the memberships of the Yukon and Whitehorse Chambers of Commerce invited to the Trade Show and Business Gala being held in the Old Fire Hall in downtown Whitehorse. The evening events are being sponsored by Yukon Indian Development Corp. and the Yukon and Whitehorse Chambers of Commerce.

“The Foundations Economic Conference is an initiative that reinforces our vision of prosperity, partnerships and the role of innovation in Yukon’s economic development,” Kenyon said.

The Yukon government and Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada are jointly funding the conference in partnership with the Yukon Indian Development Corp., Dana Naye Ventures and the Tr’ondek Hwech’in.

-30-

For more conference information, visit www.foundationsconference.ca

FOR RELEASE     #08-180
July 22, 2008

WHITEHORSE – The number of registered apprentices in Yukon has increased 80 per cent over the past four years, Education Minister Patrick Rouble announced.

As of June 30 there were 405 registered apprentices, up from 354 at the same time last year and the 225 apprentices that were in Yukon in June of 2004.

“The government is dedicated to increasing the number of apprentices and skilled workers in the territory and training Yukoners for Yukon opportunities,” said Rouble. “That’s why we’re making significant investments in post-secondary education and in initiatives such as Skills Canada-Yukon, Women in Trades and Technology and other programs that help us meet our needs.”

“The Yukon business community should be applauded for their efforts and dedication in developing the workforce and for their support of Yukon apprentices,” added Rouble.  “When employers supervise an apprentice they are investing in a skilled workforce for the future.”

Apprenticeship in Yukon is a voluntary system based on a significant commitment by employers, the will of the apprentices and support by the government.

Advanced Education actively promotes Yukon apprenticeship and trades qualification programs through ad campaigns, participation in career and trade fairs, presentations to secondary schools and college students, and consultation with First Nations and employers.

As part of its commitment to increasing skilled trades capacity, Yukon government also employs its own apprentices.

-30-

Contact:

FOR RELEASE     #08-177
July 21, 2008

Whitehorse —Young people across Yukon will have greater opportunities to learn about skilled trades through the Skills Canada Yukon Competition, community skills clubs, educational presentations, and workshops. The Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, and the Honourable Patrick Rouble, Minister of Education for the Government of Yukon, today announced the project to help employers address future labour shortages in skilled trades and technologies by promoting these trades to youth as a viable career option.

"The Government of Canada is committed to creating the best educated, most skilled, and most flexible work force in the world," said Minister Solberg. "Our investment will encourage young people to take up trades as a career and supports the Yukon Skills Competition and Team Yukon when they are at Canadian Skills Competitions."

"Our economy is thriving, and Yukon needs skilled workers to keep the territory strong. Skills Canada Yukon helps attract fine young Yukoners to the trades, promotes excellence, and encourages pride in work. By supporting Skills Canada Yukon, the Department of Education is investing in a bright future for Yukon," said Minister Rouble.

Skills Canada Yukon will receive $250,000 in Youth Awareness funding from the Government of Canada and $78,908 from the Yukon Government. With this funding, Skills Canada Yukon will increase the awareness of careers in skilled trades and technologies through participation in the Yukon and Canadian Skills Competitions, running the Whitehorse Skills Centre, the development of skills clubs, and presentations on skilled careers.

"Skills Canada Yukon is extremely pleased to have Service Canada as our largest funding partner," said Dan Curtis, Skills Canada Yukon Executive Director. "With the funding and guidance we have received from the Government of Canada, we continue to enjoy unprecedented success at the annual Canadian Skills Competitions. Yukon is taking great strides in filling the shortage of qualified tradespeople in Yukon and Canada."

"I am proud to be representing Canada at the 2009 World Skills competition," said Karl Loos, member of Team Yukon. "The skills that I have learned, through Skills Canada Yukon's support, have allowed me to enter the workforce with world class knowledge and experiences."

The Government of Canada has also committed $13.4 million to the international skills competition, WorldSkills. From September 1 to 6, 2009, Calgary will host more than 900 young people between the ages of 17 and 23 from 49 countries. The WorldSkills competition is an Olympic-style event where young skilled people compete in their various trades, before a public audience, and test themselves against demanding international standards. The WorldSkills competition sets world-class standards in more than 40 skill categories, ranging from welding to cooking, auto-body repair to landscape gardening, and plumbing to Web design.      

This project, with Skills Canada Yukon, reflects the Government of Canada's commitment to creating a strong economy for all Canadians. Through its Advantage Canada plan, the Government is building on Canada’s strengths and gaining a global competitive advantage by reducing taxes for all Canadians, increasing competition in the marketplace, and building modern infrastructure.

The Government has taken steps to address skills shortages and promote the trades as a quality career option by funding skills-related projects and creating the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant, a taxable cash grant of $1,000 a year that is available to registered apprentices in the first two years of a Red Seal trade program.

Service Canada brings Government of Canada services and benefits together in a single delivery network. It provides Canadians with one-stop service they can access however they choose—by phone at 1 800 O-Canada, on the Internet at servicecanada.gc.ca, or in person at Service Canada Centres across the country.

A backgrounder is attached.

- 30 -

This news release is available in alternative formats on request. Call 1-800-788-8282 on a touch-tone phone or through a teletypewriter (TTY).

Media enquiries:

Service Canada Communications
604-666-2337

Media Relations Office
Service Canada
819-994-5559

Matthew Grant
Cabinet Communications
Government of Yukon 
867-633-7961
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Michele Royle
Communications Coordinator, Education
Government of Yukon
867-303-7102
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Public enquiries:

1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232)
TTY: 1-800-926-9105
servicecanada.gc.ca

Youth Info Line
1-800-935-5555
TTY: 1-800-926-9105
youth.gc.ca