Department of Environment of Yukon

03/11/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/11/2026 11:47

Departments of Economic Development and Tourism and Culture to operate under single budget

Published March 11, 2026

Effective April 1, 2026, the Department of Economic Development and the Department of Tourism and Culture will operate under a single budget as the newly established Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Culture.

Joining the departments' budgets will provide greater budget flexibility and enable the departments to address larger policy and program challenges using existing resources. It will enable greater strategic alignment and reduce red tape for clients that were previously served by multiple departments.

This change will make it easier for Yukoners and stakeholders to access programs and services, reduce administrative hurdles and encourage more coordinated, effective support across the territory.

There will be no immediate changes to reporting structures or staffing. For clients of funding programs, the existing point of contact remains the same.

The proposed budget for the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Culture is subject to legislative approval.

To get back our finances back on track, we need to challenge the status quo of how the Yukon government operates. Bringing the two departments under a single vote will empower staff to work together to develop new and creative ways to serve clients with similar needs, without increasing the size of government.

Premier Currie Dixon

This builds on our government's commitment to cut red tape, improve service delivery and grow the economy. By combining strengths, expertise and resources, the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Culture can strengthen its investment in the Yukon's business and culture community.

Minister of Economic Development, Tourism and Culture Jen Gehmair

Quick facts

  • The budget for the new department will be tabled on March 19, the first day of the spring sitting.

Media contact

Tim Kucharuk
Press secretary, Cabinet Communications
867-335-2419
[email protected]

Saskrita Shrestha
Communications, Economic Development
867-332-8076
[email protected]

Carolyn Moore
Communications, Tourism and Culture
867-336-0496
[email protected]

News release #:
26-064
Department of Environment of Yukon published this content on March 11, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on March 11, 2026 at 17:47 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]