Reasons for Immigration to the Yukon Province in Canada

Capital

• Whitehorse

Population

• 34 thousand

Interesting Facts

• Yukon is the westernmost and smallest of Canada's three federal territories, bordering on Alaska.
• At 5,959 metres, Yukon's Mount Logan, in Kluane National Park and Reserve, is the highest mountain in Canada.
• The sparsely populated territory abounds with snow-melt lakes and perennial snow-capped mountains.
• The capital, Whitehorse, is also the largest city, with about two-thirds of the population; the second largest is Dawson City, (pop. 1,250) which was the capital until 1952.
• Between the rock massifs of the St. Elias Mountains is one of the largest non-polar icefields in the world.
• On June 21, summer solstice, the sun never sets in some parts of Yukon.
• The Carcross Desert is affectionately known as the world's smallest desert.
• With a very small population, the Yukon is not a major recipient of immigration.
• Despite the Yukon's fabled gold rush, mining is now rare and the economy has been in the doldrums for years.
• Seasonal unemployment in Whitehorse is consistently below the Canadian average.
• One of the more appealing aspects of the high standard of living in the Yukon is the affordability of owning your own home. Suitable and affordable housing is readily available in the Yukon.
• The cost of living in Whitehorse is generally higher than in southern Canadian communities. It is lower on average, however, than the cost of living elsewhere in the Yukon or in communities in many parts of northern Canada.
• It possible to maintain a high standard of living that matches other areas of Canada.
• Yukon has no territorial sales tax.

Climate

• Arctic climate in the far north and the mountainous areas.
• Subarctic climate in the rest of the territory.
• For three months in the summer sunlight is almost continuous.
• In the winter there is darkness for three months.
• The Yukon has warm, sun-rich summers with average temperatures in July of 14°C to 16°C and highs that can reach 35°C.
• The average temperature in January is between -18°C and -25°C, though lows can reach -55°C.

Shopping and Sport

• From little corner boutiques, to major department stores, Yukon has something to offer for everyone.
• Ice hockey is big in Yukon.

Job Situation

• The Yukon's historical major industry has been mining (lead, zinc, silver, gold, asbestos and copper).
• Manufacturing follows in importance, along with hydroelectricity and tourism.
• The government sector is by far the biggest employer in the territory.
• Unemployment is at 9.4%
• The average annual salary is $45000.

Schooling

• Throughout Canada, all citizens and permanent residents under the age of 20 are entitled to an education through to the end of secondary school provided by the government free of cost. The Yukon territory provides a comprehensive public education program from kindergarten through to grade 12.
• In addition, the public school system has extensive apprenticeship and co-operative education programs to build work skills in youth.
• The Yukon Territory’s schools follow the curriculum developed by the neighbouring province of British Columbia.
• 1 college (member of the University of the Arctic)

Housing

• The average house price in Yukon is $170,000

Healthcare

• Under Canadian Law, all provinces and territories must provide universal, publicly funded health care to all citizens and legal residents of Canada. In other words, most basic health services in Canada are offered at no direct cost to the patient. Certain procedures that are not deemed necessary (such as elective cosmetic surgery and a number of dental care procedures, for example) are generally not covered, but the list of services paid for publicly varies from province to province.

Towns and Cities

• Most of the residents of this riding live in the capital, Whitehorse. Smaller population centres include historic Dawson City, the transport hub of Watson Lake, and Haines Junction, the gateway to Kluane National Park.