Rugged, mountainous, and remote, Yukon is a Canadian territory in the northwest of Canada The Yukon Territory was formed from the North-West Territories in 1898. The Yukon river, after which the territory is named, runs through the 482,443 km² territory. It is the second-least populated province or territory in Canada, with a population of 40,232 people. Yukon is home to Mount Logan, which is Canada’s highest mountain and the continent’s second highest. Yukon is famous for its breathtaking scenery. Whitehorse, the capital city of the Yukon, is a small vibrant city offering its residents a truly unique and special lifestyle. The city offers a wide variety of services, recreational facilities, and shopping arenas to its people. It is also only a short distance from the beautiful and serene outdoors thus making it a perfect residential location. Yukon is bordered on the west by the U.S. state of Alaska, the north by the Beaufort Sea, the east by the Northwest Territories, and the south by British Columbia.
Health Care
To avail the healthcare facilities offered by the provinces’ government, you must register with Yukon healthcare services as soon as you arrive there. For more information on healthcare services in the Yukon, visit the Yukon Health and Social Services website: www.hss.gov.yk.ca
Weather
The unique subarctic climate of Yukon remains at or below the freezing point for 58% of the year. This becomes a reason for many people reconsidering the option of moving to the province. For several weeks in winter, the sun never completely rises, and for several weeks in summer, the sun never completely sets.
Education
Yukon has a primary and secondary education system which is similar to the other provinces in Canada. Most of the schools in Yukon are in Whitehorse only. ‘Yukon College’ is a small college which is also located in Whitehorse. It offers education in arts and sciences. At any given time, there are around 1000 full-time and 3000 part-time students in this college.
Career/Jobs
In order to be employed in the Yukon province, the first step is to apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN) as soon as you arrive. Ensure your credentials are assessed with the Canadian Centre for International Credentials. In order to obtain a trade certification, begin by contacting Red Seal, a nation-wide trade certification organization. Register with the appropriate territorial regulatory organization for your profession. If required, register for language classes to improve your English or French language skills. After completing these steps you’ll be prepared to begin working in Yukon.
Note: Foreign workers must have valid authorization to work in Canada on either a temporary or permanent basis.
Housing
There are multiple housing options across Canada. If you have not visited your new city prior to immigrating, it may be best to rent an apartment on a temporary basis when you first arrive, and/or hire a real estate agent to guide you through the housing process and provide you with knowledgeable advice on the best areas for you and your family.
Many families prefer to live in suburbs where housing is more affordable as housing is generally more expensive in cities. Suburbs often provide all facilities such as safe neighbourhoods, schools, shopping centres and healthcare, all within close proximity to the amenities of the city.
It is important that you take your family, your place of work, neighbourhood and finances into account before deciding on a place to live.
Cost of living
With the cost of living in Yukon relatively high, average salaries of $45000 makes it possible to live comfortably in the province. Housing prices vary according to the neighborhood, from $120,000 to about $191,000.
• Economy
The territory’s economy is dominated by the mining of lead, zinc, copper, and gold. Government is the largest single employer in the territory. There are many job opportunities, particularly in mining, and the job market is relatively secure, due to the fact that the industry is run by the government. Tourism plays an important part in the economy as most of Yukon is still an unspoiled wilderness.