Government of Yukon Renews Partnership with Mitacs, Continuing Investment in Developing and Retaining Crucial Talent in the North

Whitehorse, YK — The Government of Yukon and Mitacs are pleased to announce their continued partnership. This is the fifth consecutive year the Yukon government has partnered with Mitacs, working together to bring new talent to the region and to develop and retain the territory’s best and brightest minds.  

Through this renewed agreement, the Government of Yukon will commit $80,000 in funding to help companies in the territory attract and onboard the talent they need to successfully grow their businesses. The agreement also works to connect government, industry, and academic researchers, facilitating internships for post-secondary students in the North. Through Mitacs programs, students in Yukon will have the ability to gain valuable industry experience, expand their professional network, and develop skills for high-quality jobs. 

To mark this occasion, there was an event at Yukon University’s Ayamdigut Campus earlier today. Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai spoke at today’s event, alongside Mitacs CEO John Hepburn, Yukon University Vice Provost, Academic and Research Bronwyn Hancock, and former Mitacs intern and Yukon University student Kaitlin Halickman.   

Find out more about Mitacs programs at mitacs.ca. 

Quotes 

“The Government of Yukon is proud to continue our partnership with Mitacs, now in its fifth consecutive year. This renewed agreement reinforces our commitment to fostering talent within the territory to support our best and brightest minds to drive innovation and economic growth. Through this collaboration, we are investing $80,000 to support local businesses in attracting skilled talent and facilitating valuable industry-academic partnerships, helping ensure Yukon students gain crucial experience for future career success.” 

Ranj Pillai, Premier and Minister of Economic Development 

“Mitacs is pleased to continue our partnership with the Government of Yukon for another year.  We’ve seen first-hand the benefits that come with working together – the homegrown talent we can develop and the fresh ideas and innovators we can bring to the territory – and we’re committed to our role in Yukon’s bright future.” 

John Hepburn, CEO, Mitacs 

“Our Yukon U students have benefitted greatly from Mitacs internships. Their projects have spanned sectors including mine remediation, small business entrepreneurship, Indigenous engagement in the natural resource economy, and trades. The program has supported 10 interns over the past three years, and demand continues to grow from eight 4- to 6-month internships last year to 40 this year. It’s a win-win opportunity to connect our up-and-coming talent with Yukon businesses.” 

Lesley Brown, President and Vice-Chancellor, Yukon University 

About Mitacs 

Mitacs works to bring innovation to more people in more places across Canada and around the world. Mitacs makes investing in new knowledge easier through access to top researchers, flexible project plans, and co-investments in talent. 

A not-for-profit organization, Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, Innovation PEI, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Government of Yukon. 

Learn more at mitacs.ca 

About Government of Yukon’s Department of Economic Development 

At Economic Development, our mandate is to develop a thriving, prosperous, and diversified Yukon economy by working with First Nations, business and industry partners, and federal and municipal govenrments. Our investments support sustainable job creation, innovation, increased investment opportunities, market expansion, and business and industry growth. Yukon.ca 

About Yukon University 

Yukon University is Canada’s only university north of 60, offering a broad range of programs and courses that reflect the unique needs and opportunities of the North. Committed to academic excellence and community engagement, Yukon University provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing world. For more information, visit www.yukonu.ca