Yukon News Releases
Nominate an exceptional Yukoner for the Order of Yukon
Order of Yukon information and nomination forms, in French and English, are now available online from the Commissioner of Yukon. Paper copies are also available at 412 Main Street in Whitehorse. Contact 867-667-5121 or email commissioner@gov.yk.ca for more information.
Housing program for government employees in Yukon communities modernized
The Government of Yukon is implementing changes to modernize the approach to housing for Yukon government employees in communities. These changes are designed to better support local economies and the delivery of programs and services in rural communities.
The revised employee housing policy includes changes to rental rates and lease options, with a focus on promoting a fair and equitable housing system that supports all Yukoners living in communities.
Three new inductees recognized by the Yukon Transportation Hall of Fame
The 2019 Pioneer of the Year, Person of the Year and Order of Polaris awards were presented to inductees and their families at the annual Yukon Transportation Hall of Fame awards ceremony yesterday evening.
The Order of Polaris recipient is the late Albert Michael Warner whose career in the aviation industry spanned nearly 50 years. Warner began his career repairing the fabric, wood and steel tube structure of a damaged Waco aircraft that went through the ice near Carcross.
Dawson City Airport paving complete
The Dawson City Airport officially re-opened at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, May 28, 2019, after the paving of the runway was completed. Approximately 50 people were involved with the project and more than 45,000 square metres of runway was paved.
Yukon adopts national standards to improve public safety
All Yukon homes with gas-burning devices now require carbon monoxide and smoke detectors after new safety regulations were passed under the Boiler and Pressure Vessels Act and the Gas Burning Devices Act.
Newly installed devices must conform to the latest safety codes and standards under the new regulations. Devices currently in service are not affected provided they pass inspections. Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors must also be installed in a home when work is done on gas-burning devices.
Yukon’s Flight Path aviation strategy takes off
Stantec Consulting Ltd. has been chosen to guide the Yukon’s Flight Path Aviation Strategy.
The $187,465 contract will draft a vision of Yukon aviation for the next 10 years and identify where investment is needed. The first-of-its-kind strategy will build on years of technical data, research and stakeholder feedback to show where Yukon aviation is now and where it can go in the future.
Pharmacists Regulation comes into effect this summer
The Government of Yukon has approved a new regulation for pharmacists and physicians who hold permits to dispense medications. The Pharmacists Regulation, which falls under the Health Professions Act, includes numerous new requirements that will support quality pharmaceutical dispensing practices and support pharmacists in providing expanded, quality pharmacy services to Yukoners.
Operation NANOOK-TATIGIIT provides opportunity to practise emergency response
From May 27 to June 7, the Government of Yukon, the City of Whitehorse as well as other organizations and agencies will participate in Operation NANOOK-TATIGIIT 2019 with the Canadian Armed Forces. Operation NANOOK is an annual event that rotates between Canada’s three territories.
Air quality advisory for Watson Lake area
Smoke is currently visible in the Watson Lake area due to wildfires near High Level, Alberta. This smoke may come and go in Watson Lake and nearby communities in the next several days.
Smoke can be a health hazard if it lingers in the community. Please observe the following recommendations:
Ch’ihilii Chìk Habitat Protection Area established
The Government of Yukon, Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Government and North Yukon Renewable Resources Council approved the Ch’ihilii Chìk Habitat Protection Area Management Plan at a signing ceremony on May 17 in Old Crow.
The Ch’ihilii Chìk Habitat Protection Area is located about 120 kilometres southeast of Old Crow. It is well known for abundant whitefish, moose, beaver, muskrat and caribou hunting, and is a significant wetland complex. The area is used for subsistence hunting and is economically and culturally important.
Residents of Old Crow to benefit from new community centre
Investing in social infrastructure where northerners can come together, share ideas and access vital resources helps build dynamic and inclusive communities where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Two Yukon films are screening at Cannes
Two films by Yukon-based production companies Outpost 31 and Midnight Light Media are screening at Cannes next week. The Changeling and Grey Mountain are part of a curated showcase at Telefilm Canada’s Short Film Corner from May 20 to 25.
The Short Film Corner aims to increase international promotion of new short films to buyers, distributors, producers and programmers at the Cannes Film Market.
Government of Yukon encourages participation in national physical activity challenge
The Government of Yukon and the Recreation and Parks Association of the Yukon are encouraging all Yukoners to participate in ParticipACTION’s inaugural Community Better Challenge. This national event is designed to get Canadians moving and will take place across the country from May 31 to June 16, 2019.
The Government of Yukon is working to improve services to LGBTQ2S+ communities
Two new reports about improving services to Yukon’s LGBTQ2S+ communities, complete with public engagement results and associated recommendations, are now available to the public.
A What We Heard report includes feedback from LGBTQ2S+ Yukoners and allies, while the second report with 70 recommendations was informed by that feedback and best practices for LGBTQ2S+ inclusion.
Government of Yukon seeking feedback on Yukon University legislation
The Government of Yukon is asking for feedback about new legislation to support transitioning Yukon College to become Yukon University. Yukoners can share their thoughts by filling out a public survey from May 15 to June 30.
Yukon College will be the first university north of 60 offering both college and university degree programs. The new legislation will provide the legal framework for a university designation and will enable the university to provide high-quality education that supports students in meeting their academic and career goals.
Commissioner’s Award for Voluntary Public Service given to George Skookum during National Aboriginal Hockey Tournament
The Honourable Angélique Bernard, Commissioner of Yukon presented George Skookum with the Commissioner’s Award for his volunteer service during the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships in Whitehorse on May 8, 2019, at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre during the Coaches’ Reception.
George was nominated by Marilyn Lawrence and Andrew Glada for his decades-long dedication to coaching youth baseball and hockey in Carmacks. His volunteer efforts have included coordinating travel to tournaments outside Yukon and driving players to games in Whitehorse.
Government of Yukon to change waste management system
At the Association of Yukon Communities’ Annual General Meeting in Haines Junction last week, Minister of Community Services John Streicker announced that the government is moving forward on implementing several key recommendations from the Ministerial Committee on Solid Waste regarding tipping fees, regionalization, landfill liability and user pay. The changes will make Yukon’s solid waste management system more financially and environmentally sustainable.
Government of Yukon improves job leave provisions for parents and caregivers
On May 8, the Government of Yukon proclaimed Bill 31 to amend the Employment Standards Act and protect jobs for Yukon employees who access new and amended parental leave and leave provisions for family caregiving purposes. The new legislation aligns the territory’s leave provisions with federal Employment Insurance programs so that Yukon employees can access the federal benefits while having job protection.
Public engagement on comprehensive health review begins
Yukoners are being asked to share their experiences, ideas and thoughts on health and social programs and services in Yukon through an online discussion board and paper-based survey.
The engagement is being led by the Independent Expert Panel, which is made up of Yukoners and health systems experts from outside the territory. The panel hopes to hear from a diverse group to help shape how the Government of Yukon can improve services, better allocate existing financial and human resources, and find creative solutions to meet residents’ needs.
Health and Social Services identifies internal improvements through Comprehensive Review
Improved service to Yukoners is the focus of 14 internal improvements identified in the first phase of the Health and Social Services Comprehensive Review.
