Yukon News Releases
Scope of Comprehensive Review of health and social services released
Minister of Health and Social Services Pauline Frost tabled the project scope for the Health and Social Services Comprehensive Review today in the Legislative Assembly.
The project scope was developed in collaboration with the five-member Independent Expert Panel, and highlights the values and themes which will drive the review. It also outlines key deliverables, stakeholders and timelines. The document notes that the review is not of the department but of the health and social services systems in place to support Yukoners.
Residents of Whitehorse to benefit from improved public infrastructure
A thriving economy needs strategic investments in modern transportation and green infrastructure to improve the lives of citizens while limiting impacts on the local environment. Investing in modern transportation infrastructure also helps create jobs and improve the quality of life of Northerners.
Housing lots in Whitehorse released for private development
In partnership with the City of Whitehorse, the Government of Yukon is releasing residential parcels and individual lots in Whitehorse subdivisions for private development.
Five undeveloped lots and parcels have been released in the Porter Creek, Logan, Granger, and Hidden Valley neighbourhoods through a public tender that closes on May 9, 2019. Two country residential lots have also been released in Cowley Creek through a lottery.
Modernized highway network management system announced
A major shift in the way government manages the territory’s road network will result in improvements to the quality of Yukon’s highways. The Government of Yukon’s new Roadway Maintenance Improvement program takes a more comprehensive, systematic approach to roadway maintenance practices based on service standards and asset management.
Applications invited for independent commission on electoral reform
Yukoners interested in helping to strengthen our democracy in the territory are invited by the Government of Yukon to put their names forward for a new, independent commission on electoral reform.
The government is establishing the commission following the public engagement on electoral reform that took place last fall to gather Yukoners’ views on what the territory’s electoral reform priorities should be.
Results of public engagement on aging in place released
The Government of Yukon has released a What We Heard report that summarizes the key findings of its public engagement on aging in place. Minister of Health and Social Services Pauline Frost tabled the report in the Yukon Legislative Assembly today.
Yukon summit contributes to national discussion on sport safety
Input gathered from more than 60 representatives who attended Yukon’s Safe Sport Summit last week will inform a national initiative to address abuse, harassment and discrimination in sport.
The Government of Yukon worked with the Coaching Association of Canada to host the event on April 3, 2019, in Whitehorse. The association is working towards developing a national code of conduct to address the issue of abuse in sport. A key part of its work is to hold summits in provinces and territories across the country.
Design contract awarded for Dempster Fibre Project
Stantec has been awarded a $1.5 million contract for the design and engineering work on the Dempster Fibre Project, an approximately 800-kilometre fibre optic line that will link Dawson City and Inuvik, Northwest Territories. Stantec will be responsible for engineering and design services for the installation as well as providing technical expertise and construction administration.
Government of Yukon and Taku River Tlingit First Nation agree to protect A Cu Village area from development
The Government of Yukon and the Taku River Tlingit First Nation have agreed that the A Cu Village site and surrounding area should be withdrawn from land dispositions and mineral staking while government-to-government discussions continue on how to implement a court declaration related to mineral staking in Taku River Tlingit First Nation asserted traditional territory in Yukon.
Creative and Cultural Industries Strategy development underway
The Government of Yukon is preparing a multi-year strategy to support, grow and develop Yukon’s creative and cultural industries.
The strategy is being developed in collaboration between the departments of Tourism and Culture, Education and Economic Development and will guide the government’s programs and supports to encourage a flourishing creative and cultural industries sector. It will also aim to reduce barriers and encourage inclusivity and diversity among industry participants.
Agreement reached for the Yukon Resource Gateway Project
The Government of Yukon and Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation have reached an agreement for the proposed Carmacks Bypass project. The agreement enables the Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation to access potential contracting, education and training benefits associated with the project. The Yukon government has also agreed to provide funding so the First Nation can participate effectively in the planning, design, assessment and regulatory processes for the proposed project.
New F.H. Collins $1.3 million weight lifting and exercise facility complete
F.H. Collins Secondary School in Whitehorse has a new weight lifting and exercise facility that features competition grade equipment.
The new facility is intended to help students learn more broadly about fundamental movement skills and overall physical development, a focus of the school’s sports program. The facility will also support learning outcomes in other areas of the school curriculum related to health and well-being.
Contaminated sites map now available online
Yukoners can now access the contamination history of properties in the territory by viewing a new online map. This information was previously only available to the public on request.
Public engagement on the new Motor Vehicles Act begins
Over the next 60 days Yukoners are being asked to share their thoughts on road safety, impaired driving, pedestrian and cyclist safety, vehicle conditions and more. This public engagement will help the Government of Yukon better understand what changes Yukoners support as it writes a new Motor Vehicles Act.
A public survey is available at EngageYukon.ca. Public open houses will also take place in communities across Yukon with dates and times to be announced soon.
Forest fuel reduction planned for Whitehorse
The Government of Yukon and the City of Whitehorse are working collaboratively to reduce the risk of wildfires in Whitehorse this spring using prescribed burning.
Planned burning will take place at six locations in the Whitehorse area throughout April. To reduce risk, fire professionals will introduce fire to a landscape under specific controlled conditions and monitor the fire closely. Burn dates will depend on weather conditions and other criteria.
The prescribed burning locations are:
Over 40 seasonally-dependent projects tendered
The Government of Yukon is on track to deliver seasonally-dependent projects after releasing tenders worth over $66 million for the coming summer season before the end of March. An additional $19 million in projects will be tendered in April and May.
Putting out tenders before the summer allows contractors to begin work early and complete projects on schedule before winter. It also helps businesses plan and competitively bid for government contracts.
New Health and Wellness Centre planned for Old Crow
Planning is underway for a new community Health and Wellness Centre in Old Crow. The Government of Yukon has budgeted $750,000 this year for planning of the new facility, which will replace the existing aging health centre.
The Government of Yukon is working together with the Government of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation to plan for the centre. The design will be based on a collaborative care model and will provide both health and social services under the same roof to better meet the needs of the community.
Yukon Health Status Report 2018 released
Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley has released the Yukon Health Status Report 2018. Minister of Health and Social Services Pauline Frost tabled the report in the Yukon Legislative Assembly today.
The report provides an overview of the health of Yukoners, including statistics on life expectancy, mortality, chronic disease prevalence, mental health and life satisfaction. This year’s report also provides an in-depth look at seniors’ health and well-being in Yukon.
Investments will modernize Yukon schools in 2019-20
The Government of Yukon is ensuring Yukon schools meet current and future needs of the territory’s education system with over $30 million in capital funding for school projects in 2019–20. This includes $1.6 million to support planning for the first new elementary school in Whitehorse in 27 years. This new school will be located in Whistle Bend and is projected to open in 2023–24.
Task Force appointed to study tourism governance models
Tourism and Culture Minister Jeanie Dendys has announced the appointment of seven people to the Yukon Tourism Development Strategy Governance Task Force.
The task force is responsible for researching and evaluating a range of tourism governance models, including the current governance model, and providing a recommendation to the Government of Yukon on the appropriate model for the territory.
