Yukon News Releases
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.
Blood Ties Four Directions to receive funding for new outreach van
This news release has been revised to update the operating times for the outreach van. The final bullet point originally said the outreach van operated from Monday through Saturday and starting May 1 would operate later in the evening from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The Government of Yukon is providing Blood Ties Four Directions with $50,000 to purchase and equip a new outreach van. The new outreach van will allow Blood Ties to offer mobile fentanyl testing and be outfitted to provide enhanced supports to marginalized individuals.
Helping Yukon industry better manage environmental risks
The Government of Yukon is releasing a revised guide of the Preferred Practices for Works Affecting Yukon Waters as part of Canada Water Week taking place from March 20 to 27, 2019.
The guide is being released before the spring construction season and will support industries in managing environmental risks, with a goal of preserving water quality of territorial lakes and rivers. It can be found at https://yukon.ca/en/preferred-practices-works-affecting-yukon-waters.
Mixed income housing project planned for Whitehorse
The Government of Yukon is initiating development of a multi-unit mixed income affordable housing project in Whitehorse this year which will be the first of its kind in Yukon. The development will provide safe and affordable homes for families and individuals, including vulnerable populations.
A statement from Premier Sandy Silver on the 2019–20 federal budget
Premier Sandy Silver released the following statement:
Statement from Premier regarding college funding in federal budget
Premier Sandy Silver released the following statement:
Commissioner of Yukon’s statement on the passing of Ken McKinnon
Commissioner of Yukon, Angélique Bernard released the following statement:
The Office of the Commissioner of Yukon is saddened to hear of the passing of Ken McKinnon, former local politician, Commissioner of Yukon and Chancellor of Yukon College, among other important roles.
The Commissioner of Yukon, Angélique Bernard, wanted to let Mr. McKinnon’s friends, former colleagues and people who had the opportunity to work with him at various moments comment on his passing first. It is wonderful to see that he left such an important legacy in the Yukon community.
Acting deputy minister named for Department of Finance
Premier Sandy Silver announced today that Christine Mahar will be acting deputy minister for the Department of Finance. Mahar’s appointment is effective March 15.
Mahar will lead the department during a period of transition following the departure of previous deputy minister, Kate White.
Premier’s statement on the passing of Ken McKinnon
Premier Sandy Silver released the following statement:
Government of Yukon introduces Bill to amend Securities Act
Today Community Services Minister John Streicker introduced Bill 32, Amendments to the Securities Act, to ensure Yukon’s securities investment community continues benefiting from the same strong regulations and protections that exist everywhere else in Canada.
The amendments provide the investment community with stronger regulation and pause limitation periods for civil actions regarding alleged misrepresentations until related court processes are completed.
The amendments also:
Governments of Canada and Yukon sign 10-year housing agreement
Families, individuals, and vulnerable Canadians in need of an affordable home can count on long-term funding for community housing in Yukon thanks to an agreement signed today by the federal and territorial governments.
Government of Yukon issues response on development in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
The Government of Yukon has submitted its response to the US Bureau of Land Management’s draft environmental impact statement on development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).
Bill to amend the Education Labour Relations Act tabled
Education Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee has tabled Bill No. 30, an Act to Amend the Education Labour Relations Act.
Amendments to the Act will enable substitute personnel to become members of the Yukon Teachers’ Association. The amendments include revising or removing sections regarding probation, temporary employment and layoffs so these matters can be addressed through the new collective agreement with the Yukon Teachers’ Association.
Carbon Price Rebate will return revenues to Yukoners
The Yukon Government Carbon Price Rebate Implementation Act was tabled in the legislature today providing the framework for returning all federal carbon pricing revenues to Yukoners, businesses, First Nations governments and municipal governments.
Dawson City Airport runway closure dates announced
The Dawson City Airport runway will be closed for paving from 8 p.m. on Sunday, May 19, 2019, until midnight on Sunday, May 26, 2019. These dates and times are tentative and will be dependent on weather. During the closure no airplanes will be arriving or departing but helicopters will continue operating from the Dawson City Airport.
Travellers are urged to contact airlines directly for further information and flight availability.
