Yukon News Releases
Statement from Minister John Streicker on the Yukon government being recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers
Minister responsible for the Public Service Commission John Streicker issued the following statement:
"The Government of Yukon has been recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers for 2023. This marks the 10th consecutive year on the distinguished list of Canadian organizations recognized for creating great employee experiences through human resource programs and forward-thinking workplace policies. The Government of Yukon has also been recognized as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Canadians Over 40.
211 helpline will continue to connect Yukoners to health and social programs and services
The Government of Yukon and United Way Yukon are continuing their partnership to provide the 211 helpline which connects Yukoners to government and community-based, non-emergency health and social services. Free and confidential, the helpline assists people navigate the network of programs and services quickly and easily, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in more than 150 languages.
Order of Yukon 2022 inductees announced
The Commissioner of Yukon Angélique Bernard, in her capacity as Chancellor of the Order of Yukon, is honoured to announce the 2022 inductees to the Order of Yukon.
These names were chosen among the numerous nominations submitted to the Advisory Council.
The following 2022 inductees demonstrated excellence and achievement and their outstanding contributions to the social, arts, cultural or economic well-being of Yukon and its residents:
Government of Yukon and Yukon First Nations meet in Ottawa for Yukon Days
The Government of Yukon, Yukon First Nations Chiefs and federal Ministers met in Ottawa for Yukon Days on December 5 and December 6, 2022. The joint priorities discussed at this year’s meetings included support for Indigenous languages, the substance use health emergency, land use planning, First Nations housing, Yukon River salmon and the federal Non-Insured Health Benefits program.
Child Development Centre to move into new, permanent space in 2023
This is a joint news release between The Government of Yukon and the Child Development Centre:
The Child Development Centre (CDC) will be moving to a permanent location in downtown Whitehorse in the summer of 2023. The new location at 206 Hanson Street is currently being renovated to meet the needs of families, children, and staff.
New funding program for Indigenous artists and cultural carriers available January 1
The new Indigenous Artists and Cultural Carriers Micro-grant pilot program will support Yukon Indigenous artists and cultural carriers to enhance their artistic and cultural practices while also building capacity to create, develop, perform and export.
New retention and signing bonuses for Yukon nurses
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee has announced a new $6 million package of retention and signing bonuses for nurses in the Yukon.
The new package includes bonuses over the next two years for Registered Nurses (RNs), Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) working for the Yukon government.
The package includes:
Canada and Yukon open 84-suite seniors’ supportive living community in Whitehorse
This is a joint news release with the Government of Canada:
The Yukon’s first private seniors’ supportive living community has officially opened its doors in Whitehorse with 84 modern suites, including housing units for First Nations Elders and affordable units for low-income seniors.
Government of Yukon plans to move forward with municipal term of office change following What We Heard report
The Yukon government plans to take the next steps to increase the term of office for municipal councils based on feedback from a recent public engagement as well as a request from the Association of Yukon Communities.
Keno residents receive new waste collection equipment
The Government of Yukon is providing new household waste collection equipment to the residents of Keno to support a regularly scheduled waste pickup service by the Hecla Mining Company.
Leaders discuss joint priorities, Yukon Days at final Yukon Forum of 2022
This is a joint news release with the Council of Yukon First Nations and Yukon First Nations governments.
Today Premier Sandy Silver and his Cabinet, Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston and Yukon First Nations Chiefs met in Carcross for the Yukon Forum. This was the final Yukon Forum in 2022 and the 23rd Yukon Forum since the Working Together Declaration was signed in January 2017.
Yukon First Nations Artwork and Land Acknowledgment Unveiled at Andrew A. Philipsen Law Courts Building
A public art unveiling event took place today at the Andrew A. Philipsen Law Courts Building to introduce a series of initiatives to acknowledge and incorporate Yukon First Nations culture within the mainstream justice system.
Government of Yukon and Chu Níikwän partner to open more than 150 lots for homes
The Government of Yukon has signed a $2.5-million loan agreement with the Kwanlin Dün First Nation’s (KDFN) arms-length development corporation Chu Níikwän Limited Partnership (CNLP), for a new residential land development project at Copper Ridge West in Whitehorse. The project is expected to create more than 150 lots for single-detached homes and townhomes.
Resource released for Yukoners living with post COVID-19 condition
Post COVID-19 condition, also known as long COVID, is rapidly evolving and continues to be researched in Canada and across the world. The Post COVID-19 Working Group has now released an online resource for Yukoners, an important and necessary step forward in understanding the condition and supporting Yukoners along the way.
2022 fall sitting of the Yukon Legislative Assembly concludes
The 2022 fall sitting of the Yukon Legislative Assembly concluded today.
The 2022–23 First Supplementary Estimates received assent. The supplementary budget includes additional spending of $26.2 million in operations and maintenance and no changes in capital funding. Spending increases are largely due to an unprecedented 2022 fire season as well as mitigation and clean-up work required in response to extensive flooding throughout the territory. Funding associated with these items make up approximately $20.2 million of total new spending.
Long-term care beds coming to Watson Lake
Two long-term care beds are being integrated within the Watson Lake Community Hospital, with 4.5 full-time equivalent Licensed Practical Nurses to provide 24-hour support, seven days a week.
The beds will open following staff recruitment and community input to ensure the appropriate programming. Community feedback will inform the development of living spaces, including furnishings and decor, to ensure they are welcoming and culturally appropriate.
Bursaries support 13 Yukoners’ education in health care
The Government of Yukon has awarded bursaries to 13 Yukon students to support their post-secondary education in health-related fields.
The nursing education bursary was awarded to five Yukoners, including Emerald Gilespie, who will receive $1,500, Alissa Russell and Eleanor Low, who will each receive $2,500 per year, and Sophie Senecal, who will receive $5,000 per year.
The medical education bursary was awarded to four Yukoners, including Logan Godin and Jamila McLeish who will each receive $5,000 per year and Zain Syed, who will receive $7,500 per year.
Monkeypox vaccine available for eligible Yukoners
The Monkeypox (MPOX) vaccine, Imvamune®, is now available for eligible Yukoners at the Whitehorse, Dawson City and Watson Lake Health Centres.
When used before exposure, Imvamune® has the potential to reduce the severity of MPOX infection by helping the body build immunity without getting very sick.
The Government of Yukon and Yukon Communicable Disease Control continue to work closely with health system and community partners on a focused vaccine campaign for eligible Yukoners through a combination of outreach and appointments booked by phone.
Yukoners 12+ now eligible for another COVID-19 booster
To increase the territory’s immunity during the respiratory season, Yukoners who are 12 years of age and older are now eligible for another COVID-19 booster regardless of how many previous boosters they have had.
