Yukon News Releases
Update on COVID-19 in the Yukon
As the Yukon transitions to handling COVID-19 like other respiratory illnesses, the Government of Yukon is working closely with the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health to take cautious steps in shifting from the acute stage of the pandemic response to part of our ongoing work to support the public health of Yukoners.
Starting today, the COVID-19 data dashboard will be updated less frequently. Moving forward most data will be updated weekly and vaccine related data will be updated monthly.
New Judge appointed to the Yukon’s Territorial Court
Today, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Yukon Tracy-Anne McPhee announced the appointment of Mr. John Phelps as a Judge of the Territorial Court of Yukon. Judge Phelps replaces Judge Peter Chisholm, who is retiring from the Court.
Council of the Federation summer meeting concludes
Premier of the Yukon Sandy Silver attended the Council of the Federation summer meeting in Victoria, British Columbia this week where he discussed a number Yukon and Canadian priorities with his fellow Premiers.
Agenda topics included health care; affordability; supply chains; labour supply; climate change; energy security; mental health and addictions.
Yukon-wide travel advisory issued to ensure responder and public safety
The Yukon is currently experiencing many emergencies. Wildfires and flooding have triggered evacuation alerts in several Yukon communities and campgrounds, and have led to numerous road closures and washouts. The territory has been further challenged by widespread telecommunications interruptions and poor air quality.
Yukoners and visitors to the territory are being asked to seriously consider their travel plans. This is for their own safety, and for the safety of emergency responders, residents in impacted areas, and the movement of essential supplies and equipment.
Second COVID-19 booster eligibility extended to Yukoners 18 years of age and older
The Government of Yukon is expanding the eligibility for second boosters to Yukoners who are 18 years of age and older based on the latest recommendation from the Chief Medical Officer of Health.
To be eligible for a second booster dose, six months must have passed since your first booster. For people who have recently had COVID-19, a second booster is not recommended until at least three months have passed since COVID-19 symptoms started or testing positive for the virus.
Guru Nanak Sikh Organization of Yukon completes restoration of Gurdwara with support from the Government of Yukon
The Guru Nanak Sikh Organization of Yukon has completed renovations on the Yukon’s first permanent Gurdwara. The Government of Yukon’s Community Development Fund supported the organization with $165,000 to complete remedial and restoration work to the area surrounding the old Salvation Army Adults Halfway House building.
Premier Silver to attend Council of the Federation meeting
Premier Sandy Silver will attend the Council of the Federation meeting from July 11 to 12 in Victoria, British Columbia. Premier Silver will be meeting in-person with all 13 Canadian Premiers for the first time since the pandemic began. The meeting is an opportunity to highlight the priorities of Yukoners and advance discussion on common challenges facing Canadians.
The Yukon’s first midwifery clinic opens tomorrow
The Yukon’s first midwifery program will start seeing clients July 7, 2022. The launch of the clinic marks the first time comprehensive, regulated midwifery services will be available to Yukoners.
The Yukon Midwifery Program welcomes two midwives who will begin offering high quality and consistent care, and expects to welcome an additional two midwives in the fall. As new midwives join the team and as the program becomes more established in the Yukon’s health care system, the scope of services will expand, from prenatal to postpartum, and the client caseload will increase.
Express Micro-grant for creative and cultural industries to improve funding accessibility
The Express Micro-grant, a new funding program for the Yukon’s creative and cultural industries, will offer $150,000 annually for short-term, economic and growth opportunities starting September 1.
The Express Micro-grant is designed to be flexible and will offer a rolling intake. A simplified application process and reporting requirements, with a quick turnaround time for approvals, will allow the sector to be more responsive to emergent opportunities. The maximum amount available per application is $5,000.
Recoding Futures coding training course begins
The Recoding Futures coding training for Yukon First Nations youth has kicked off. Part one of the course will include four weeks of web programming and, for students who opt in, part two will cover more specific programming language for three months.
Statement from Premier Sandy Silver on Canada Day in the Yukon
Premier Sandy Silver has issued the following statement:
“This weekend Yukoners and Canadians across the country will be celebrating Canada Day. For the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we be able to gather in person with our friends, family and as a northern community to celebrate our country.
Statement from Minister Pillai on the 2022 Arctic Arts Summit
Minister of Tourism and Culture Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
"As the 2022 Arctic Arts Summit held in Whitehorse comes to a close, I would like to recognize and celebrate the success of this incredible international event.
“Our goal with the Arctic Arts Summit was to advance the knowledge, stories and cultures of the Northern and Indigenous nations and Arctic countries of the Circumpolar Region. The past week surpassed our high expectations in every possible way.
Yukoners to benefit from additional services Yukon pharmacists can now offer
The Government of Yukon is introducing permanent changes to what services pharmacists can choose to provide in the Yukon. These changes are similar to those that were introduced on a temporary basis under the COVID-19 State of Emergency.
Effective immediately, participating pharmacists licensed in the Yukon can now choose to:
New partnership initiative to support Yukon's emerging Indigenous artists
The Government of Yukon and the Canada Council for the Arts are pleased to announce the creation and implementation of a new partnership initiative to support Yukon's emerging Indigenous artists and cultural carriers. The Canada Council is partnering with the Government of Yukon to distribute $50,000 in funding to artists in the first year and $150,000 in the second year.
The project launch has been set for early 2023.
Statement from Premier Silver on B.C. Premier John Horgan
Premier Sandy Silver has issued the following statement:
"I am sorry to hear that B.C. Premier John Horgan will not be seeking re-election.
"Premier Horgan is a dedicated leader that has always been a strong voice and advocate for British Columbians. This included transboundary initiatives with neighbours around important issues such as healthcare, transportation and energy.
Statement from Premier Sandy Silver on meeting with Nordic ambassadors
Premier Sandy Silver has issued the following statement:
“Today Minister Ranj Pillai, Minister Nils Clarke and I met with the Nordic ambassadors to Canada, His Excellency Jon Elvedal Fredriksen of Norway; His Excellency Roy Kenneth Eriksson of Finland; His Excellency Urban Christian Ahlin of Sweden; His Excellency Hlynur Guðjónsson of Iceland; and His Excellency Hanne Fugl Eskjaer of Denmark.
Statement from Premier Sandy Silver on the Governor General of Canada’s first visit to the Yukon
Premier Sandy Silver has issued the following statement:
“Today I was honoured to meet with Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, and His Excellency Mr. Whit Fraser as part of their first official visit to the Yukon. It was an opportunity to discuss important issues facing Northern communities, Yukoners and Yukon First Nations.
Daisy Mason Wellness Fund recipient announced
On Friday, June 24, the Commissioner of Yukon Angélique Bernard, on behalf of the Daisy Mason Wellness Fund Advisory Committee, presented this year’s award to Nyla Klugie-Migwans. A member of the Selkirk First Nation, Nyla is planning to organize an event on the land where women can come together for a cleansing ceremony and learn about traditional medicine and teachings. Nyla received $750 to help cover the cost of gas, food and supplies for the event.
Statement from Premier Sandy Silver on the United States Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade
Premier Sandy Silver has issued the following statement:
“I am deeply disappointed in today’s decision from the United States Supreme Court to overturn protections for safe and legal abortions. Nobody should tell a woman what she can and cannot do with her body and this decision strengthens our resolve here in the Yukon to ensure that a woman’s right to choose will continue to be defended and protected.
Public events for Arctic Arts Summit begin this weekend
The lead up to the Arctic Arts Summit begins this Saturday with the public opening of three exhibitions at the Yukon Arts Centre: Held in Copper, A Land Like No Other and TETHER.
Hosted in partnership with the Canada Council for the Arts, the Arctic Arts Summit brings together more than 300 representatives of the Indigenous nations and Arctic countries in the Circumpolar Region to advance the perspectives, stories and cultures of the North and stimulate collaboration in arts and creative industries throughout the region.
