Yukon News Releases
Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health issues statement on monkeypox
A statement from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health:
“The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) continues to investigate cases of monkeypox in Canada. The Government of Yukon is actively working with PHAC and other public health partners to investigate the spread of monkeypox and assess the situation as it unfolds. While our understanding of the virus is still evolving, we remain committed to providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your health.
City of Whitehorse improving water and wastewater services
This is a joint news release with the City of Whitehorse, the Government of Yukon and Government of Canada
The City of Whitehorse is investing over $5.1 million of its portion of the Canada Community-Building Fund, formerly known as the Gas Tax Fund, to purchase equipment to upgrade services and start water and wastewater projects across the city.
New funding program launched to support Yukon performing musicians
The Government of Yukon has replaced the Sound Recording Fund with a new Performing Musicians Fund to be more responsive to the current needs of content creators and distribution models. The new program is designed to support the growth of Yukon musicians in export markets and help them earn the majority of their income from their music.
Eligible expenses under the new Fund include activities that help musicians:
Release of Progress Report on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan recognized
The Yukon Advisory Committee is marking the release of the 2022 Progress Report on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan. The 2022 Progress Report provides insights on the work done over the last year since the release of the National Action Plan and recognizes the urgent action that can be taken to better protect women, girls and Two-spirit+ people and support victims and survivors.
The Government of Yukon takes next steps in long-term Whitehorse school replacement plan
As part of work underway to address aging schools in Whitehorse, École Whitehorse Elementary School has been identified to be replaced with a new, modern facility that will meet the needs of the community for years to come. The new school design will focus on providing flexible, multi-use spaces that emphasize collaborative, experiential learning.
New banners unveiled for National Tourism Week
A new series of banners featuring the artwork of six Yukon artists were unveiled in Whitehorse today in recognition of National Tourism Week.
The banners welcome visitors and showcase the talents of the territory’s established and emerging artists. The banners will be displayed outside the six Yukon visitor information centres, at visitor attractions and along roadways throughout the territory.
Registration opens for Yukon First Nation Citizens to receive free coding training
Registration has opened for Yukon First Nations students to register for a free virtual coding training program, access to local mentors, and the opportunity to seek an entry-level technology position upon graduation.
The program will last four months and will accommodate 25 students. The deadline to register is June 16, 2022, and the program will begin in July.
The program is being offered through a partnership between the Government of Yukon, Yukon First Nations Education Directorate, Yukon University, and ComIT, with the support of Google.
Summer celebrations of the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
The Commissioner of Yukon, Angélique Bernard, is planning a number of summer events to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II:
On Thursday, June 2, a national illumination initiative is planned where all federal buildings in Canada will be lit up in celebration of the Queen. Due to less darkness available in the Yukon this time of year, the Commissioner’s Office lit up their building in early May and took pictures to share on social media Friday, June 3.
Statement from Premier Silver on keynote address to the Arctic Security Working Group
Premier Sandy Silver has issued the following statement:
“Today I delivered a keynote address to the Arctic Security Working Group. The theme of this year’s meeting is Energy Security: Northern Considerations and Priorities. Discussing energy security provided an opportunity to share our northern realities and the Yukon’s priorities, including our work to increase renewable energy capacity in the territory and our ongoing commitment to reconciliation with Yukon First Nations.
Eighteen community groups receive funding to support Yukon youth
Over $77,000 has been awarded to 18 community groups through the Youth Investment Fund. The groups received funding for a variety of arts and recreation programming aimed to provide youth with valuable experiences and learning opportunities. Programming includes a girls running club, a recreation employment program, a theatre program, music programs and a biking club.
The Youth Investment Fund provides financial support to short-term projects aimed at youth under 19 years of age with fewer opportunities and those who may experience discrimination.
The Yukon designated an official sustainable tourism observatory by United Nations World Tourism Organization
The Government of Yukon is pleased to announce its membership in the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO). The Yukon is the second Canadian INSTO member, and the first north of 60.
The Yukon’s Supervised Consumption Site can now support inhalation
Upgrades to the Supervised Consumption Site to accommodate inhalation (smoking) as a method of drug consumption are now complete. Renovations to the ventilation system included upgrading the HVAC system and the installation of an additional window and door.
A new room was added to the facility to support inhalation and the site can now offer inhalation, oral, intranasal and injection methods of consumption. The Yukon’s Supervised Consumption Site is one of the first indoor facilities in Canada to support inhalation as a way to help reduce harm amongst people that use drugs.
New works added to the Yukon Permanent Art Collection
The Government of Yukon is pleased to announce the selection of 16 new works of art to be added to the Yukon Permanent Art Collection.
The new acquisitions are the work of artists Cole Pauls, Claire Falkenberg, Jared Kane, Annie Kierans, Rebecca Manias, Calvin Morberg, Krystle Silverfox, and Amy Tessaro. The selected works showcase an array of styles and perspectives and represent a wide range of media including stained glass, illustration, carving, painting, textile and digital collage.
Government of Canada and the Government of Yukon invest $1.95 million to support Yukon tourism sector as it adapts and grows beyond the pandemic
Joint news release with the Government of Canada
As part of National Tourism Week, federal Minister of Northern Affairs, PrairiesCan and CanNor Daniel Vandal, Yukon Minister of Economic Development and Tourism and Culture Ranj Pillai, and Member of Parliament for Yukon Brendan Hanley, announced a combined investment of $1.95 million towards the Yukon Elevate Tourism Program (Elevate) with a further investment of $25,000 from the Tourism Industry Association of the Yukon. The total cost of the two-year project is over $1.9 million.
Western Premiers conclude meetings in Regina, Saskatchewan
Premier Sandy Silver met virtually with provincial and territorial colleagues at the Western Premiers’ Conference in Regina to discuss priorities of the seven western provinces and territories.
Premier Silver led discussions on Arctic sovereignty, and the importance of strong, resilient Northern communities in supporting a prosperous federation. He also raised the Yukon’s priorities on health care, economic recovery, labour markets, energy security, sustainable development, supply chains and infrastructure.
Statement on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus in Yukon wild birds
A statement from the Government of Yukon’s Program Veterinarian Kristenn Magnusson:
“The Government of Yukon’s Animal Health Unit, along with Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Canadian Wildlife Service, have confirmation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 virus in wild birds in the Yukon.
"Two wild waterfowl carcasses submitted from southern Yukon have tested positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).
New community centre opens in Old Crow
The Darius Elias Community Centre in Old Crow officially opened its doors on Friday, May 20, 2022, welcoming residents inside to celebrate the gathering space as part of Caribou Days.
The new 913-square metre facility provides a venue for community and cultural events. It features multiple meeting rooms, a games room, an Elders’ lounge, a training and exercise room and a full commercial kitchen for cooking traditional foods.
The new centre is more energy efficient and built to withstand possible issues due to climate change, such as permafrost or flooding.
Yukon schools and First Nations receive $300,000 for student attendance projects
This is a joint news release with Victoria Gold Yukon Student Encouragement Society’s Every Student, Every Day attendance initiative.
A total of $300,000 in support has been awarded to 30 Yukon projects from the Victoria Gold Yukon Student Encouragement Society’s Every Student, Every Day fund, which has been operating for 10 years in the territory.
Statement on the Office of the Auditor General of Canada performance audit on the state of housing for vulnerable Yukoners
Minister responsible for the Yukon Housing Corporation Ranj Pillai and Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee have issued the following statement:
Awards ceremony honours over 40 members of Yukon’s Emergency Medical Services team
Today, the Emergency Medical Services Honour Guard presented the Yukon Emergency Services Decoration Awards, the Jon Trefry Award for Excellence and the Chief’s Award.
The awards recipients were joined by the Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn at a ceremony in Shipyards Park in Whitehorse, alongside their family and friends to celebrate Paramedic Services Week.
