Yukon News Releases
COVID-19 at-home rapid testing distribution expands in Whitehorse
In order to expand public testing accessibility, the Government of Yukon will now be offering additional opportunities in Whitehorse to pick up at-home rapid COVID-19 test kits.
This week, at-home rapid tests kits can be picked up from the existing Takhini Arena distribution site and the Centennial Motors drive-thru location across from the Erik Nielsen International Airport. Rapid tests can be used at home when a person develops COVID-19 symptoms and are available to pick up by all Yukoners whether they are symptomatic or not.
Yukon motor vehicles and carrier compliance services streamlined through new online platform
On March 1, 2022, the Government of Yukon will modernize motor vehicle and commercial carrier services for Yukoners with new online services, eliminating licence plate registration decals.
This suite of new, driver-focused online services will include an improved process for online registration renewal. Yukoners will now be able to print their own registration card and, because licence plate decals no longer exist, the renewal will be effective immediately.
Other new services include:
Temporary reduction in services at the Carcross Health Centre
Due to staffing challenges, the Department of Health and Social Services is temporarily reducing services at the Carcross Health Centre. The clinic will be open for emergencies only on Monday, February 14, and Tuesday, February 15, 2022.
Clients are encouraged to call the 811 Yukon HealthLine, which is available 24/7, and get advice and support for non-emergency issues. Clients can call 867-821-4444 or 911 in the case of an emergency.
The clinic will resume regular services on Wednesday, February 16, 2022.
Government of Yukon approves condominium regulations, sets October 1, 2022, date for new legislation to come into force
The Government of Yukon has approved new regulations for the Condominium Act, 2015, setting the date for the new Act to come into force on October 1, 2022. Proclaiming these regulations in the fall will support the building season without unnecessary disruption.
Six sets of regulations under the Condominium Act, 2015 have been approved, including:
The Yukon receives most improved ranking in second annual CanAge Adult Vaccination Report
In CanAge’s second annual Adult Vaccination Report, the Yukon government received the highest grade improvement out of all Canadian jurisdictions for its adult vaccination programs.
The Government of Yukon received a C in response to significant changes in 2021 to its adult immunization program. Changes included expanding the eligibility for the publicly funded Shingrix vaccine and providing the Fluzone high dose flu vaccine for anyone 65 and older. The Government of Yukon is one of the only governments in Canada to fund the recommended shingles vaccine.
Government of Yukon temporarily expanding practice options for pharmacists
Given the Yukon’s current state of emergency, the Government of Yukon is issuing a Ministerial Order to expand practice options for pharmacists. These temporary changes mirror provisions that were in place last year. There provisions help ensure that Yukoners can continue to safely access needed prescriptions during the pandemic. The changes ultimately help to decrease pressures on the healthcare system, doctors’ offices and emergency rooms.
Under the Order, pharmacists can now at their discretion do the following:
Regulation changes will help conserve Yukon moose
Please note this news release has been updated to include information on Game Management Subzones and a link to the 2022 Permit Hunt Authorization map for moose.
As of April 1, 2022, Permit Hunt Authorizations (PHAs) will be required for the Sifton-Miners Range and South Canol Moose Management Units (MMU). As well, Mayo will now be on a threshold hunt for moose.
Government of Yukon to host Mental Wellness Summit
The Government of Yukon is hosting a two-day, free online Mental Wellness Summit on Monday, February 14, and Tuesday, February 15, 2022. The summit is open to all Yukoners and will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. both days.
Over the course of the two days, this Summit will bring together leaders, partners and those with lived experience from across the Yukon and Canada to speak about pressing mental wellness issues and initiatives. It will also help to identify mental wellness needs and collaborative solutions to support Yukoners and Yukon communities.
Public health measures eased for adult indoor team sports, recreational group activities and personal indoor gatherings
Note: This news release has been updated to reflect changes to service in bars and restaurants.
The Government of Yukon is moving forward on recommendations from the Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health to ease public health measures.
Effective February 11, 2022:
New financial and employment supports announced for Yukon businesses
Economic Development Minister Ranj Pillai has announced new financial and employment supports for Yukon businesses.
At-home rapid tests to be available at pop-up event in Whitehorse
In order to expand public testing accessibility, the Government of Yukon will be distributing COVID-19 at-home rapid test kits at a pop-up site this Saturday in Whitehorse.
On February 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Yukoners in Whitehorse can pick up at-home rapid test kits from the Centennial Motors test distribution site located across from the Erik Nielsen International Airport. Each rapid test kit contains five at-home rapid tests and are available to all Yukon households, regardless of whether a person is symptomatic or not.
Acting Chief Medical Officer of Health declares COVID-19 outbreak at Thomson Centre long-term care home
The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott has declared an outbreak at the Thomson Centre long-term care home in Whitehorse following the identification of several linked COVID-19 cases.
The current situation is contained and routine outbreak management procedures are in place, including screening and testing protocols. Additional information has been shared with staff, residents and families.
Additionally, outbreak measures have been extended in one house at Whistle Bend Place in Whitehorse.
Additional COVID-19 deaths reported in the Yukon
The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott is reporting that two additional Yukoners have died due to COVID-19. These are in addition to the two deaths reported last week during the COVID-19 update. This brings the total to 20 deaths due to COVID-19 since the first death was reported in October 2020.
Limits for indoor team sports increase for ages 18 and under
Based on new recommendations from the Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Government of Yukon is easing public health measures.
Effective February 5, 2022, limits on indoor recreational team sports for youth 18 years of age and under will increase to 25 people or 50 per cent of venue capacity, whichever is less.
Activities that can operate under the new limits include, but are not limited to:
COVID-19 boosters for ages 12 to 17 and third doses for immunocompromised children five to 11
Starting Monday, February 7, Yukoners aged 12 to 17, who are fully vaccinated, will be eligible for a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine if they are six months past their second dose.
Rural clinics will start on Monday, February 7, in Carcross. The communities of Haines Junction, Old Crow, Mayo, Dawson City and Watson Lake will also have clinics within the next week. More clinic dates and communities are being scheduled and will be added to Yukon.ca in the coming days.
Joint statement from Minister of Health and Social Services and acting Chief Medical Officer of Health in support of front line workers
Health and Social Services Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee and Yukon’s acting-Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott have issued the following statement:
“We offer our continued gratitude and appreciation to Yukon healthcare professionals and essential frontline workers. Working under incredibly demanding circumstances for the past two years, these everyday heroes have ensured we all continue to have reliable access to services and supplies, and support for our loved ones.
Launch of the celebrations of the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
The Yukon will be marking the launch of the celebrations of 70 years on the throne of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Flag raisingThe Yukon will be joining other Canadian jurisdictions in raising the Jubilee flag at their respective Legislatures. The flag will be raised at the Main Administration Building on Second Avenue on Sunday, February 6 at sunrise and will remain up for the month of February.
Statement from Minister Ranj Pillai on significant anniversaries of Yukon businesses
Minister of Economic Development Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“I want to congratulate several iconic Yukon businesses on significant anniversaries.
“Today, Total North Communications is celebrating 50 years of providing the satellite, radio and communications services that Yukoners rely on to stay connected. From their early roots that brought the Yukon some of its first radio services to the cutting edge technology they provide today, Total North has been a critical part of developing the Yukon.
Government of Yukon preparing study for a Mineral Exploration Fund
Government of Yukon officials are exploring a possible Mineral Exploration Fund to support junior mining companies. The Government of Yukon is preparing to launch a feasibility study to determine how a funding model could be structured to address the needs of the industry within a northern mining context. The Yukon government has engaged with its northern partners on the study scope of work and is looking forward to connecting with our pan-territorial counterparts during the course of the study and how the outcomes can benefit the northern territories.
