Yukon News Releases
Leadership update in the Department of Tourism and Culture
Premier Sandy Silver has made an update to the leadership position in the Department of Tourism and Culture.
Justin Ferbey has been appointed as Deputy Minister for the Department of Tourism and Culture, along with his existing role as Deputy Minister for the Department of Economic Development and President of the Yukon Development Corporation.
This appointment is effective immediately.
Development of public health agency underway as Putting People First implementation continues
The Government of Yukon is working to establish a new public health agency for the Yukon as part of the ongoing implementation of the Putting People First recommendations. Premier Sandy Silver has appointed Michael Hale as an additional Deputy Minister with the Department of Health and Social Services to oversee the development of the new public health agency.
Statement from Premier Sandy Silver on the passing of Alice McGuire
Yukon Premier Sandy Silver has issued the following statement:
“Today we recognize the passing of Ta’an Kwäch’än Citizen Alice McGuire who was the first female Yukon First Nations member of the Yukon Legislative Assembly.
“Alice honourably represented the district of Kluane from 1978 to 1982, and continued in public service as a member of Ta’an Kwäch’än Council and Ta’an Kwäch’än Elder’s Council.
“Alice’s legacy of leadership is forever etched into the history of the territory and will continue inspiring future generations of leaders who follow in her footsteps.
Yukoners recommended to avoid all international non-essential travel, cautioned against domestic travel
The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott is advising Yukoners to follow federal guidance prior to any travel outside Canada. This guidance has recently changed due to the Omicron variant and is updated regularly. Many countries around the world are experiencing community transmission so it is important to follow the federal travel advice. Caution is also advised for those planning to travel within Canada due to early community transmission of Omicron within some regions of Canada.
Canada supports rapid housing projects in Whitehorse
Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for affordable housing and led to rising levels of homelessness.
Eleven groups receive funding to support marginalized youth
Yukon youth will benefit from over $45,000 awarded to 11 community groups through the Youth Investment Fund. The groups received funding for a variety of arts, recreation and educational programming, including an art camp, music camp, snowboard program and wall climbing.
The Youth Investment Fund provides financial support to short-term projects aimed at providing marginalized youth under 19, who may face discrimination, with opportunities to participate in activities in positive environments.
Control measures in place as COVID-19 outbreak declared at Whitehorse Correctional Centre
The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health is undertaking contact tracing for a COVID-19 outbreak at the Whitehorse Correctional Centre. The outbreak includes three cases at this time and contact tracing is ongoing.
Control measures were quickly implemented by the Whitehorse Correctional Centre, including visitor restrictions since the cases were first detected.
Statement from Minister of Tourism and Culture Ranj Pillai on the Hyatt Place Whitehorse hotel development
Minister of Tourism and Culture Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“On December 9th, Northern Vision Development announced plans to construct a 100-room Hyatt Place hotel in downtown Whitehorse on Main Street. This development represents a significant private sector investment in the recovery of the Yukon’s tourism sector.
Government of Yukon and Yukon First Nations meet to discuss Yukon Days meetings
Today, Premier Sandy Silver and his Cabinet, Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston and the Yukon First Nations Chiefs met for the final Yukon Forum of 2021.
The Yukon Forum began with the lighting of a sacred fire at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre to support healing for communities and families across the territory, lift up leadership and promote strength and safety throughout the upcoming holiday season. Leaders discussed this year's Yukon Days along with ongoing collaborative initiatives.
Yukoners to receive higher carbon rebate payments in 2022–23
The Yukon Government Carbon Price Rebate will continue to benefit Yukoners in 2022–23 as individuals are set to receive more money, on average, than they pay in carbon pollution pricing.
Booster shot appointments now available for Yukoners aged 18 and over
Following recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) and the Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health, COVID-19 boosters are now available to eligible Yukoners aged 18 and over.
People in Whitehorse aged 18 and older are now able to book their booster shots at the Whitehorse Vaccine Clinic. In communities, some booster clinics are now open for people aged 18 and older and more clinics will be added in the coming weeks. All Yukoners aged 18 and over who are eligible to get a booster should be able to receive one before the end of January.
The Government of Yukon and the Yukon Association of Education Professionals reach tentative agreement
The Government of Yukon and the Yukon Association of Education Professionals, formerly known as the Yukon Teachers’ Association (YTA), have reached a tentative agreement in collective bargaining on December 2, 2021.
The agreement will be submitted for ratification by the respective parties. No details will be released until the agreement is ratified.
Work on new Yukon First Nations School Board moves forward
The Yukon First Nation School Board Framework announced in June 2021 sets out the process for the creation of a First Nation School Board under the Education Act.
As of October 31, 2021, the following school councils have submitted a resolution to trigger a referendum on their school falling under the authority of a newly established First Nation School Board:
Yukon Permanent Art Collection celebrates 40 years and new acquisitions
In honour of the 40th anniversary of the Yukon Permanent Art Collection, a retrospective exhibition of more than 75 works from different eras of the collection’s holdings is now on display in the Main Gallery at the Yukon Arts Centre.
Entitled Collective Memory, the exhibition features a selection of pivotal works from the past four decades, highlighting the depth and diversity of the collection. Also included in the exhibition are the 21 works added to the Yukon Permanent Art Collection from the 2020/21 call for submissions.
The Commissioner of Yukon introduces the 2021 Inductees to the Order of Yukon
The Commissioner of Yukon Angélique Bernard, in her capacity as Chancellor of the Order of Yukon, is honoured and thrilled to announce the 2021 inductees to the Order of Yukon. These names were chosen among the nominations submitted to the Advisory Council.
The following 2021 inductees demonstrated excellence, achievement and outstanding contributions to the social, cultural or economic wellbeing of the Yukon and its residents:
Some public health measures loosened as COVID-19 transmission decreases
Based on new recommendations from the acting Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Government of Yukon is loosening some public health measures.
The Yukon remains in a state of emergency in response to a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases and widespread community transmission. New public health measures were introduced on November 8 to limit the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the territory’s health care system is not overwhelmed.
2021 fall sitting of the Yukon Legislative Assembly concludes
The 2021 fall sitting of the Yukon Legislative Assembly concluded today. The 2021–22 First Supplementary Estimates received assent along with seven pieces of legislation on the final day of the 31 day sitting.
The 2021–22 First Supplementary Estimates includes funding to support Yukoners through COVID-19 and historic flooding while providing early learning opportunities for children. The supplementary budget includes:
Fourteenth Yukon resident dies of COVID-19
The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott has reported another death of a Yukon citizen from COVID-19. This brings the total to 14 since the first death was reported in October 2020.
There are currently 62 active cases of COVID-19 in the territory.
Independent review will help shape the future of fire services in the Yukon
The Government of Yukon has received the final report of the independent Review of the Yukon Fire Marshal’s Office Fire Suppression and Rescue Resource Distribution. The review contains 104 recommendations in the areas of governance, operations, strategy and risk management and compliance.
