Yukon News Releases
The Yukon’s 2021 State of the Environment report released
Today, Minister of Environment Nils Clarke tabled the 2021 State of the Environment report. The report brings together scientific and technical data from across government organizations and helps identify trends about the health of the Yukon’s environment.
COVID-19 vaccine verification ID requirements changed for youth
The Government of Yukon has changed the vaccine verification requirements for youth under the age of 18. Government-issued identification that does not include a photograph, such as a birth certificate, may now be shown along with proof of vaccination for youth aged 12 to 17 to access designated settings.
Youth under the age of 18 had previously been required to show government-issued photo identification.
This change was made to ensure that youth who do not have government-issued photo identification are still able to access designated places.
Vaccination requirements for employment now in effect
Based on recommendations from the Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Government of Yukon is requiring all public servants, volunteers and contractors to have their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as of today. This includes teachers, health care professionals employed by the Government of Yukon and other public servants.
Employees are legally required to complete an attestation for their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine by midnight today or they will be placed on leave without pay starting tomorrow, December 1, 2021
The Yukon’s first ever creative and cultural industries strategy released
Today, the Government of Yukon released Creative Potential: Advancing the Yukon’s Creative and Cultural Industries, a 10-year strategy to support the growth and development of the creative and cultural industries in the Yukon.
Thirteenth Yukon resident dies of COVID-19
The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. André Corriveau has reported another death of a Yukon citizen from COVID-19. This brings the total to 13 since the first death was reported in October 2020.
There are currently 99 active cases of COVID-19 in the territory.
The Government of Yukon increases Annual Allowable Cut for Dawson
The Government of Yukon has increased the annual allowable cut to 28,000 cubic metres per year on public lands in the Dawson Forest Resources Management Plan area. This decision was supported through collaborative work between Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin First Nation, the Dawson District Renewable Resources Council and the Government of Yukon. This determination incorporated the multiple forest values provided in the Dawson Forest Resources Management Plan to help ensure the long-term health and viability of the forests and forest sector in the Dawson area.
COVID-19 vaccination clinics set to begin for children aged five to 11
The Government of Yukon will begin COVID-19 vaccination clinics for children aged five to 11 on December 6. Children will be receiving the Pfizer (Comirnaty) pediatric vaccine. First and second doses will be administered eight weeks apart.
Vaccination clinics will be held across the Yukon through the month of December, starting the week of December 6. In Whitehorse, the vaccination clinic will be at the Coast High Country Inn Convention Centre. In communities outside of Whitehorse, appointments will be at health centres.
Support offered to Yukon businesses and organizations affected by new public health measures
Economic Development Minister Ranj Pillai has announced two new funding programs today to assist Yukon businesses and organizations affected by the new public health measures.
The new Yukon Vaccination Verifier app is now available for download
The Government of Yukon’s new Yukon Vaccination Verifier app is available for download. The app will help designated services and establishments verify Yukoners’ proof of vaccination credentials.
The app will scan the QR code located on the proof of vaccination credential and confirm if someone is partially or fully vaccinated. Designated establishments and services can either use the app to verify vaccination status or visually verify. People age 12 and up will be required to show one piece of government-issued photo identification to confirm their identity.
The Government of Yukon recognizes excellence in mining practices
The Government of Yukon has recognized two companies this year for the Robert E. Leckie Awards for excellence in environmental stewardship, outstanding social responsibility and innovation in mining practices.
The Leckie Award for Responsible and Innovative Exploration and Mining Practices went to Slate River Mining. The company is being recognized for innovation and best practices at its placer operations. This included its use of forested leave-strips, a small equipment footprint, low fuel usage and solar systems for camp electricity.
Take Action on Radon: Yukoners urged to test homes for radon this winter
November is Radon Action Month in Canada and the Government of Yukon is encouraging homeowners to test their homes.
Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking. The invisible, radioactive gas occurs naturally in some soils and may be present in any home in the territory. It enters buildings through cracks, drains, sump pumps and gaps around pipe fittings. If a test shows that radon levels are above the Health Canada guideline of 200 Becquerels per cubic metre, Yukoners are encouraged to take action to remove radon from their home.
Twelfth Yukon resident dies of COVID-19
The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. André Corriveau has reported another death of a Yukon citizen from COVID-19. This brings the total to 12 since the first death was reported in October 2020.
There are currently 166 active cases of COVID-19 in the territory.
Statement from Premier Sandy Silver on the selection of Nunavut Premier PJ Akeeagok
Premier of the Yukon Sandy Silver issued the following statement:
“On behalf of the Government of Yukon I would like to congratulate PJ Akeeagok on being selected as the new Premier of Nunavut.
“The Yukon and Nunavut have always enjoyed a strong relationship and I look forward to continuing to work together to advance opportunities that matter most to northerners, including housing, climate change action, responding to mental health and addictions challenges, and advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
Commissioner of Yukon congratulates the recipients of the Public Volunteer Service and Bravery awards
Please note that the recipient's description for the Commissioner's Award for Bravery has been updated.
The Commissioner of Yukon Angélique Bernard announces the 2021 recipients of the Commissioner’s Award for Public Volunteer Service and the Commissioner’s Award for Bravery. The recipients were chosen from nominations submitted to the Commissioner’s Award Advisory Committee.
Fifth Housing Initiatives Fund intake opens to support affordable housing projects
The fifth intake of the Housing Initiatives Fund launched today to support the construction of affordable housing for Yukoners across the territory.
This call for projects includes three streams:
- shovel-ready projects in Whitehorse;
- shovel-ready projects in communities; and
- project concepts.
First Nations governments, First Nations Development Corporations, developers, contractors, community organizations and the public can apply for funding to support projects that will increase affordable housing options in their community.
New COVID-19 measures now in effect
Changes have been made to reflect proof of vaccination requirements.
On November 8, 2021, the Government of Yukon declared a State of Emergency to allow for new temporary measures recommended by the acting Chief Medical Officer of Health to rapidly decrease the transmission of COVID-19 and ensure the territory’s healthcare capacity is not overwhelmed.
Community Services Minister Richard Mostyn has authorized new Ministerial Orders under the Civil Emergency Measures Act that come into effect on November 13, 2021:
Eleventh Yukon resident dies of COVID-19
The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. André Corriveau has reported another death of a Yukon citizen from COVID-19. This brings the total to 11 since the first death was reported in November 2020.
Macaulay Lodge slated for demolition in 2022
A former long-term care home in Whitehorse that is at its end of life will soon be demolished. A building assessment of Macaulay Lodge, which opened in 1969, determined that renovating or repurposing it would not be economical due to its poor condition.
