Yukon News Releases
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.
Joint statement on respectful treatment of the Yukon’s health care providers
Premier Sandy Silver and acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott issued the following statement:
“Our territory’s dedicated team of health care professionals are working hard every day to keep Yukoners safe and healthy.
“Following the announcement of new COVID-19 health requirements and emergency measures there have been reports of verbal abuse and insults towards nurses and other front-line staff. This aggressive and unacceptable behaviour is creating safety concerns and it must stop.
Vaccination requirements for designated settings introduced to protect public health
The Government of Yukon is fast-tracking the vaccination requirement for designated settings to support new public health recommendations from the acting Chief Medical Officer of Health. Starting November 13, 2021, people age 12 and up will be required to provide proof of vaccination to access designated establishments and services in the Yukon.
Public engagement on permanent paid sick leave begins
Yukoners are invited to provide their input on how permanent paid sick leave should be established in the territory. An online engagement on this topic is now open and will run until December 10, 2021.
All Yukoners can participate in this engagement by completing a survey, answering a number of quick polls, sharing their ideas and stories or asking questions. This input and feedback will be compiled in a What We Heard summary and shared publicly through the engagement website.
State of emergency declared in response to increased spread of COVID-19 in the Yukon
In the past three days more than 80 cases of COVID-19 have been reported by the Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health, bringing the total number of active cases in the Yukon to 169. In response to this significant surge in COVID-19 cases in the territory and widespread community transmission in Whitehorse, the Government of Yukon is declaring a state of emergency under the Civil Emergency Measures Act (CEMA) effective immediately.
November 8, 2021: COVID-19 case update
The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott reports 80 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, from noon Friday, November 5, until noon Monday, November 8. The number of active cases is currently 169.
The Government of Yukon is considering new recommendations from the acting Chief Medical Officer of Health to act swiftly to help control the rapid spread of COVID-19 within the territory. Yukoners are urged to get vaccinated and practise the Safe 6 and are strongly encouraged to wear a mask in indoor public spaces.
Work set to begin on first project under the Yukon Resource Gateway Program
Whitehorse based company Pelly Construction has been awarded the contract for the Carmacks Bypass Project, a $29.6 million investment to construct a new road and bridge near Carmacks. This project is a key component under the Yukon Resource Gateway Program and a collaborative effort between the Government of Yukon and Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation.
November 5, 2021: COVID-19 case update
The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott reports 44 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, from noon Wednesday, November 3, until noon Friday, November 5. The number of active cases is currently 102. With the increasing number of infected people, many of whom have no known connection to other known cases or exposures sites, the acting Chief Medical Officer of Health has confirmed there is now widespread community transmission of COVID-19 in Whitehorse.
The total number of confirmed cases in Yukon residents since March 2020 is 1017.
November 4, 2021: public exposure notification
Please note the flight was on Sunday, October 24, 2021.
The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott has issued the following COVID-19 public exposure notice:
Air North, Flight 4N554Sunday, October 24, 2021
Vancouver to Whitehorse
Departure, 1:35 p.m., arrival, 3:59 p.m.
Anyone on this flight is asked to self-monitor through November 7 and get tested if they develop any symptoms.
November 3, 2021: COVID-19 case update
The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Catherine Elliott, reports 29 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 from noon Monday, November 1, until noon Wednesday, November 3. The number of active cases is currently 77.
People from out of the territory who are diagnosed in the Yukon are counted in the Yukon’s active case count but not in the Yukon’s total case count as they are counted in their home jurisdiction.
The total number of confirmed cases in Yukon residents since March 2020 is 973.
Candidates selected for the Yukon Climate Leadership Council
Eleven individuals with diverse backgrounds, knowledge and expertise have been selected for the territory’s first Yukon Climate Leadership Council.
The Yukon Climate Leadership Council will provide advice to the Government of Yukon on how to reduce the Yukon’s greenhouse gas emissions by 45 per cent compared to 2010 levels.
The Yukon Climate Leadership Council members are:
Vaccine requirements for employment updated following new recommendations
Please note that the information on non-government organizations has been updated.
The Government of Yukon is updating the implementation of the vaccine requirement for employees based on new recommendations from the Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health.
Inaugural Economic Development Fund recipients announced
The newly established Economic Development Fund is providing more than $1 million to support 28 community projects throughout the Yukon. The new fund is supporting Yukon businesses and organizations with innovation, sustainability, planning, market support, and capital and capacity development.
A wide variety of economic sectors will benefit from support including local food production; renewable energy; transportation; tourism; arts; media development; wellness; and innovation. Recipients include The Yukon Soaps Company, North End Gallery and Discovelo Inc.
November 1, 2021: COVID-19 case update
The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott reports 23 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 from noon Friday, October 29, until noon Monday, November 1. The number of active cases is currently 68.
People from out of the territory who are diagnosed in the Yukon are counted in the Yukon’s active case count but not in the Yukon’s total case count as they are counted in their home jurisdiction.
The total number of confirmed cases in Yukon residents since March 2020 is 944.
Since March 2020, 874 people have recovered. Ten people have died.
New Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Youth Centre is now open
The new Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Youth Centre in Dawson is now open and will give local youth ages 12 to 25 the tools and space to pursue traditional activities, education and wellness.
Dawson has many venues for mature adults to socialize but has very limited options for youth. The 3,000 square foot building was designed specifically for Dawson’s youth. The new youth centre, located on 2nd Avenue in downtown Dawson, between Princess and Queen Street, will encourage healthy living and provide opportunities for positive youth development.
