Yukon News Releases
October 8, 2021: COVID-19 case update
The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Catherine Elliott reports 10 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, from noon Wednesday, October 6, to noon, Friday, October 8. The number of active cases is currently at 45.
Total number of confirmed cases in Yukon residents since March 2020: 798. Individuals who are diagnosed in the Yukon are counted in the active case count but not in the Yukon total case count as they are counted in their home jurisdiction. Since March 2020, 746 individuals have recovered. Ten individuals have died.
Flu vaccine clinics set to begin October 12
Yukon’s influenza vaccine clinics will start on Tuesday, October 12. In Whitehorse, the clinics will be held at the Coast High Country Inn Convention Centre for Yukoners age six months and older.
In communities outside of Whitehorse, clinics will be held at local health centres and other locations within the community. Clinic dates and locations can be found online at yukon.ca/flu.
Active living celebrated at annual recreation gathering and awards
Recreation leaders from across the Yukon celebrated excellence in community recreation and active living at the territory’s annual recreation gathering held in Haines Junction from October 6 to October 8.
Government of Yukon launches second call for COVID-19 Recovery Research Program
The Government of Yukon is pleased to announce a second call for expressions of interest for the Yukon COVID-19 Recovery Research Program.
Thanks to the financial support of the Government of Canada, this program offers a total of $1 million in funding for research that will increase understanding of the social, cultural, environmental, economic and health impacts of COVID-19 and address gaps in research and data specific to the Yukon.
Under this second call, $480,000 is available for applicants and each successful project may receive up to $75,000 in funding.
October 7, 2021: public exposure notifications
The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott has issued a COVID-19 public exposure notice for the following:
Airport Chalet Restaurant and Lounge
Saturday, October 2 and Sunday, October 3
Between 1:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
Anyone at this location on either of these dates is asked to self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days, through to October 17 inclusive, and to arrange for testing if they to develop any symptoms, no matter how mild.
Proposed changes to Territorial Lands (Yukon) Act would support new Yukon Resource Roads Regulation
Energy, Mines and Resources Minister John Streicker tabled amendments to the Territorial Lands (Yukon) Act today as part of ongoing work to create new resource roads regulation for the Yukon.
To ensure that Yukon’s resource economy grows in a sustainable and environmentally responsible way, the proposed amendments to the Territorial Lands (Yukon) Act would support the implementation of a new resource roads regulation providing more clarity to resource companies and additional administrative and enforcement tools for regulators.
Amendment to Family Property and Support Act tabled
Minister of Justice Tracy-Anne McPhee tabled Bill No. 7 today, a proposed amendment to the Family Property and Support Act. The proposed amendment will allow greater access to spousal support for former common-law spouses by removing the time limit for support applications. The proposed amendment would provide equal access to spousal support for common-law and married spouses.
Government supports Yukoners through COVID-19 and historic flooding while providing early learning opportunities for children
Premier and Finance Minister Sandy Silver tabled the 2021–22 First Supplementary Estimates in the Yukon Legislative Assembly today. It includes increases of $58.4 million in operations and maintenance and $13.8 million in gross capital expenditures.
Spending increases are largely the result of COVID-19 spending, the unprecedented flood response this past summer and additional support for families accessing early learning and childcare programs, including:
Housing Summit held to advance development of the Yukon’s housing solutions
The Government of Yukon met with housing sector representatives and community stakeholders at the Yukon Housing Summit 2021 on October 5 to 6 to identify solutions and actions that address the Yukon’s key housing pressures. The summit raised awareness about housing complexities and challenges unique to the territory and provided a platform to create new partnerships focused on an increase to the housing supply.
October 6, 2021: COVID-19 case update
The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott reports 15 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, from noon Monday, October 4 to noon, Wednesday, October 6. The number of active cases is currently 40.
Total number of confirmed Yukon cases since March 2020: 788. Out of territory individuals who are diagnosed in the Yukon are counted in the active case count but not in the Yukon total case count as they are counted in their home jurisdiction. Since March 2020, 740 individuals have recovered. Ten individuals have died.
Statement to Hidden Valley Elementary School Community
Minister of Education Jeanie McLean and Minister of Justice Tracy-Anne McPhee have issued the following statement:
Independent review of Hidden Valley Elementary School incident response launched
Education Minister Jeanie McLean has hired lawyer Amanda Rogers to conduct an independent review of the Government of Yukon’s response to an incident in 2019 at the Hidden Valley Elementary School.
Department of Education working with Child and Youth Advocate on review of safety and supports at Hidden Valley Elementary School
The Department of Education is working with the Yukon Child and Youth Advocate Office on a policy review of its policies, protocols and actions in response to the 2019 charges and recent additional allegations of sexualized abuse by a former school staff member at Hidden Valley Elementary School.
2021 fall sitting of the Yukon Legislative Assembly to begin
The 2021 fall sitting of the 35th Yukon Legislative Assembly will begin at 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 7.
Several new Bills will be tabled for debate, including:
October 5, 2021: public exposure notifications
The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott has issued a COVID-19 public exposure notice for the following:
Air North flight (4N533)- Wednesday, September 29, 2021
Whitehorse to Vancouver
Departure: 9:40 a.m.; arrival 11:55 a.m.
Anyone on this flight is asked to self monitor for symptoms through to October 13 inclusive, and to arrange for testing if they to develop any symptoms, no matter how mild.
Carcross residents being asked to mask up
The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott is strongly recommending that Carcross residents wear a mask in all indoor public spaces.
Pathways: Stories of collaboration, partnership and reconciliation magazine launched
The Government of Yukon is excited to launch the Pathways: Stories of collaboration, partnership and reconciliation magazine. This public service-led, Yukon government-wide publication highlights the work of the public service to build relationships, collaborate and advance reconciliation with First Nations.
The goal of Pathways is to foster learning and growth within the Yukon government by highlighting successful initiatives.
Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health reports 10th COVID-19 death
The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott has reported the death of a Yukon citizen from COVID-19. Ten Yukoners have died of COVID-19 since the first death was reported in November 2020.
Wetlands policy out for final public review
Working with partners across the Yukon, the Government of Yukon has a draft policy for the stewardship of the Yukon’s wetlands that is ready for final public review and feedback.
Statement from Premier Silver on passing of former Deputy Premier Peter Jenkins
Premier Sandy Silver has issued the following statement:
“The territory has lost one of its longest serving leaders with the passing of former Deputy Premier of the Yukon and Mayor of Dawson City Peter Jenkins. I want to extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends and loved ones during their time of grief.
“Peter was first elected as Mayor of Dawson City in 1980, and continued as an elected official for three decades. He served in a variety of roles such as Environment Minister, Health Minister and Leader of the Yukon Party.
