Yukon News Releases
Yukon First Nations Procurement Policy fully implemented
Today, the Government of Yukon implemented the third and final phase of the Yukon First Nations Procurement Policy.
Measures that recently came into effect include:
COVID-19 outbreak declared in Ghùch Tiâ Community School in Carcross
The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at Ghùch Tiâ Community School in Carcross. Classes impacted are the Kindergarten class (K–4) and the Grade 1/2/3 split. Students, teachers and staff linked to these classes are all directed to get tested, regardless of vaccination status.
COVID-19 booster doses being provided to long-term care residents
Starting October 1, immunizers will begin providing booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine to residents of long-term care facilities. The booster dose is being offered at the recommended interval of at least six months after the first series has been completed.
On September 28, the Public Health Agency of Canada released updated advice from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommending a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine for residents of long-term care homes and seniors living in other congregate settings who have already received their first two shots.
Ban on single-use shopping bags coming to the Yukon
The Yukon is entering a new era of more responsible waste management. Disposing of waste is expensive and negatively impacts our environment. Single-use products like plastic and paper bags are resource-intensive and their production, transportation and disposal cause pollution and emissions.
September 29, 2021: COVID-19 case count update
The acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott reports four new cases of COVID-19 from noon on Monday, September 27, to noon Wednesday, September 29. The number of active cases is currently 36.
Total number of confirmed Yukon cases since March 22, 2020: 755. Out of territory individuals who are diagnosed in the Yukon are counted in the active count but not in the Yukon total case count as they are counted in their home jurisdiction. Since March 22, 2020, 713 people have recovered.
For the new cases since noon on Monday, September 27:
Statement from Premier Sandy Silver on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Premier Sandy Silver has issued the following statement:
“Tomorrow marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, established in response to the 80th Call to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
“National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an important moment to honour Survivors of Canada’s residential school system, their families, and communities. The devastating impacts of residential schools and the intergenerational trauma experienced by Survivors and their families continue to be felt here in the Yukon and across the country.
Yukon Public Libraries celebrates National Library Month
Yukon Public Libraries are inviting Yukoners to celebrate National Library Month throughout the month of October and Yukon Libraries Week from October 18 to 23. There will be various events planned at participating libraries across the territory in keeping with this year’s theme of “one million possibilities”.
The Whitehorse Public Library is starting this year’s celebration by extending its hours to seven days a week, welcoming back patrons on Mondays and evenings. There will also be an open house on Saturday, October 23, with treats and games.
Five Yukon projects receive funding from the Community Development Fund
Five community projects from across the Yukon are receiving a total of $83,432 from the Community Development Fund. Funding is awarded to projects that promote social, cultural and economic benefits for Yukoners.
The next deadline to apply for Tier 1 funding, which includes projects $20,000 and under, is October 15, 2021.
Funding recipients include the Watson Lake Chamber of Commerce, Inclusion Yukon Society, Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous, Sacred Heart Cathedral and Mountain View Golf Course.
The Yukon’s first supervised consumption site open today
Joint news release with Blood Ties Four Directions Centre.
The Yukon’s first supervised consumption site is now open to clients. The site will be open Monday to Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and closed on statutory holidays. This week the site will be closed on Thursday, September 30, for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The Whitehorse supervised consumption site, located at 6189 – 6th Avenue, can serve up to three clients at the same time and is expected to be able to serve up to five clients at a later time this year.
Paid Sick Leave Rebate extended to support Yukon businesses and workers
The Government of Yukon is renewing and extending the Paid Sick Leave Rebate. From October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022, workers and self-employed people who do not have access to paid sick days, may receive up to 10 days’ wages. This is the third intake of the program since it was launched in March 2020.
The Paid Sick Leave Rebate for employers and self-employed provides up to 10 days’ wages for workers who are sick, self-isolating or caring for other household members due to COVID-19. All eligible Yukon employers and self-employed people may apply.
COVID-19 cases impacting three rural community schools
There are now three rural schools impacted by COVID-19 – two in Watson Lake and one in Carcross. Letters advising self-monitoring or self-isolation have been sent to staff and students in Grades 1, 4 and 5 at Johnson Elementary School, Grade 10 students at Watson Lake Senior Secondary in Watson Lake and students in Kindergarten and Grade 1, 2 and 3 split class at Ghùch Tiâ Community School in Carcross as a result of positive COVID-19 cases associated with each of those classes. All three schools remain open.
Borealis Prize: The Commissioner of Yukon Award for Literary Contribution recipient announced
The Commissioner of Yukon is pleased to announce that the second recipient of the Borealis Prize is Joanna Lilley. A resident of Whitehorse, Yukon, Joanna has published five books, including a short story collection, three poetry collections and a novel. Joanna has worked tirelessly since 2006 connecting with the Yukon’s community of writers and promoting their work. She has contributed significantly to help forge a Yukon literary scene that is vibrant, creative and diverse.
The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health issues strong recommendations for Watson Lake
The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott is strongly recommending that people in Watson Lake wear masks in indoor public spaces. She is also recommending those at risk of severe disease keep their contacts to a minimum, including those over the age of 65 and those with chronic health conditions. This recommendation is for anyone while they are in Watson Lake, regardless of their home community. People from Watson Lake can safely travel throughout the territory by following the public health recommendations where they travel.
The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health advises caution for Yukon travellers
The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott is advising Yukoners who travel outside the Yukon to be cautious when visiting areas that are currently experiencing a fourth wave of COVID-19.
Travellers are advised to practise the Safe 6 while travelling and follow the directives within the jurisdiction they are visiting.
This recommendation is based on a series of cases in people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 after returning to the Yukon from domestic travel.
New mural unveiled for Gender Equality Week
In recognition of Gender Equality Week and the Government of Yukon’s commitment to inclusion and inclusive spaces, a new mural has been installed in the Whitehorse Visitor Information Centre’s gender-inclusive washroom.
Commissioned through a call for proposals based around the themes “Positive and Welcoming” and “Authentic Yukon,” the mural is the work of Kim Edgar, an award-winning trans and non-binary artist based in Dawson City. Entitled Hold my hand in the lowbush cranberries, the artwork features two interlaced hands amidst a colourful tundra floor.
Government of Yukon extends critical COVID-19 support programs for tourism and expands popular rebate program
The Government of Yukon is extending critical COVID-19 support programs available to Yukon’s tourism sector. The Tourism Accommodation Sector Supplement (TASS) and Tourism Non-Accommodation Sector Supplement (TNASS) programs have been extended until March 31, 2022.
The government is also extending the popular Great Yukon Summer Travel Rebate program until March 31, 2022. Eligible summer experience packages are extended until the end of October and new winter experience packages will be available on November 1, 2021, as part of the Great Yukon Summer Freeze.
Government of Yukon partners on new food security research project
Over the next two years, a research fellow will be joining the Government of Yukon to work on a project on food security and climate change. The project received grant funding through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research’s Health System Impact Fellowship program.
First ever recipient of the Daisy Mason Wellness Fund announced
Today, the Commissioner of Yukon, the Bishop of the Anglican Church and the Daisy Mason Wellness Fund Advisory Committee have announced the first recipient of the Daisy Mason Wellness Fund, Edna Mitander.
Edna is a member of the Selkirk First Nation and is attending the Professional Counsellor Diploma program at Rhodes Wellness College in Vancouver. She will receive $750 to help with her education costs.
September 22, 2021: COVID-19 case count update
The acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott reports 13 new cases of COVID-19 from noon on Monday, September 20, to noon Wednesday, September 22. The number of active cases is currently 39.
Total number of confirmed Yukon cases since March 22, 2020: 736. Out of territory individuals who are diagnosed in the Yukon are counted in the active count but not in the Yukon total case count as they are counted in their home jurisdiction. Since March 22, 2020, 694 people have recovered.
For the 13 new cases since noon on Monday, September 20:
2027 Canada Winter Games bid process launched for Whitehorse
Joint news release with the City of Whitehorse and the Canada Games Council.
Today, the Government of Yukon and City of Whitehorse, alongside the Canada Games Council, officially launched the bid process for the 2027 Canada Winter Games. This national event is the largest amateur multi-sport event in Canada, bringing together more than 2,000 of the top young able-bodied athletes and athletes with physical and intellectual disabilities every two years.
