Yukon News Releases
2022 Arctic Arts Summit to be hosted in the Yukon
The Government of Yukon and the Canada Council for the Arts will co-host the Arctic Arts Summit in the Yukon in June 2022.
The Arctic Arts Summit brings together artists and those involved in the cultural fields from Arctic countries to strengthen the northern art community and create infrastructures as well as partnerships for circumpolar arts to develop. This is the first time it will be hosted in Canada.
July 12, 2021: COVID-19 case count update
Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley is reporting one new death and 19 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 between 12 p.m. Friday, July 9 and 12 p.m. today. With recoveries, this brings the active case count to 103.
Yukon’s total case count since March 22, 2020: 480; 410 cases since June 1, including out of territory residents diagnosed in Yukon and probable cases. One case previously identified as positive has been determined negative.
For the new cases since 12 p.m. on July 9:
Government of Yukon provides more than $1.6 million in funding to sport and recreation
The Government of Yukon, in partnership with the Yukon Lottery Commission and Sport Canada, has announced $1,621,117 in funding to territorial sport organizations, special recreation groups, athletes and officials.
This funding will help Yukon sport organizations organize and run activities related to sport development, leadership development and facility operations and maintenance. It also offers support to individual athletes and officials who have demonstrated they are at a high or elite performance level.
The funding includes:
State of Emergency declared for Southern Lakes, Lake Laberge
The Government of Yukon has issued a State of Emergency under the Civil Emergency Measures Act in response to flooding in the Southern Lakes region, including Lake Laberge.
July 9, 2021: COVID-19 case count update
Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley is reporting six new confirmed cases of COVID-19 between 12 p.m. Thursday, July 8, and 12 p.m. today. This brings the active case count to 116 with reported recoveries.
Yukon’s total case count since March 22, 2020: 461; 391 cases since June 1, including out of territory residents diagnosed in Yukon and probable cases. One case previously identified as positive has been determined negative.
For the new cases since 12 p.m. on July 8:
Statement from Premier Silver on the passing of former Champagne and Aishihik First Nations Chief Paul Birckel
Premier Silver has issued the following statement:
“I would like to extend my deepest condolences to former Chief Paul Birckel’s beloved family, friends and everyone who had the honour of knowing him.
“Paul was elected as Champagne and Aishihik First Nations Chief in 1978 and went on to serve five terms. Through his role as Chief, he led many impactful initiatives, including the first land claims settlements in the Yukon.
July 8, 2021: COVID-19 case count update
Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley is reporting 10 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 between 12 p.m. Wednesday, July 7, and 12 p.m. today. This brings the active case count to 123 with reported recoveries.
Yukon’s total case count since March 22, 2020: 456; 385 cases since June 1, including out of territory residents diagnosed in Yukon and probable cases.
For the new cases since 12 p.m. on July 7:
New job-protected leave supports victims of domestic and sexualized assault
Victims of domestic and sexualized violence now have access to paid and unpaid leave under the Employment Standards Act, following today’s proclamation of Bill 10.
This leave may be accessed by victims of domestic violence perpetrated by intimate partners or family members and by victims of sexualized violence. Yukon’s leave also extends to employees if their child, a person they care for or a close friend is a victim of domestic or sexualized violence.
July 7, 2021: COVID-19 case count update
Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley is reporting 13 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 between 12 p.m. Tuesday, July 6, and 12 p.m. today. This brings the active case count to 138 with reported recoveries. These current spread is primarily due to transmissions among people who are unvaccinated and vulnerable.
Yukon’s total case count since March 22, 2020: 447; 373 cases since June 1, including Out of Territory residents diagnosed in Yukon and probable cases.
For the new cases since 12 p.m. on July 6:
Boil water advisory for residents of Southern Lakes, Lake Laberge, Kusawa Lake and Takhini River areas
Please note this advisory has been updated with additional information about impacted properties.
A boil water advisory has been issued for residents of the Southern Lakes, Lake Laberge, Kusawa Lake and Takhini River areas who use private wells or underground drinking water storage tanks that might flood, or have been covered by surface water contamination, due to flooding.
July 6, 2021: COVID-19 case count update
Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley is reporting 10 new cases of COVID-19 between 12 p.m. Monday, July 5 and 12 p.m. today. This brings the active case count to 147 with reported recoveries. The surge in COVID-19 infections continues in Whitehorse with fewer cases in communities throughout Yukon.
Yukon’s total case count since March 22, 2020: 435. There have been 360 cases since June 1, 2021, including out of territory residents diagnosed in Yukon and probable cases.
For the new cases since 12 p.m. on July 5:
July 5, 2021: COVID-19 case count update
Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley is reporting 40 new cases of COVID-19 between noon Friday, July 2 and noon today. This brings the active case count to 149 with reported recoveries.
Yukon’s total case count since March 22, 2020: 425. There have been 351 cases since June 1, 2021, including out of territory residents diagnosed in Yukon and probable cases.
For the new cases since noon on July 2, 2021:
Premier Sandy Silver releases mandate letters to Cabinet Ministers
Premier Sandy Silver has released mandate letters to each Cabinet Minister to continue building on the strong foundation from the previous mandate and to refine the government’s approach in creating a brighter future for the territory. These letters outline clear priorities for the Government of Yukon and its commitment to serve Yukoners.
July 2, 2021: COVID-19 case count update
Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley is reporting 31 new cases of COVID-19 since June 30, 2021. This brings the active case count to 146 with reported recoveries.
Yukon’s total case count since March 22, 2020: 388; 303 cases since June 1, 2021.
For the new cases since 12 p.m. on June 30, 2021:
Boil water advisory for residents of Army Beach and South McClintock with private wells or underground water storage tanks
A boil water advisory has been issued for residents of Army Beach and South McClintock who use private wells or underground water storage tanks.
The advisory is a precautionary measure to protect public health. Wells or underground water storage tanks may be impacted by flooding and high ground water from rising water levels.
If you are using water from a well or underground water storage tank:
Statement from Premier Sandy Silver on Canada Day
Premier Sandy Silver has issued the following statement:
“Canada Day is a time to reflect on the country we call home and share with Canadians from coast to coast to coast.
“We can take great pride in the promise of Canada as a peaceful, democratic society that values equality, multiculturalism and diversity. Our rich legacy of contributions in the areas of medicine, technology, peacekeeping, literature, arts and culture, sports and beyond is also a great source of pride for Canadians.
June 30, 2021: COVID-19 case count update
Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley is reporting 15 new cases of COVID-19 for today. This brings the active case count to 134 with reported recoveries. He is also strongly recommending that Yukoners take steps to limit contacts over the next four to six weeks.
Yukoners are being asked to:
Statement from Premier Silver on the ceremonial demolition of the Lower Post Residential School
Premier Sandy Silver has issued the following statement:
“Today, the Daylu Dena Council and the Liard First Nation hosted a gathering for the ceremonial demolition of the Lower Post Residential School.
“While the facility was located in British Columbia, a significant number of its students were taken from Yukon First Nations communities. Many survivors and their family members live in the Yukon and the devastating impacts of residential school continue to be felt throughout the territory.
June 29, 2021: COVID-19 case count update includes one new death
Please note the public exposure notice has been updated. At this time only people who are symptomatic and have been at the 98 Hotel between Saturday, June 19, 2021, and Sunday, June 27, 2021, should get tested.
Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley is reporting 10 new cases of COVID-19 for today and one additional death. This brings the active case count to 130 with reported recoveries. Since June 4, 2021, all of the variant testing results received to date are positive for the Gamma (P.1) variant.
What We Heard report on Yukon’s immigration strategy released
The Government of Yukon has published the What We Heard report following a public engagement on the future of immigration in the territory. Yukoners were asked to contribute their ideas and experiences with the Yukon Nominee Program to help inform immigration in the territory for the next 10 years.
