Yukon News Releases
May 26, 2021: COVID-19 update
The Government of Yukon has the following updates for the Yukon public on measures being taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 cases and recoveriesAs of Wednesday, May 26, the COVID-19 case count for Yukon is 84. Eighty-two people have recovered, two people have died and there are no active cases in Yukon. We have tested 7,469 people.
Public health restrictions to be lifted on May 25
As the Yukon’s vaccine uptake continues to increase the Government of Yukon will begin lifting public health restrictions on Tuesday, May 25.
Fully vaccinated people will no longer need to self-isolate upon entry to the territory as of May 25.
These individuals will need to sign a declaration that they have been fully vaccinated and will also need to provide consent for the verification of their vaccination status in order to be exempt from self-isolation requirements.
Dempster Fibre Line construction set to begin
Work continues on the Dempster Fibre Line project, an 800-kilometre fibre optic line that will run along the Dempster Highway between Dawson City, Yukon, and Inuvik, Northwest Territories.
ROHL Global Networks, in partnership with Dagoo Services, has been awarded a $67 million dollar contract for the construction of the Dempster Fibre Line. From this, more than 20 per cent of the contract value will be subcontracted to First Nations businesses.
May 19, 2021: COVID-19 update
Please note the number of COVID-19 tests for the week was corrected; the proper number is 36.
The Government of Yukon has the following updates for the Yukon public on measures being taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 cases and recoveriesAs of Wednesday, May 19, the COVID-19 case count for Yukon is 84. Eighty-two people have recovered, two people have died and there are no active cases in Yukon. We have tested 7,398 people.
COVID-19 vaccination clinics for youth begin May 31
The Government of Yukon has scheduled clinics for Yukon youth age 12 to 17 to be vaccinated with the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.
Beginning May 31, youth will be able to receive their first doses in Yukon communities. In Whitehorse, first shots will be administered starting June 1. Second dose clinics will start as early as June 23. Everyone who is eligible is encouraged to get their shot for a safe and enjoyable summer.
Clinics in communities will be held in schools. In Whitehorse, clinics will be held at the Coast High Country Inn Convention Centre.
Yukon surpasses 75 per cent vaccination rate
Yukon’s COVID-19 vaccination rate has now reached 76 per cent for first doses of the vaccine. As of May 17, 26,242 eligible Yukon adults have received their first dose of the vaccine and 23,236 have had their second dose.
Master plan being developed in the Range Point neighbourhood
Joint news release with Kwanlin Dün First Nation.
Kwanlin Dün First Nation (KDFN) and the Government of Yukon are working together for the first time on a joint project to create a master plan for a residential development in Whitehorse’s Range Point neighbourhood.
Be bear aware when out on the land
Conservation officers are reminding the public bears are awake and active. Whether people are outside hiking, biking, running, canoeing, camping, gardening or staying at a cabin, now is a good time to brush up on bear awareness skills. Yukoners should know how to spot bear presence and what to do if they encounter a bear and always carry bear spray.
Residential rent increases in Yukon to be indexed to inflation
Effective May 15, the Government of Yukon is temporarily indexing residential rent increases in the territory to inflation. Indexing Yukon’s residential rent to inflation is a key policy initiative agreed to under the Confidence and Supply Agreement, which runs until January 31, 2023.
Sixteen groups receive funding to support marginalized youth
Please note the table in the Backgrounder has been corrected.
Yukon youth will benefit from more than $68,000 awarded to 16 community groups through the Youth Investment Fund. The groups received funding for a variety of arts, recreation and educational programming, including horse-back riding, cycling and a teen mentoring program.
The Youth Investment Fund provides financial support to short-term projects aimed at youth under 19 years old with fewer opportunities.
Premier Silver tables revised 2021–22 Budget in the Legislative Assembly
Today, Premier and Finance Minister Sandy Silver tabled the Government of Yukon’s revised 2021–22 Budget, which focuses on improving the lives of Yukoners and includes significant investments in education, housing, community infrastructure and renewable energy projects.
The revised budget for 2021–22 is $1.79 billion. Operating and maintenance expenses will be $1.36 billion. Capital spending is $434 million.
Child Care Act amendment tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Education Minister Jeanie McLean tabled Bill No. 2 yesterday, proposing amendments to the Child Care Act to better reflect the realities of Yukon families.
These amendments include relocating the Child Care Unit from the Department of Health and Social Services to the Department of Education to help ensure that early learning and childcare services are coordinated at all levels. The integration of early childhood development programs and education would help create a learning continuum that begins at birth and has a positive, long-term impact on our society.
May 12, 2021: COVID-19 update
The Government of Yukon has the following updates for the Yukon public on measures being taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 cases and recoveriesAs of Wednesday, May 12, the COVID-19 case count for Yukon is 84. Eighty people have recovered, two people have died and there is one active case in Yukon and one active case of a Yukoner out of the territory. We have tested 7,305 people.
Vaccine statistics released for all Yukon communities
With 74 per cent of all eligible Yukoners having had their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and the third round of mobile immunization clinics in all rural communities completed, the Government of Yukon has released current vaccination rates for all Yukon communities. Uptake is expected to continue to increase and updated rates will be released monthly.
COVID-19 vaccinations to be available for Yukon youth
The Government of Yukon is working to protect Yukon youth from COVID-19. A supply of the Pfizer vaccine has been arranged for the territory and will allow Yukoners aged 12 to 17 to be vaccinated in the coming weeks.
Vaccination clinics for youth are expected to begin soon. Youth vaccine clinics will be held in most communities and medical travel will be supported for those places where a youth clinic is not held.
May 11, 2021: new COVID-19 cases confirmed
Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley confirms two new cases of COVID-19, bringing the territory’s total to 84 cases. There is currently one active case in Yukon.
35th Yukon Legislative Assembly begins
The first Session of the 35th Yukon Legislative Assembly began today with a Speech from the Throne delivered by the Commissioner of Yukon Angélique Bernard.
The Speech from the Throne reflected on the work of the government to date and outlined the broad agenda for the coming mandate. It identified key priorities that will be the focus of a collaborative approach going forward. These priorities include:
Wildfire risk reduction projects taking place this week in Whitehorse
Wildland Fire Management crews continue organized risk reduction work in Whitehorse this week. Prescribed burning will take place:
- north of the Takhini neighbourhood on Tuesday, May 11; and
- east of Range Road near the old landfill on Wednesday, May 12.
Residents near prescribed fire operations will be notified by Wildland Fire Management staff. Short periods of low-intensity smoke may be visible from the treatment areas.
Nominations are open for the Council of the Federation Literacy Award
The nomination period is now open for the 2021 Council of the Federation Literacy Award. Premier Sandy Silver encourages nominations to recognize Yukoners who demonstrate outstanding achievement, innovative practice and excellence in adult literacy.
This award is presented annually, in each province and territory, to celebrate the work of educators, volunteers, learners, community organizations and businesses in literacy.
Dr. Theresa Tam and Dr. Brendan Hanley host a live question and answer event for Yukoners
On Saturday, May 8, at 10 a.m., Yukoners are invited to tune in and ask questions to Canada’s Chief Public Officer of Health Dr. Theresa Tam and Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley during a live question and answer event moderated by Gurdeep Pandher. Register to watch the live event here: https://ca01web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_L8WcR6kzRDe8SCnPrn_MzA
