Yukon News Releases
Yukon remains on permanent time
The Government of Yukon would like to remind Yukoners that the territory remains on permanent year-round time. Yukoners will not "spring forward" on March 14 when other parts of Canada move to Daylight Saving Time.
Last year, Yukoners were asked for their input on whether to keep the twice-annual time change or observe a single time permanently. The results of the public engagement were clear: Yukon should stop seasonal time changes.
From March to November, Yukon is on the same time as most of British Columbia, and one hour behind Alberta and the Northwest Territories.
Yukon featured in first episode of Promising Practices podcast
Canada’s Premiers have launched a podcast about promising practices in mental health and substance use. Led by Yukon Premier Sandy Silver and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, the initiative is called Promising Practices. Each episode features innovations in rural, remote and northern communities from across the country.
Government of Yukon withdraws lands from mineral staking in Dawson planning region
The Government of Yukon has withdrawn from mineral staking certain lands with high conservation value in the Dawson planning region.
These withdrawals are temporary and may be changed after a full draft plan is submitted by the Dawson Regional Land Use Planning Commission, after which time the whole picture of the Dawson planning region can be reviewed.
These lands were identified by the Dawson Regional Land Use Planning Commission and the interim withdrawals will help protect wildlife, wetlands and other key areas within the planning region during the planning process.
Statement from Premier Silver on the first anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic
Premier Silver has issued the following statement:
“Today marks the one-year anniversary of the World Health Organization declaring COVID-19 a global pandemic.
Around the country today, flags are being flown at half-mast to honour all those around the world who have lost their lives from COVID-19.
Public Airports Act Regulation set to come into force April 1, 2021
Today, the Government of Yukon signed the Public Airports Act Regulation. The regulation outlines how public airports throughout the territory are managed. It also includes details about land management and use, future development, land leases, licences and permits, and fees.
The new regulation was reviewed by the Yukon Aviation Advisory Committee, who provided valuable feedback along with First Nations governments and municipalities. Their input helped create a regulation that is effective, meaningful and consistent in its application.
Statement from Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health advising Yukoners against all non-essential travel
Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley has issued the following statement:
“With March break quickly approaching, I am reminding Yukoners that non-essential travel out of territory is not recommended. Out of an abundance of caution, I continue to recommend against all non-essential travel at this time.
Construction contract awarded for Old Crow Health and Wellness centre, and 10-plex housing unit
The Government of Yukon has awarded a value-driven contract for $44,884,488.00 to local Whitehorse company KetzaTSL Construction Ltd. to build a new health and wellness centre and 10-plex in Old Crow.
Value-driven procurements look at a number of elements beyond price to ensure there is additional value for the community and the territory. In this case, the project team awarded points for the overall proposal including the schedule, training plans, sub-contracting plans, northern experience and First Nations participation.
Statement from Premier Silver on passing of Archie Lang
Premier Silver has issued the following statement:
“I am saddened to learn of the passing of Archie Lang. Archie was very committed to the territory and had an impressive political career. He was first elected to the Yukon Legislative Assembly in the general election on November 4, 2002 and continued to represent Porter Creek Centre as an MLA in the Yukon Party until 2011.
Changes to Territorial Lands (Yukon) Act proposed
Energy, Mines and Resources Minister Ranj Pillai tabled amendments to the Territorial Lands (Yukon) Act today in the Yukon Legislative Assembly.
To ensure that Yukon’s resource economy grows in a sustainable and environmentally responsible way, the amendments to the Territorial Lands (Yukon) Act would provide more clarity to resource companies, and additional administrative and enforcement tools for regulators.
$40 million Northern Carve Out funding for housing in Yukon announced
Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home.
Tender issued for construction of the Whistle Bend elementary school
Today, the Government of Yukon issued a design-build tender for the first new elementary school in Whitehorse in more than 25 years.
The Whistle Bend elementary school will accommodate up to 425 students from Kindergarten to Grade 7 from Whistle Bend and the surrounding area. The successful contractor will work with the Owner’s Advisor, Colliers Project Leaders, to design a school that reflects the needs and goals of the school community.
Economic resilience plan will support local businesses
The Government of Yukon has released its economic resilience plan to help Yukon’s economy rebound with responsiveness and adaptability while Yukoners remain safe and healthy.
The economic resilience plan is a strategic response that looks at current planned projects and programs with an eye to maximizing benefits while outlining new initiatives to support Yukoners as we adapt and build economic resilience.
New Workers’ Safety and Compensation Act tabled
Minister Jeanie McLean tabled Bill No. 22, the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Act, in the Legislative Assembly today.
The new Act would modernize and amalgamate the Workers’ Compensation Act and Occupational Health and Safety Act.
March 10, 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 Tuesday, March 9, the COVID-19 case count for Yukon is 72. Seventy-one people have recovered, one person has died and there are no active cases. We have tested 6,712 people.
Government of Yukon expands orthopedic program, soon to begin offering hip replacements
The Government of Yukon, the Yukon Hospital Corporation and the territory’s current two orthopedic surgeons have signed a memorandum of understanding to add a third surgeon to the orthopedic team and further enhance musculoskeletal services for Yukon.
The additional orthopedic surgeon will help reduce wait times for elective surgeries and increase the number of surgeries conducted in the territory for patients who would otherwise have to travel out of territory for surgery. The new surgeon is expected to begin in April 2021.
Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act amendments tabled in the Yukon Legislative Assembly
Minister of Justice Tracy-Anne McPhee tabled Bill No. 20 today, proposing amendments to the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) Act.
The SCAN Act enables the SCAN Unit to investigate complaints received from the public and take action when illegal or dangerous activity is occurring on a property that negatively affects the neighbourhood. Each activity the SCAN Unit can investigate is identified in the Act as a "specified use", which currently includes illegal drug and alcohol activities and prostitution.
Amendment to Family Property and Support Act tabled
Minister of Justice, Tracy McPhee tabled Bill No. 19 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.
New economic development program to support growth and diversification
Please note that the information session dates hosted by the department have been updated.
Today, Economic Development Minister Ranj Pillai announced the launch of a new program to maximize the impact of funding investments in response to the needs of Yukon businesses. The new Economic Development Fund provides greater funding flexibility so clients can undertake a wider range of projects that will increase local spending and employment opportunities throughout the territory.
Yukon receives more than $3 million in funding for virtual health care services
A bilateral agreement between the Government of Yukon and the Government of Canada will provide funding to increase the capacity to provide virtual care to residents across Yukon.
Universal child care program will make life more affordable for Yukon families
To support Yukon families and make their lives more affordable, the Government of Yukon is investing more than $25 million in 2021–22 towards early learning and child care initiatives. This includes approximately $15 million for a new Yukon-wide universal child care program.
Licensed child care operators who opt into the new universal child care program will receive additional funding from the Government of Yukon, which will benefit families through reduced monthly fees.
