Yukon News Releases
Community Development Fund provides funding to Yukon projects
The Community Development Fund provides funding for projects, events and initiatives that provide long-term, sustainable economic and social benefits for Yukon communities. The Community Development Fund has awarded $487,846 to 15 community projects from across Yukon. The next deadline to apply for Tier 1 funding, for projects $20,000 and under is January 15, 2021. The next deadline to apply for Tier 2 funding, for projects between $20,000 and $75,000, is April 15, 2021.
COVID-19 relief and recovery plan for Yukon tourism sector released
Tourism and Culture Minister Jeanie McLean has released the Tourism Relief and Recovery Plan, the Yukon government’s strategic guide to stabilizing and rebuilding the territory’s tourism sector in the wake of the drastic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Based on extensive research, industry feedback and guided by the values and pillars of the Yukon Tourism Development Strategy, the Tourism Relief and Recovery Plan provides targeted investments that prioritize safety and economic viability, with a focus on building sector resiliency for the future.
Past Commissioner Arthur Pearson remembered
Arthur MacDonald “Art” Pearson was born in Brandon, Manitoba, on February 20, 1938. He studied at the University of British Columbia and the University of Helsinki, where he completed a doctorate in zoology. In Yukon, his job with the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) included providing advice on wildlife and the environment to the Commissioner and the territorial government. In 1972, he relocated to Edmonton, after the reorganization of the CWS regional offices. He came back to Whitehorse to serve a Yukon Commissioner from 1976 to 1978.
New Yukon First Nations Procurement Policy unveiled at Yukon Forum
Joint news release with the Council of Yukon First Nations and Yukon First Nations governments
Today, Premier Sandy Silver, Council of Yukon First Nations’ Grand Chief Peter Johnston and the Yukon First Nations Chiefs endorsed the Yukon First Nations Procurement Policy at the Yukon Forum. The policy, which was developed through an innovative, collaborative process involving representatives of the territorial and Yukon First Nations governments, was endorsed by the Yukon Forum leaders.
Government of Yukon announces latest arts funding recipients
The Government of Yukon is pleased to announce the latest recipients of $321,229 in funding through its Arts Fund, Advanced Artist Award and On Yukon Time programs.
The Arts Fund supports groups that foster artistic development and engage the public. This intake of Arts Fund, $96,600 was awarded to six Yukon organizations for a variety of performances, displays and community arts programs. Recipients include the Yukon First Nations Culture and Tourism Association, Gwaandak Theatre Society and the Longest Night Society.
Share your experiences with inclusive and special education in Yukon
Students, families, school councils, schools staff, Yukon First Nations and other education partners are invited to share their experiences and perspectives through an online tool as part of the review of inclusive and special education in Yukon.
Dr. Nikki Yee is reviewing inclusive and special education in Yukon in response to the 2019 Audit Report on Kindergarten to Grade 12 education. Dr. Yee is collecting experiences and perspectives from across the education system for her final report by the end of March 2021.
Strategy for COVID-19 vaccinations in Yukon released
The Government of Yukon has released Yukon’s COVID-19 Vaccine Strategy. The strategy outlines Yukon’s plan to safely and efficiently deliver COVID-19 vaccines across the territory.
All eligible, adult Yukoners who want to receive a COVID-19 vaccine will have access to one, at no cost, in early 2021. No vaccine is currently approved for children or recommended for pregnant people.
Yukon Strategy on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-spirit+ People (MMIWG2S+) released
The Yukon Advisory Committee on MMIWG2S+ has released Changing the Story to Upholding Dignity and Justice: Yukon’s MMIWG2S+ Strategy, with a signing ceremony for contributors and partners. The event took place in Whitehorse at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre. Participants from all 14 Yukon First Nations as well as municipal, territorial and federal governments took part in person and online to confirm their commitment to ending violence and changing the story for Indigenous women, girls and Two-spirit+ people in Yukon.
Government of Yukon is modernizing the Sound Recording Fund
The Government of Yukon is engaging with the territory’s music industry to update and modernize the Sound Recording Fund. Working directly with music professionals on proposed changes to the fund will ensure the fund is modernized and meets the needs of Yukon’s sound recording industry.
December 8, 2020: 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 today, December 8, the COVID-19 case count for Yukon is 58. Forty-seven people have recovered, one person has died and there are currently 10 active cases. We have tested 5,607 people.
Yukon is extending the state of emergency for another 90 days
The Government of Yukon is extending the state of emergency under the Civil Emergency Measures Act (CEMA) for 90 days.
The state of emergency has facilitated the necessary speed and flexibility that has been central to the Government of Yukon’s response to COVID-19, including putting in place a number of ministerial orders that support the health, safety and economic wellbeing of Yukoners. Without the state of emergency, these ministerial orders would expire.
Release of Yukon Strategy on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-spirit+ people (MMIWG2S+) to take place on International Human Rights Day
On Thursday, December 10, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. the Yukon Advisory Committee on MMIWG2S+ will release Changing the Story to Upholding Dignity and Justice, Yukon’s MMIWG2S+ Strategy. This strategy aims to address violence against Indigenous women, girls and Two-spirit+ people. Yukon is the first jurisdiction to release a strategy in response to Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
December 4, 2020: three new COVID-19 cases confirmed
Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley confirms three new cases of COVID-19 today, bringing the territory’s total to 54 cases. There are currently 12 active cases in Yukon.
- Case 52 is in Whitehorse and is linked to a previous case.
- Case 53 is in Whitehorse and is linked to travel outside Yukon.
- Case 54 is in Whitehorse and under active investigation.
Exposure notices
People may have been exposed to COVID-19 infection if they were at one of the following locations:
Preventative human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prescription coverage coming to Yukon
The Government of Yukon will begin providing coverage for a prescription drug which reduces the risk of individuals contracting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The Government of Yukon will cover the cost of the medication, known as a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication.
The PrEP medication will be available to people at-risk of contracting HIV. The medication is in a pill format, and taken daily. An individual must be confirmed to be HIV negative before beginning the medication.
New requirement to assist with contact tracing
Beginning Monday, December 7, 2020, restaurants and bars throughout Yukon will be required to maintain a daily list of patrons. Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley, has introduced this requirement to assist with contact tracing.
One patron in each party will be required to sign in and provide contact information. The eating and drinking establishments will be required to keep the sheets for 30 days. They will only be provided to Yukon Communicable Disease Control if an exposure has been identified.
December 2, 2020: new COVID-19 case confirmed
Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley confirms one new case of COVID-19 today, bringing the territory’s total to 50 cases. There are currently 20 active cases in Yukon.
Case 48 and 49 from Tuesday, December 1, are in Whitehorse and are linked to a previous case.
Case 50 from Wednesday, December 2, is in Whitehorse and is currently under investigation.
Public exposure notifications are being issued for:
Commissioner of Yukon introduces the 2020 Inductees to the Order of Yukon
The Commissioner of Yukon Angélique Bernard, in her capacity as Chancellor of the Order of Yukon, is honoured and thrilled to announce the 2020 inductees to the Order of Yukon. The inductees were chosen from the many nominations that were submitted to the Advisory Council.
The following 2020 inductees were chosen for their demonstrated excellence and achievement and their outstanding contributions to the social, cultural or economic well-being of Yukon and its residents:
