Yukon News Releases
Commissioner introduces first Story Laureate of Yukon
Today, Commissioner Angélique Bernard introduced Michael Gates as the inaugural Story Laureate of Yukon. The Story Laureate will serve as an ambassador for the literary arts, story telling and literacy in the context of Yukon’s past, present and future for two years starting on January 1, 2021.
Yukon Lobbyist Registry supports transparency
All lobbyists in Yukon will now be required to report their activities. The Lobbyists Registration Act came into effect on October 15, 2020, making registration mandatory for those who meet the criteria set out in the Act.
The public can visit yukonlobbyistregistry.ca or refer to the Lobbyists Registration Act to learn more about:
Public engagement on the future of innovation in Yukon begins
Yukoners are being asked to contribute their ideas and experiences to help inform how the Government of Yukon should invest resources to stimulate and diversify Yukon’s technology and knowledge economy.
The results of this engagement will help to determine the future of innovation in Yukon and how the Government of Yukon can support and drive innovation. The input of Yukoners is essential to help inform what innovation looks like in Yukon’s tech and knowledge sector as well as the perceived barriers and challenges businesses and entrepreneurs are facing.
Locally-produced film about Yukon’s Beringian history debuts
Today at 6:30 p.m., a new film, Crossroads of the Continents, will be launched at the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre. Shot and produced in Yukon, the new film showcases the unique scientific discoveries and collaborations between the Government of Yukon and First Nations heritage experts.
Members of the public are invited to participate online through a livestream of the event, which will include a screening of the film, followed by a discussion panel with the filmmakers, scientists and First Nations contributors.
October 14, 2020: COVID-19 update
The Government of Yukon has the following updates for the Yukon public on measures underway in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 cases and recoveries
As of today, October 14, at 11 a.m., the COVID-19 case count for Yukon is 15. Everyone has recovered. We have tested 3,635 people.
COVID-19 Testing Centre
From Tuesday, October 6, to Monday, October 12, we tested 93 people at the COVID-19 Testing and Assessment Centre (CTAC) in Whitehorse.
Update on previously announced probable case
Community-based projects receive $175,000 for prevention of violence against Indigenous women and girls
The First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun, Whitehorse Aboriginal Women’s Circle, Skookum Jim Friendship Centre and Selkirk First Nation have been awarded $175,000 in funding for projects to prevent violence against Indigenous women. The projects, designed and developed by, and for, Indigenous women, focus on providing support groups, education workshops, trauma-informed training and building cultural connections.
New probable case of COVID-19 in Yukon announced
Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Brendan Hanley has announced a probable case of COVID-19 in Yukon. Yukon Communicable Disease Control (YCDC) is awaiting confirmation from the BC Centre for Disease Control.
The individual is from Whitehorse, and received care through the Whitehorse General Hospital Emergency Department. The person is currently stable and safely self-isolating. The case is linked to travel outside of Yukon. Initial testing was undertaken using the Genexpert rapid test. A subsequent test was sent to BC for confirmation.
Improvements to medical travel support
The Government of Yukon is making travel easier and more affordable for Yukoners. Starting January 1, 2021, the medical travel subsidy for patients will double, from $75 per day to $150 per day, for multi-day travel. A new $75 subsidy will also be introduced for same day travel for both patients and escorts.
Medical travel to cities such as Prince George, Victoria and Kelowna will also be included in the medical travel subsidy program. Increased options will give patients more flexibility in determining the most appropriate destination to respond to their treatment needs.
Amendments to Condominium Act, 2015 proposed
Today, Minister of Justice Tracy-Anne McPhee tabled Bill No. 16, which would modernize the legislative framework and adopt best practices for condominium ownership and development in Yukon.
Proposed amendments to the Condominium Act, 2015 focus on balancing consumer protection with development and economic opportunities. These amendments bring clarity to how condominiums will be developed and regulated, facilitating a stable housing market in Yukon.
The proposed amendments:
Corporate Statutes Amendment Act tabled
Minister of Community Services John Streicker tabled Bill 15 today. The Bill would amend the 2018 Societies Act, the Business Corporations Act and the Cooperative Associations Act.
The amendments incorporate best practices and lessons learned from other jurisdictions into Yukon’s societies legislation. For consistency, some related technical amendments are also proposed to the Business Corporations Act and the Cooperative Associations Act.
Enduring Powers of Attorney Bill tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Minister of Justice Tracy-Anne McPhee tabled Bill No. 17 today. The Bill proposes amendments to the Enduring Power of Attorney Act that would enhance protections and accessibility for individuals and align Yukon with the Uniform Law Conference of Canada.
October 7, 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 recoveries
As of today, October 7, at 11 a.m., the COVID-19 case count for Yukon is 15. Everyone has recovered. We have tested 3,542 people.
COVID-19 Testing and Assessment Centre
From Tuesday, September 29, to Monday, October 5, we tested 108 people at the COVID-19 Testing and Assessment Centre (CTAC) in Whitehorse.
COVID alert app
Production support and funding available for Yukon filmmaking team
The Government of Yukon, in partnership with the Harold Greenberg Fund, will contribute a total of $20,000 to help one Yukon filmmaking team produce a dramatic short film. This marks the second year of the Northern Shorts Program, which aims to develop the media industry in Yukon, Nunavut and Northwest Territories. In addition to the funding, the program will also provide production support and advice.
Applications to the Harold Greenberg Fund Northern Shorts Program are now open. Yukon filmmaking teams are encouraged to apply. The deadline for applications is December 4, 2020.
Fixed election dates proposed
Today, Premier Sandy Silver tabled amendments to the Elections Act that would set fixed dates for territorial elections. The amendments would set territorial elections for the first Monday in November every four years, starting on November 3, 2025.
Ban on single-use products proposed
The Government of Yukon is proposing amendments to the Environment Act to strengthen the territory’s waste reduction efforts by allowing for the banning certain types of single-use packages and products. Minister of Environment Pauline Frost tabled Bill 14 today in the Yukon Legislative Assembly. The Bill would allow for new rules around how single-use products and packages are made, supplied, distributed and used.
Government of Yukon and Yukon First Nations governments partner to improve access to technology for K–12 Yukon First Nations students
The Government of Yukon and Yukon First Nations governments are partnering to provide $950,000 to purchase 1,300 devices to improve access to technology for Yukon First Nations students in Kindergarten to Grade 12.
The Government of Yukon has committed $478,400 to this initiative, which is being matched by Yukon First Nations governments who will determine how devices are distributed to Citizens in their communities.
Women’s History Month celebrated with new tourism banners by female artists
A new series of banners featuring the artwork of six Yukon women were unveiled in Whitehorse today in recognition of Women’s History Month.
The selected artists are Emma Barr, Esther Bordet, Amber Church, Maegan Garrett, Violet Gatensby and Sharon Vittrekwa. Their designs explore the themes of Only in the Yukon, Natural Wonders and Transformational Experiences.
Economy remains resilient as supports for Yukoners continue
Premier and Finance Minister Sandy Silver tabled the 2020–21 First Supplementary Estimates in the Legislative Assembly today.
The $92.2 million supplementary budget Bill includes an increase of $95.9 million in Operations and Maintenance spending and a decrease of $3.7 million in gross capital expenditures. A total of $52.1 million is recoverable from the Government of Canada and other third parties.
Government of Yukon will fully fund the costs of continuous glucose monitors for all Yukoners
All Yukoners with type 1 diabetes will now have access to fully funded continuous glucose monitoring.
Glucose monitors can help individuals living with type 1 diabetes to monitor their glucose levels.
Yukon was the first jurisdiction in Canada to provide coverage for continuous glucose monitors to youth age 18 years and younger. Now, Yukon again leads the nation in providing continuous glucose monitors for all Yukoners with type 1 diabetes.
