Yukon News Releases
Coroner and Acting Chief Medical Officer of Health issue warning after fentanyl-related deaths
Yukon’s Chief Coroner Heather Jones and Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Andy Delli Pizzi, are cautioning Yukon residents around drug use after three recent deaths that have been linked to opioids.
Between November 9 and November 30, three individuals died from drugs contaminated with fentanyl. The Chief Medical Officer of Health office has also received information around a recent increase in opioid overdoses that have not resulted in death.
Gas Tax Fund to support local infrastructure priorities in the Town of Watson Lake
Five projects are underway in the Town of Watson Lake following the allotment of more than $1.65 million from the federal Gas Tax Fund.
With this funding, the Town of Watson Lake is buying new heavy equipment for road maintenance, installing a new groundwater monitoring well at the sewage lagoon and remediating the Brownfield area downtown.
New live-in and outreach program to support youth at Nts’ äw Chua
A new innovative program created to support youth and provide an alternative to traditional group care is launching in Whitehorse. A wide range of services with a youth-led, culturally relevant approach will be offered at 22 Wann Road, now named Nts’ äw Chua (in-so chua).
Government of Yukon and Yukon First Nations present shared priorities to Government of Canada
This is a joint news release with the Council of Yukon First Nations.
Yukon Days meetings have concluded between the Government of Yukon, the Council of Yukon First Nations, several Yukon First Nations Chiefs and federal Ministers in Ottawa.
Watson Lake Air Terminal Building designated a Yukon Historic Site
Yukon has formally added another Yukon Historic Site to its registry with the addition of the Watson Lake Air Terminal Building. Minister Jeanie Dendys has designated the site under the Historic Resources Act.
The terminal was a key part of the Northwest Staging Route during World War II and provides an important and tangible link to Yukon’s fascinating aviation history. It was constructed in 1942 and has been in continuous use since that time. It is one of only two remaining Yukon air terminal buildings from the Northwest Staging Route and is the only one still in use.
Bursary support for 12 Yukoners entering health care fields
Three separate bursaries from the Government of Yukon are helping to support 12 Yukon students in their health-related post-secondary education.
The Yukon Medical Education Bursary is made available to four new students each year and provides students with $5,000 per year for up to four years of medical school. This year’s recipients are Holly Bull, Lauren Klammer, Sarah Koltun and Lindsay Webber.
Twenty projects awarded more than $518,000 from the Community Development Fund
Twenty community projects are receiving $518,751 in Tier 1 and Tier 2 funding through the Community Development Fund. The projects support community planning, mental health, sport and recreation, and promote cultural awareness and pride in Yukon communities.
Funding recipients include the Fireweed Community Market Society, Village of Carmacks, Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Development Corporation, Yukon Curling Association and Inclusion Yukon.
Premier raises Yukon priorities with Canadian leaders
Premier Sandy Silver is in Toronto and Ottawa this week for a series of meetings with fellow Canadian Premiers, federal Ministers and the Prime Minister. The Premier’s discussions will focus on climate change, clean energy, infrastructure investment and healthcare.
Today, Premier Silver is attending the Council of the Federation meeting of Canada’s Premiers to address issues of national importance and opportunities for collaboration among all provinces and territories.
Yukon Water Strategy final report presented in Carcross
Today the Government of Yukon released the Yukon Water Strategy and Action Plan five-year report. It was presented at the fourth annual Yukon Water Forum hosted by the Government of Yukon and Carcross/Tagish First Nation.
The final report highlights key actions taken since the water strategy was put into place in 2014. These initiatives include work from the Government of Yukon, federal, First Nations, and municipal governments, as well as researchers, industry, and community organizations. The actions include:
New Yukon Permanent Art collection acquisitions exhibited at Yukon College
Natural Connections, an exhibition featuring 11 new works of art in the Yukon Permanent Art Collection, is now on display at the Yukon College Innovation Commons at Ayamdigut campus in Whitehorse.
2019 fall sitting of Yukon Legislative Assembly concludes
The fall sitting of the Yukon Legislative Assembly concluded today. The first sitting of the Third Session of the 34th Yukon Legislative Assembly began on October 3, 2019, with a Speech from the Throne delivered detailing the priorities of the government for the remainder of its mandate.
Three new electric vehicle fast-charging stations available in Yukon
The Government of Yukon has installed the territory’s first electric vehicle fast-charging stations. The three new stations are located in Whitehorse and Carcross and were built with financial support from the Government of Canada.
Three resident pediatricians now serving Yukon
Three resident pediatricians based at the Klondyke Medical Clinic are now serving Yukon. In addition to their practice in Whitehorse, the pediatricians will spend two weeks per month providing services in Yukon’s rural communities, from September to November and January to June each year. The doctors will also liaise directly with all schools in Whitehorse to help support students with complex needs.
Let’s change the conversation about drug use
The Government of Yukon has launched a campaign to help Yukoners learn how to change the conversation about drug use and reduce stigma. The campaign hopes to encourage more understanding and compassion so that people who use drugs feel able to talk openly and ask for help.
Many Yukoners know someone affected by substance use, or someone affected by an overdose-related death of a friend, family member or co-worker. By changing the way we talk about drug use and encouraging more open conversations about substance use, we can start to end the stigma.
Flight Path engagement takes off
Yukoners are being given an opportunity to guide how we invest in the territory’s aviation system. The public engagement launching today will help inform Flight Path, a 10-year investment strategy, on how we prioritize and invest in Yukon’s aviation system.
A 90-day survey and community meetings throughout the territory will give participants a chance to share their views on how our aviation system can be improved.
Leckie Awards recognize excellence in mining practices
The winners of the 2019 Robert E. Leckie Awards were announced yesterday evening at the 47th Annual Geoscience Forum & Trade Show banquet. This year’s recipients were John Alton and Moonlight Mining.
Local firm to design new mixed income housing project in Whitehorse
Local company Kobayashi and Zedda Architects has been awarded the tender for design for the planned mixed use, mixed income housing project at Fourth Avenue and Jeckell Street in Whitehorse.
As part of this design contract Kobayashi and Zedda Architects will provide engineering services for the project and will continue to engage the City of Whitehorse, the Housing Action Plan Implementation Committee and other key stakeholders in the design process to make sure that the project reflects Whitehorse’s community needs.
Contract awarded for multiple projects in Old Crow
This news release has been corrected and updated.
Stantec has been awarded the owner’s advisor contract for the planning and construction of a community Health and Wellness Centre and a mixed-use, 10-unit housing complex in Old Crow.
The Health and Wellness Centre will replace the existing health centre and provide both health and social services with a collaborative care model. The 10-unit housing complex will provide housing stock that will help address community housing needs.
Take Action on Radon Campaign 2019
November is Radon Action Month in Canada and the Government of Yukon is encouraging homeowners to test their homes.
Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking. The invisible, radioactive gas occurs naturally in some soils and may be present in any home in the territory. It enters buildings through cracks, drains, sump pumps and gaps around pipe fittings. If a test shows that radon levels are above the Health Canada guideline of 200 Becquerels per cubic metre (200 Bq/m3) Yukoners are encouraged to take action to remove radon from their home.
Mayo Airport receives Transport Canada certification
Following extensive upgrades, the Mayo aerodrome was certified as an airport by Transport Canada on November 1, 2019. The certification will allow the Mayo airport to support scheduled service on a long-term basis in anticipation of continued resource development in the region, increasing travel options for travellers, industry and Mayo citizens.
