Yukon News Releases
Unique tutor-learner pair receive literacy award
Ted Ackerman, a tutor-volunteer with Yukon Learn, and Kwanlin Dün First Nation Elder Louie Smith are this year’s recipients of the Council of the Federation Literacy Award. Premier Sandy Silver presented the tutor-learner pair with the award today in recognition of their contributions to literacy in the territory and the preservation of First Nation language, stories and history.
Measles Immunization Catch-Up Campaign
A school-based measles catch-up campaign will run in Yukon schools from September 16 to October 4. The purpose of this campaign is to promote and administer vaccination for eligible children from Kindergarten to Grade 12.
The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine will be offered to children who have not previously been vaccinated or who may not have received both recommended doses. Vaccination will protect children who have not been vaccinated as well as those who cannot be immunized due to medical conditions.
Yukon Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Action Plan released today
The Government of Yukon and the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Interagency Advisory Committee are releasing a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Action Plan for Yukon on World FASD Awareness Day.
The Yukon FASD Action Plan is a response to the need for a coordinated approach to address the issue of FASD in Yukon. The plan identifies key priority actions that build on existing programs and services and work together to create better outcomes for citizens with FASD, as well as improve outcomes for families and communities throughout Yukon.
Yukoners to benefit from efficient and reliable green energy
A thriving economy needs strategic investments in green infrastructure to improve the lives of citizens while limiting impacts on the local environment. Investing in innovative green infrastructure also helps create jobs and improve the quality of life of Northerners.
Draft Yukon parks strategy open for comment
The Government of Yukon wants your input on a draft strategy for Yukon parks.
The draft strategy outlines ways communities across Yukon can experience the benefits of parks, which include healthy land, healthy people, and a healthy economy. It lays out strategic actions under eight priorities from 2020 to 2030 that aim to sustainably deliver the environmental, economic, social, and health benefits of parks and campgrounds to users today and for the future.
Northern commitments sought from national party leaders
Canada’s northern premiers have sent letters to each national party leader in advance of the federal election. The letters seek each federal leaders’ views on northern issues while calling for continued collaboration between all governments.
The letters are publicly available on each territorial governments’ website.
More information:
Statement from Premier Sandy Silver regarding the passing of former Premier Dennis Fentie
Premier Sandy Silver issued the following statement regarding the passing of former Premier Dennis Fentie:
Building stronger communities across Yukon with the federal Gas Tax Fund
Joint news release with Government of Canada
The Government of Yukon has received the first of two $8.25 million annual instalments of the federal Gas Tax Fund, along with a top-up of $16.5 million, made available through the Government of Canada’s Budget 2019. This top-up doubles the amount of money for municipalities, unincorporated communities and First Nations in Yukon.
Council of Yukon First Nations takes over administration of Gladue Report Writing Pilot Project
Joint news release with Council of Yukon First Nations
The Council of Yukon First Nations has begun to administer the Gladue Report Writing Pilot Project, taking over from the Yukon Legal Services Society, a non-profit organization also known as Legal Aid. The transfer took place August 1, officially putting the project into the hands of Yukon First Nations.
Government of Yukon signs Letter of Intent with the Republic of the Philippines
The Government of Yukon and the Government of the Philippines have signed a letter of intent to establish a framework to undertake negotiations on immigration programming and pursue cooperation on human resource development between the Philippines and Yukon.
Whitehorse Legion helps Yukon students learn about service and sacrifice
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 254 has donated $21,000 worth of DVD documentaries and educational plans for Yukon students to learn more about the significant service and sacrifice made by Canadian veterans.
These resources include a six-part documentary series and teachers guide created by the Thomega Entertainment Canada Remembers Commemorative School Project. The series covers Canadian men and women in the Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Air force and Royal Canadian Navy during the Second World War, Korean War, Afghanistan and world-wide NATO missions.
Corrections to Yukon student performance data
The Government of Yukon and BC Ministry of Education recently identified errors in Foundation Skills Assessment data provided by BC. These assessments are written at grades four and seven level and measure student progress in reading, writing and numeracy.
New delivery model will expand counselling services in Yukon
A new delivery model will provide Yukoners in all communities with a wider range of high-quality, accessible, and consistent counselling services. In Whitehorse, counselling services will be provided by the Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services (MWSU) branch along with two non-governmental organizations, the Canadian Mental Health Association – Yukon Division and All Genders Yukon Society. Each of these organizations has unique areas of expertise.
Peel Watershed Regional Land Use Plan finalized
The Peel Watershed Regional Land Use Plan has been finalized nearly 15 years after the Peel Watershed Planning Commission was formed.
Painted markings reinforce crosswalk safety
The Government of Yukon is launching a new Back to School Road Safety Campaign featuring a safety message for students and pedestrians.
The campaign reminds children how to cross a street safely by stopping and looking both ways before using a crosswalk. Highly visible painted messaging is being applied at crosswalks near eight elementary schools throughout the Whitehorse area.
Team Yukon wraps up successful 2019 Western Canada Summer Games
Team Yukon returned home from the 2019 Western Canada Summer Games this past weekend. This year, more than 130 athletes competed in 11 sports at the Games in Swift Current, earning 9 medals and achieving many personal bests and goals over 10 days of high-quality competition. This is the most medals Team Yukon has won at a Western Canada Summer Games yet.
New curriculum for Grades 11 and 12
Students in Grades 11 and 12 will start using the new school curriculum in all Yukon schools this fall.
Yukon’s modernized program is based on B.C.’s new school curriculum with adaptations to fit the territory’s northern context. These adaptations include Yukon First Nations’ ways of knowing and doing which will be embedded into curriculum for all grades.
Team Yukon to compete in 2019 Western Canada Summer Games in Swift Current
More than 180 participants with Team Yukon will be in Swift Current, Saskatchewan from August 9 to 18 to compete in the 2019 Western Canada Summer Games.
Yukon athletes between the ages of 13 and 20 years old will compete in 11 sports at the Games, including athletics, basketball, beach volleyball, canoe/kayak, cycling, golf, soccer, swimming, triathlon, volleyball and wrestling.
Athletes, mission staff, coaches and support staff gathered for a pep rally on August 7 in Whitehorse to meet each other and enjoy food, refreshments and activities.
New housing project on Alexander Street receives funding from the 2019 Housing Initiatives Fund
A new affordable housing project in downtown Whitehorse is receiving $400,000 through the 2019 Housing Initiatives Fund. The eight-unit apartment building, including one accessible unit, on Alexander Street will provide homes to Yukoners within walking distance to amenities.
This project will replace the older housing on the lot with a new, energy efficient multi-unit building and use a local company for construction, supporting Yukon’s economy and jobs for Yukoners.
Statement from Premier Sandy Silver regarding the airplane accident near Mayo Lake
Premier Sandy Silver issued the following statement about the airplane accident near Mayo Lake.
