Yukon News Releases
Increased fines and demerits target unsafe driving
The Government of Yukon is taking action to address illegal and dangerous driving behaviour around school buses by increasing fines and demerits under the Summary Convictions Regulation and Motor Vehicles Regulations.
Fines for drivers who fail to stop for a school bus that is receiving or discharging passengers have increased to $500 from $200. Fines for drivers who pass a bus illegally will also face a fine of $500, increased from $200. Demerit points for both offences have increased from five to eight points.
Yukoners benefit from Gas Tax Fund projects
Today in Whitehorse Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for Yukon on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and the Honourable John Streicker, Minister of Community Services, Government of Yukon announced a total of $2.79 million in funding from the federal Gas Tax Fund for 11 newly approved and nine completed projects.
City of Whitehorse Mayor Dan Curtis, Village of Teslin Mayor Gord Curran and Village of Carmacks Mayor Lee Bodie joined them for the announcement.
Finance deputy minister departing government
Premier Sandy Silver announced today that Katherine White, deputy minister for the Department of Finance, has decided to leave the Government of Yukon for personal reasons. She has indicated that her last day with the Government of Yukon will be April 26.
This timeframe for White’s departure will allow for a smoother transition to new leadership for the department.
Midwifery engagement What We Heard report released today
The Government of Yukon has released a report on the results of the midwifery public engagement. The What We Heard document reflects the views expressed by participating Yukoners during the engagement period in the fall of 2018.
The purpose of this public engagement was to gain a better understanding of Yukoners’ perspectives as the territory moves towards regulating, funding and integrating midwifery into the healthcare system. Between September 20 and December 14, 2018 more than 600 Yukoners participated in the online survey and in-person focus groups.
Improvements made for 2019 permit hunt authorization lottery
The Government of Yukon is implementing a series of changes to improve and modernize the permit hunt authorization lottery.
The changes follow a technical review of lottery data, processes and policies conducted by Make IT, which confirmed earlier findings regarding challenges with duplicate files and data merging that have now been addressed. The changes were also informed by broader public engagement on the rules, regulations and processes used for the lottery.
New food service opportunity coming to Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport
The Government of Yukon is modernizing the restaurant area within Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport and will be putting out a tender for food services this spring. The existing Shanthi’s Airport Restaurant is closing on February 27 after serving travellers for close to a decade.
Renovations to enhance the facilities and maximize space will start in March and continue throughout the summer. The goal is to have new food services in place by the fall.
Have your say on a recycling fee for single-use bags
The Government of Yukon wants to hear from Yukoners about how to apply a recycling surcharge on single-use shopping bags including the surcharge amount, type of bags, potential exemptions, timing and approach for implementation.
A recycling surcharge for single-use bags will help make recycling in Yukon more financially sustainable while encouraging the use of reusable bags.
Feedback can be submitted before April 26, 2019 at engageyukon.ca.
Ten regional economic development projects slated for local companies
For the second year in a row the Government of Yukon is using all 10 of its $1 million trade agreement exceptions to boost regional economic development in the territory. Projects selected this year will grow local industry through infrastructure upgrades, building construction, consultant design services and safety improvements. Only Yukon companies are invited to bid on these tenders.
Yukon and Alaskan officials discuss cross-border opportunities
Premier Sandy Silver met with Alaska’s new Governor Mike Dunleavy and Senator Lisa Murkowski in Juneau, Alaska, on February 19 to discuss cross-border opportunities.
This was the first time Premier Silver and Governor Dunleavy have met since the Governor’s election to office in November 2018. The meeting included a discussion of topics of shared interest such as infrastructure, economic development and the growing northern tourism industry.
Private retail cannabis licence applications available
The Yukon Liquor Corporation will begin accepting applications for private retail cannabis licences on February 20, 2019. Applications are available online and through the Yukon Liquor Corporation.
Once an application is complete and the period for public comments has passed the Cannabis Licensing Board will review the application package. The Cannabis Control and Regulation Act requires that all persons who sell cannabis have cannabis retail training. The Yukon Liquor Corporation will be offering this training to retailers in March 2019.
Government of Yukon supports successful Indigenous economic development conference
Indigenous businesses, leaders and development corporations gathered in Whitehorse earlier this week for the Arctic Indigenous Investment Conference. The conference was hosted by the Yukon First Nation Chamber of Commerce and welcomed attendees from across the North.
The Government of Yukon provided $50,000 towards the conference which took place from February 12 to 14.
The 2019 Arctic Inspiration Prize ceremony was held during the conference as well as sessions focused on Indigenous development corporations, tourism, mining, natural resources and investment.
Government of Yukon and Yukon First Nations meet for Yukon Forum
Yukon’s Premier, Cabinet members, Council of Yukon First Nations Chief and Yukon First Nations Chiefs met today at the Nàkwät’à Kų̀ Potlatch House in Whitehorse for the Yukon Forum.
Leaders discussed mining, economic development, the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework and the next Intergovernmental Forum with the federal government.
Government of Yukon overhauls procurement
The Government of Yukon’s new procurement policy represents a comprehensive overhaul of government procurement that helps businesses access contracting opportunities, increases consistency and allows more flexibility in sourcing goods and services.
The new procurement policy clarifies roles and responsibilities and will guide government staff on how to increase opportunities for Yukon businesses to support sound decision-making. It comes into effect on April 1, 2019.
Team Yukon goes to Red Deer for 2019 Canada Winter Games
Over 150 Team Yukon athletes are travelling to Red Deer, Alberta, to compete in the 2019 Canada Winter Games. Athletes will compete in several sports including alpine skiing, gymnastics, judo, snowboarding and synchronized swimming.
The games take place between February 15 and March 3 in Red Deer, with some events to be held in nearby Calgary and Kananaskis.
Special warrant issued for infrastructure and land development spending
The Government of Yukon has issued a special warrant to meet the demand for infrastructure and land development projects across the territory this fiscal year.
The special warrant provides additional budgetary authorization for up to $20 million to maximize benefits to Yukon communities, with $15 million for infrastructure development and $5 million for land development.
Public engagement begins on regulatory approach to off-road vehicles
Public engagement is now open on the Government of Yukon’s proposed approach for regulating off-road vehicle use in Yukon. The Government of Yukon is also consulting with Yukon First Nations and transboundary Indigenous groups on the development of this off-road vehicle regulation.
The proposed approach to regulation will provide an effective regime to prevent, reduce and mitigate the environmental impacts of off-road vehicle use on public land, while recognizing the needs of responsible off-road vehicle users.
New administrator of Culture Quest Fund announced
Joint news release with the Dawson City Arts Society
The Dawson City Arts Society (DCAS) will assume administration of the Culture Quest funding program starting in April 2019.
The Culture Quest program makes $157,000 available annually to inspire the growth of culture and arts in Yukon by supporting cultural crafts and skills, as well as visual, literary and performing arts. It also supports First Nations cultural gatherings and festivals around Yukon, and the preparation and development of work to be showcased nationally and internationally.
New senior-level Department of Education position focuses on First Nations initiatives
Joint news release with Ta’an Kwäch’än Council
The Government of Yukon and the Council of Yukon First Nations’ Chiefs’ Committee on Education are working together to establish a new assistant deputy minister (ADM) of First Nations Initiatives position within the Department of Education. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Call to Action #62 calls on governments to establish senior level positions dedicated to Aboriginal content in education.
Government of Yukon attending Mineral Exploration Roundup
Premier Sandy Silver and Energy, Mines and Resources Minister Ranj Pillai are in Vancouver this week to promote the Yukon’s mineral resources at the annual Mineral Exploration Roundup. The Premier and Minister will hold a number of meetings while at the conference to highlight Yukon’s mineral potential while supporting responsible resource development and sound environmental management in the mineral sector.
Government of Yukon’s Independent Power Production policy implemented
The Government of Yukon has fully implemented the Independent Power Production policy, allowing First Nation governments, communities and entrepreneurs to generate renewable energy and feed it into the electrical grid to help meet local demands.
