Yukon News Releases
Commissioner Bernard presents Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers to Jean Smeeton
Commissioner Angélique Bernard visited Jean Smeeton at her home to present a certificate and the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers on behalf of Governor General Julie Payette.
Jean Smeeton has been serving the patients and staff of the Whitehorse General Hospital for more than 44 years. As part of her long and faithful service with the Women's Auxiliary, her tasks have ranged from fundraising and pushing the tuck cart to providing secretarial services. She is committed to making the hospital a friendlier place for everyone.
Draft Condominium Regulations released for extended consultation
The Government of Yukon is releasing draft regulations for the Condominium Act and extending the consultation period until March 1, 2019.
Originally, the consultation period was to run from November 27, 2018, to January 25, 2019 using detailed consultation documents. During the first month of the consultation and at the initial meeting members of the public asked to see the current draft regulations themselves and asked for an extension of the consultation to review the draft regulations.
Cannabis Licensing Board announced
The Government of Yukon has appointed five members to form Yukon’s first Cannabis Licensing Board. This represents a significant step toward establishing the private cannabis retail model.
The Cannabis Control and Regulations Act provides the board with the sole authority to approve licences, determine licensing conditions, and hold hearings related to a licence application. The board is arm's-length from the Government of Yukon in its decision-making and authority.
The five Cannabis Licensing Board members are:
2019 Housing Initiatives Fund open for submissions
The Government of Yukon opened the $3.6 million 2019 Housing Initiatives Fund for project submissions today. This call for projects supports more affordable housing options for Yukoners by funding new housing across the territory.
First Nations governments, First Nations Development Corporations, developers, contractors, community organizations and the general public can apply for this funding with projects that will increase affordable housing options in their community.
Leadership shuffle in Government of Yukon departments
Premier Sandy Silver has made changes to the leadership positions in the Executive Council Office, the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources, the Department of Community Services and the Yukon Liquor Corporation.
Stephen Mills will move from his role as Deputy Minister with the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources to the role of Deputy Minister with the Executive Council Office and Cabinet secretary. Mills is replacing Jim Connell who is retiring from government.
Proposed framework for Government of Yukon carbon price rebate announced
The Government of Yukon has released its proposed framework for the territory’s carbon price rebate, which will form the basis of new territorial legislation to return carbon pricing revenues to Yukoners.
The framework outlines the amount, frequency and requirements for each group set to receive a territorial rebate.
The Government of Yukon has made a commitment to return all revenues returned from the Government of Canada to individuals, businesses, First Nations governments and municipal governments.
Yukon Teachers’ Association and the Government of Yukon ratify new collective agreement
Joint news release with the Yukon Teachers’ Association
On January 14, members of the Yukon Teachers’ Association (YTA) voted to ratify a new three-year collective agreement with the Government of Yukon. The new agreement will expire on June 30, 2021.
The revised agreement includes a range of provisions including changes to maternity and parental leave, defining the criteria to convert temporary employees to indeterminate employees, and enabling substitutes to be included in the YTA bargaining unit.
Dawson City wastewater treatment plant not sustainable, Government of Yukon begins work with City of Dawson on a solution
The Government of Yukon has started conversations with the City of Dawson on the future of its wastewater treatment plant. The lifecycle of the plant has been severely limited by rising costs and performance issues. The government is supporting the City of Dawson to begin planning on a new wastewater treatment option, which will be operational by 2026 or earlier.
Regulation for private cannabis retail licensing announced
The Government of Yukon has introduced new regulations under the Cannabis Control and Regulation Act for private retail sales of non-medical cannabis in the territory.
The Cannabis Licensing Regulation outlines what is required for a Yukon business to become a cannabis retailer and how to operate under a standard licence. This includes the application process, fees, physical location restrictions and regular reporting requirements.
New accessible duplex opens in Porter Creek
Joint news release with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Two new homes in Porter Creek are ready for Yukon Housing Corporation tenants to move in. The duplex has accessible two-bedroom units on both sides that are 1,000 square feet each, energy-efficient and built to an EnerGuide 85 rating.
These accessible units replaced an old social housing unit that was not economically feasible to repair. Yukon Housing Corporation will own and operate these homes as part of the Rent-Geared-to-Income program.
FireSmart projects prepare and protect Yukon communities
Over 25 FireSmart projects are underway to make Yukon communities more resilient and to defend them against wildfires.
Each year the Government of Yukon provides funding to organizations for FireSmart projects that space trees and clean underbrush in forests in and around Yukon communities. Municipal governments, First Nations governments, non-for-profit organizations and community organizations are eligible to apply for FireSmart funding.
Government of Yukon partners with Skookum Jim Friendship Centre to support Yukon youth
Joint news release with Skookum Jim Friendship Centre
The Government of Yukon and Skookum Jim Friendship Centre (SJFC) have reached an agreement to provide youth access to services following the scheduled closure of the Integrated Supports for Yukon Youth (ISYY) office in February 2019.
In order to maintain continuity of services and support for youth who access ISYY, the SJFC will hire two outreach youth support workers in the coming weeks. Following the closure of ISYY, youth will have access to the same level of service through the SJFC offices.
20 community projects receive over $700,000 in support from the Community Development Fund
The Government of Yukon’s Community Development Fund is supporting 20 community projects that bring economic, social and cultural benefits to Yukoners. In addition to employment opportunities, the projects support recreation, skill development, language revitalization, cultural and educational initiatives, and improvements to community infrastructure.
Government of Yukon and Salvation Army reach transfer agreement
The Government of Yukon and The Salvation Army have reached an agreement in principle to transfer the ownership and operations of the Centre of Hope to the Government of Yukon. The agreement is subject to Management Board approval.
The agreement in principle was reached through a collaborative process undertaken between the two parties. Both organizations have a keen interest in ensuring that vulnerable and at risk Yukoners receive the services and supports that they need, and that interest has been a driving force in this process.
Government of Yukon and Yukon Teachers’ Association reach tentative agreement
Joint news release with the Yukon Teachers’ Association
The Government of Yukon and the Yukon Teachers’ Association reached a tentative agreement in collective bargaining on December 6, 2018.
This agreement will be submitted for ratification by the respective parties. No details will be released until the agreement is ratified.
The current collective agreement expired on June 30, 2018.
Government of Yukon’s Performance Plan updated
The Government of Yukon has released the first update to the Performance Plan it issued in March 2018, continuing to outline the steps it is taking to make Yukon a more just, prosperous and sustainable society.
The Performance Plan tracks the Government of Yukon’s progress in eight priority areas: health and wellbeing, education, reconciliation and government-to-government relationships, environmental quality, housing and infrastructure, safety, jobs and the economy, and responsible government.
The governments of Canada and Yukon work together to increase access to treatment options for people with substance use disorders
The opioid crisis is devastating individuals, families and communities across the country. Without increased access to effective, evidence-based treatment options, people with substance use disorder will continue to be at risk for overdose.
Today, on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health, Member of Parliament, the Honourable Larry Bagnell and the Honourable Pauline Frost, Yukon’s Minister of Health and Social Services, announced a bilateral agreement under the Government of Canada’s Emergency Treatment Fund.
Government of Yukon and Yukon First Nations meet for final Yukon Forum of 2018
Joint news release with the Council of Yukon First Nations and Yukon First Nations governments
Yukon’s Premier, Cabinet members and Yukon First Nations Chiefs met today in Whitehorse for the fourth Yukon Forum of 2018.
Leaders discussed a range of issues and initiatives, including fish and wildlife, corrections, child welfare, land use planning and a newly-created Joint Senior Executive Committee made up of Government of Yukon Deputy Ministers and Yukon First Nations Executive Directors.
Family enhancement team established in McIntyre
This is a joint news release with Kwanlin Dün First Nation.
In partnership with Kwanlin Dün First Nation, the Government of Yukon has established a family enhancement team in the McIntyre subdivision in Whitehorse to foster reconciliation and improve outcomes for Kwanlin Dün families and children.
Challenge receives $1.15 million for Cornerstone Housing project
The Government of Yukon has provided $1.15 million to the Challenge Disability Resource Group towards the development and construction of their Cornerstone Housing project in Whitehorse. The money will support project development, including land preparation, architect fees and other design costs, and will help Challenge leverage additional funding from other sources to advance the project.
