Yukon News Releases
Government of Yukon and partners to meet at Housing Summit 2022
The Government of Yukon will host the Housing Summit 2022 in collaboration with community housing partners on October 4, 2022.
This year’s Summit focus is on housing vulnerable individuals, showcasing innovative housing solutions within the Yukon and Canada, and advancing proposed actions in response to recommendations from the 2022 Office of the Auditor General report on Housing in the Yukon.
Nominations open for Order of Yukon and Commissioner’s Awards
The Order of Yukon and the Commissioner’s Awards for Bravery and for Public Volunteer Service nominations are now open. These awards recognize Yukoners who go above and beyond in their service to their communities and to the territory. Any Yukoner with outstanding achievements may be nominated to receive an award.
September 30 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a federal statutory day, and Government of Yukon offices, schools and courts will be closed. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation honours the Survivors, families and communities impacted by residential schools in Canada and the continued intergenerational trauma faced by Indigenous communities across the country.
Moderna bivalent COVID-19 booster shots will be available starting October 5
The Health Canada approved Moderna bivalent COVID-19 boosters will be available for Yukoners ages 18 years and older beginning October 5. The bivalent booster will also be offered to people living in long-term care homes.
This vaccine is recommended a minimum of six months after receiving a previous COVID-19 vaccine dose and at least three months after a COVID-19 infection.
Midwifery care expanded to Yukoners across the territory
The Yukon Midwifery Program is now available to Yukoners across the territory.
Pregnant Yukoners from across the territory with due dates in February 2023 or later can now apply to receive midwifery care covered under the Yukon Health Care Insurance Plan. All care, labour and delivery services will continue to occur in Whitehorse, with virtual options for routine appointments.
Paid Sick Leave Rebate program extended for additional six months
The Government of Yukon is extending the Paid Sick Leave Rebate program until March 31, 2023. The program provides up to 10 days’ wages for workers and self-employed individuals who have contracted COVID-19 and do not have access to paid sick days.
Air North, Yukon’s Airline celebrates hosting its three millionth passenger
Yukoners are celebrating as Air North, Yukon’s Airline hosts its three millionth passenger today. This is an impressive milestone for the northern airline, which prides itself on providing passengers with an experience that is “uniquely Yukon.”
New Community Services Building opens in Faro
On September 8, the new Faro Community Services Building officially opened its doors and welcomed Yukoners for a tour of the new space.
The 1,229-square-metre facility was designed to meet the Town of Faro’s unique needs and will house emergency and community services. The new building is also designed to exceed minimum energy efficiency standards by 25 per cent.
The building includes seven vehicle bays, staff offices, shared meeting rooms, parts and tool storage, a morgue and decontamination areas.
Statement from Minister of Health and Social Services on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Month
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee issued the following statement:
“September is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Month and I want to thank everyone who is helping increase awareness and understanding about this challenging condition and the supports available to those living with FASD.
City of Whitehorse and Government of Yukon congratulate Bid Committee on 2027 Canada Winter Games submission
The Government of Yukon and the City of Whitehorse would like to thank the 2027 Canada Winter Games Bid Committee for sharing its proposal to host the 2027 Canada Winter Games.
This national-class sporting event will see more than 2,000 of Canada’s most promising athletes challenge themselves and each other across 21 different sports.
The Yukon to observe National Day of Mourning to mark passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Please note this release has been updated to reflect that Courts will remain open.
The Government of Canada has announced that September 19, 2022, will be a National Day of Mourning to coincide with the state funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II which is taking place that day at Westminister Abbey. The Yukon will be following the lead of the federal government and joining other provinces and territories in observing the National Day of Mourning as a one-time holiday for territorial public sector employees.
Rugged Apprentices pilot program completes three voluntourism projects in Yukon communities
From September 7 to 9, 33 volunteers from across Canada worked on a tourism-related community project in one of three Yukon communities as part of the Government of Yukon’s Rugged Apprentices pilot program. This program offered volunteers a unique opportunity to experience the Yukon, while also helping to improve tourism infrastructure and local attractions.
Ready-to-Learn Schools program launched in more Yukon schools
This year, the Ready-to-Learn Schools program will launch in Yukon schools across the territory.
The universal support program will train teachers and staff to create learning environments that are developmentally responsive, while recognizing that a child’s chronological age may not match their emotional, cognitive or social age. It will also help educators understand how prolonged exposure to toxic stress impacts brain development, functioning and learning.
COVID-19 booster approved and available for children ages five and over
The Government of Yukon is expanding boosters to children ages five and older following the Health Canada approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty children’s booster dose and recommendations from the Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.
To be eligible for a booster dose, six months must have passed since the completion of a primary series. In addition, for children who have recently had COVID-19, a booster is not recommended until at least three months have passed since symptoms started or testing positive.
Statement from Minister Ranj Pillai on Hecla Mining Company’s acquisition of Alexco Resource Corporation
Minister of Economic Development Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
On September 7, 2022, Hecla Mining Company announced it had completed its acquisition of Alexco Resource Corporation.
Government of Yukon shares progress on Our Clean Future goals and releases territory-wide climate risk and resilience assessment
Today, the Government of Yukon released the second annual report on the progress made to implement Our Clean Future: A Yukon strategy for climate change, energy and a green economy.
Nihè dinch'è jì' wë̀tä̀zul Life Promotion / Suicide Prevention Week coming soon to Dawson City
The Tr’ondëk Hwëchin Wellness Department, Mental Wellness and Substance Use (MWSU) and the Roots of Hope Life Promotion and Suicide Prevention Initiative have collaborated to host a week of training and activities during Nihè dinch’è jì’ wë̀tä̀zul Life Promotion / Suicide Prevention Week. Events will be held in Dawson City from September 12 to 16.
Government of Yukon announces second phase of the 2022 Mental Wellness Summit
This is a joint news release with the Council of Yukon First Nations.
The second phase of the 2022 Mental Wellness Summit will take place from September 21 to September 23 at the Sternwheeler Hotel & Conference Centre and Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre.
The Yukon government, in partnership with the Council of Yukon First Nations is hosting this three-day event that will be a discussion on Integration and Innovation in Mental Wellness and Substance Use Support.
Statement from Premier Silver on his future
Premier Sandy Silver has issued the following statement:
“Today, my Caucus met to discuss the priorities we need to focus on to meet the needs of Yukoners.
“Making life more affordable, increasing housing options, improving health care and tackling climate change continue to guide our decisions as a government.
“Since forming government in 2016, we have worked to improve the lives of Yukoners and move the territory forward.
