Yukon News Releases
/* ES HIDE ALL TABS FOR KUOOT php print render($tabs); */ ?>The Yukon’s first midwifery clinic opens tomorrow
The Yukon’s first midwifery program will start seeing clients July 7, 2022. The launch of the clinic marks the first time comprehensive, regulated midwifery services will be available to Yukoners.
The Yukon Midwifery Program welcomes two midwives who will begin offering high quality and consistent care, and expects to welcome an additional two midwives in the fall. As new midwives join the team and as the program becomes more established in the Yukon’s health care system, the scope of services will expand, from prenatal to postpartum, and the client caseload will increase.
Express Micro-grant for creative and cultural industries to improve funding accessibility
The Express Micro-grant, a new funding program for the Yukon’s creative and cultural industries, will offer $150,000 annually for short-term, economic and growth opportunities starting September 1.
The Express Micro-grant is designed to be flexible and will offer a rolling intake. A simplified application process and reporting requirements, with a quick turnaround time for approvals, will allow the sector to be more responsive to emergent opportunities. The maximum amount available per application is $5,000.
Recoding Futures coding training course begins
The Recoding Futures coding training for Yukon First Nations youth has kicked off. Part one of the course will include four weeks of web programming and, for students who opt in, part two will cover more specific programming language for three months.
Statement from Premier Sandy Silver on Canada Day in the Yukon
Premier Sandy Silver has issued the following statement:
“This weekend Yukoners and Canadians across the country will be celebrating Canada Day. For the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we be able to gather in person with our friends, family and as a northern community to celebrate our country.
Statement from Minister Pillai on the 2022 Arctic Arts Summit
Minister of Tourism and Culture Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
"As the 2022 Arctic Arts Summit held in Whitehorse comes to a close, I would like to recognize and celebrate the success of this incredible international event.
“Our goal with the Arctic Arts Summit was to advance the knowledge, stories and cultures of the Northern and Indigenous nations and Arctic countries of the Circumpolar Region. The past week surpassed our high expectations in every possible way.
Yukoners to benefit from additional services Yukon pharmacists can now offer
The Government of Yukon is introducing permanent changes to what services pharmacists can choose to provide in the Yukon. These changes are similar to those that were introduced on a temporary basis under the COVID-19 State of Emergency.
Effective immediately, participating pharmacists licensed in the Yukon can now choose to:
New partnership initiative to support Yukon's emerging Indigenous artists
The Government of Yukon and the Canada Council for the Arts are pleased to announce the creation and implementation of a new partnership initiative to support Yukon's emerging Indigenous artists and cultural carriers. The Canada Council is partnering with the Government of Yukon to distribute $50,000 in funding to artists in the first year and $150,000 in the second year.
The project launch has been set for early 2023.
Statement from Premier Silver on B.C. Premier John Horgan
Premier Sandy Silver has issued the following statement:
"I am sorry to hear that B.C. Premier John Horgan will not be seeking re-election.
"Premier Horgan is a dedicated leader that has always been a strong voice and advocate for British Columbians. This included transboundary initiatives with neighbours around important issues such as healthcare, transportation and energy.
Statement from Premier Sandy Silver on meeting with Nordic ambassadors
Premier Sandy Silver has issued the following statement:
“Today Minister Ranj Pillai, Minister Nils Clarke and I met with the Nordic ambassadors to Canada, His Excellency Jon Elvedal Fredriksen of Norway; His Excellency Roy Kenneth Eriksson of Finland; His Excellency Urban Christian Ahlin of Sweden; His Excellency Hlynur Guðjónsson of Iceland; and His Excellency Hanne Fugl Eskjaer of Denmark.
Statement from Premier Sandy Silver on the Governor General of Canada’s first visit to the Yukon
Premier Sandy Silver has issued the following statement:
“Today I was honoured to meet with Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, and His Excellency Mr. Whit Fraser as part of their first official visit to the Yukon. It was an opportunity to discuss important issues facing Northern communities, Yukoners and Yukon First Nations.
Daisy Mason Wellness Fund recipient announced
On Friday, June 24, the Commissioner of Yukon Angélique Bernard, on behalf of the Daisy Mason Wellness Fund Advisory Committee, presented this year’s award to Nyla Klugie-Migwans. A member of the Selkirk First Nation, Nyla is planning to organize an event on the land where women can come together for a cleansing ceremony and learn about traditional medicine and teachings. Nyla received $750 to help cover the cost of gas, food and supplies for the event.
Statement from Premier Sandy Silver on the United States Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade
Premier Sandy Silver has issued the following statement:
“I am deeply disappointed in today’s decision from the United States Supreme Court to overturn protections for safe and legal abortions. Nobody should tell a woman what she can and cannot do with her body and this decision strengthens our resolve here in the Yukon to ensure that a woman’s right to choose will continue to be defended and protected.
Public events for Arctic Arts Summit begin this weekend
The lead up to the Arctic Arts Summit begins this Saturday with the public opening of three exhibitions at the Yukon Arts Centre: Held in Copper, A Land Like No Other and TETHER.
Hosted in partnership with the Canada Council for the Arts, the Arctic Arts Summit brings together more than 300 representatives of the Indigenous nations and Arctic countries in the Circumpolar Region to advance the perspectives, stories and cultures of the North and stimulate collaboration in arts and creative industries throughout the region.
Mummified baby woolly mammoth found by gold miner in the Klondike
This is a joint news release with Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin.
On June 21, 2022, a near complete, mummified baby woolly mammoth was found in the Klondike gold fields within Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin Traditional Territory. Miners working on Eureka Creek uncovered the frozen woolly mammoth while excavating through the permafrost. This is a significant discovery for Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin and the Government of Yukon. Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin Elders named the mammoth calf Nun cho ga, meaning “big baby animal” in the Hän language.
Support for tourism businesses impacted by COVID-19 extended
The Government of Yukon has extended and made changes to the Tourism Non-Accommodation Sector Supplement (TNASS) program to provide ongoing support for the Yukon’s tourism sector. The new extension period runs retroactively from April 1, 2022 to July 31, 2022. Changes to the program include:
Applications for the Yukon Midwifery Program are now open
Whitehorse residents who are in their first 20 weeks of pregnancy can now apply for midwifery care.
The Yukon Midwifery Program provides Yukoners with an additional option for safe, integrated care during pregnancy, birth and postpartum, without having to pay out of pocket. Registered midwives are licensed, insured and fully integrated into Yukon’s health care system. They will work closely with other health providers to provide Yukoners with high quality care.
Nominations are open for the Council of the Federation Literacy Award
The nomination period is now open for the 2022 Council of the Federation Literacy Award. The awards are presented annually, in each province and territory, to celebrate the work of educators, volunteers, learners, community organizations and businesses in literacy.
Premier Sandy Silver encourages Yukoners to nominate those who demonstrate outstanding achievement, innovative practice and excellence in adult literacy.
Public input sought on the regulation of geothermal resources
The Government of Yukon is seeking public input on how geothermal resources should be regulated in the territory. The legislation will provide opportunities for developing geothermal resources as renewable energy for generating heat and electricity.
Under Our Clean Future, the Government of Yukon is prioritizing renewable energy solutions and clean alternatives like geothermal to help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and meet the Yukon’s energy needs.
Statement from Premier Silver on National Indigenous Peoples Day
Premier Sandy Silver has issued the following statement:
“I would like to wish all Yukoners a happy National Indigenous Peoples Day tomorrow. This is an important day for all of us to recognize and learn more about Indigenous cultures, arts, history and achievements.
Whitehorse’s Catholic secondary school renamed
The Government of Yukon and the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Secondary School Council are pleased to announce “St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Secondary School” as the new name of the school previously known as Vanier Catholic Secondary School.
The school council, staff, student body, Diocese of Whitehorse and school community supported changing the school’s name and picked this name after accepting suggestions from students and families.