Yukon News Releases
New working group formed to examine post COVID-19 condition
The Government of Yukon has formed a working group to learn more about post COVID-19 condition, or long COVID, and those who are experiencing its effects. Post COVID-19 condition occurs in some people who have been infected with COVID-19 and can result in a wide range of diverse and long-term effects.
The working group will rely on emerging research and personal experiences to develop information and resources for Yukoners, or those caring for Yukoners, with post COVID-19 condition.
The Yukon’s first Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-spirit+ Accountability Forum takes place in Whitehorse
The Yukon Advisory Committee on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-spirit+( MMIWG2S+) hosted the first Accountability Forum on May 18 to 19 at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre in Whitehorse and online.
Cannabis retailers can now offer online sales and home delivery
The Government of Yukon has introduced new regulations under the Cannabis Control and Regulation Act to allow the Yukon’s licensed private cannabis retailers to conduct e-commerce.
Yukoners over the age of 19 can now order cannabis products online and have them delivered to their homes.
Social responsibility requirements for online purchasing and delivery mirror those for in-store sales. For example, delivery persons will be required to verify that the person receiving the cannabis product is of legal age and not intoxicated.
Government of Yukon and municipal leaders connect at 2022 Association of Yukon Communities annual general meeting
This past weekend, Government of Yukon representatives joined municipal representatives and community leaders in Whitehorse for important discussions during the Association of Yukon Communities’ annual general meeting (AGM).
The meeting was held in-person for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began. This was an election year for the Association of Yukon Communities (AYC), with a new executive team chosen for a two-year term:
Bears are awake and active in the Yukon
Conservation officers are reminding the public to be bear aware when enjoying the outdoors. Everywhere in the Yukon is bear country. Whether you are on trails, camping, paddling, gardening, or out for a dog walk in your neighbourhood, take extra precautions to keep you, your loved ones and your property safe.
This year, we want to remind Yukoners of the following:
Statement from Premier Sandy Silver on meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Premier of the Yukon Sandy Silver has issued the following statement:
“Today, I met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Ottawa. We discussed a number of Yukon priorities, including Arctic sovereignty, critical minerals and climate change, community infrastructure, health care and mental health.
“We agreed that Arctic sovereignty comes first and foremost from the people of the North and we re-affirmed our commitment to work together to support healthy, vibrant, thriving and safe communities.
Second COVID-19 boosters offered for people aged 50 and over
The Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health has recommended second COVID-19 boosters to Yukoners who are aged 50 and over. This builds on the previous recommendations announced April 7 for second boosters for people who are aged 70 and over, seniors living in long-term care or other senior congregate living settings and immunocompromised Yukoners.
Throughout the pandemic, data has shown that the main risk factor for severe outcomes from COVID-19 is age. First boosters were also rolled-out in the same way and eligibility expanded based on age.
Air North, Yukon’s Airline completes first-ever direct service between Whitehorse, Yellowknife and Toronto
Air North, Yukon’s Airline, flight number 4N823 landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport Tuesday, marking the first-ever scheduled direct service between Whitehorse, Yellowknife and Toronto.
Northern Premiers discuss shared priorities at 2022 Northern Premiers’ Forum
Today, Premier of the Yukon Sandy Silver, Premier of the Northwest Territories Caroline Cochrane and Premier of Nunavut P.J. Akeeagok met to advance their continued work to help build prosperous, healthy, sustainable and resilient communities across the territories.
The meeting in Whitehorse focused on shared priorities including Arctic sovereignty, climate change, housing, health care and public safety.
Statement from Minister of Health and Social Services on National Nursing Week
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:
“Today marks the start of National Nursing Week, an opportunity to honour the important work of nurses in the Yukon and across the country. Nurses are an invaluable part of our health care system and we depend on them to take care of us and our loved ones. This year’s theme is #WeAnswerTheCall and showcases the many roles nurses play in a patient’s health care journey.
Northern Premiers issue pan-northern leaders’ statement on climate change
Today, Yukon Premier Sandy Silver along with Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok, Northwest Territories Premier Caroline Cochrane and Indigenous leaders from across the North issued the first pan-northern leaders’ statement on climate change.
May 1 snowpack continues to set records across the Yukon
The Government of Yukon Water Resources Branch has released the May 1 Yukon Snow Survey Bulletin and Water Supply Forecast. Results indicate that snowpack continues to be record-setting in the majority of Yukon basins, due to both historically high snowfall throughout the winter and a colder than average month of April delaying the onset of snowmelt.
New Rapid Housing Initiative project opens in Watson Lake
Today, Minister of the Yukon Housing Corporation Ranj Pillai joined Chief of Liard First Nation Stephen Charlie and Mayor of Watson Lake Christopher Irvin for the grand opening of a new affordable triplex housing development in Watson Lake.
Contract awarded to replace Nisutlin Bay Bridge
The Yukon government’s Nisutlin Bay Bridge replacement project has been awarded to Graham Infrastructure LP for $160 million.
The new Nisutlin Bay Bridge will be the largest capital project in Yukon history. It is an incredibly important crossing to the community and serves as a critical transportation link for the territory, the nation and the continent.
The Government of Yukon, Yukon University and ComIT partner to bring coding training to Yukon First Nations students
The Government of Yukon has reached an agreement with Yukon University and ComIT, with the support of Google, to host a coding training program for Yukon First Nations students. The agreement will last for a period of one year.
Participants in the program will be provided with free coding training and have an opportunity to join an entry-level technology position upon graduation from the program.
The Government of Yukon and Yukon University have agreed to:
Northern Premiers’ Forum to take place in Whitehorse
The Government of Yukon is hosting the Northern Premiers’ Forum in Whitehorse, Yukon, from May 8 to 9, 2022. The Premiers of the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut will be in attendance.
Premiers are set to discuss a variety of topics that will advance shared work to continue to build a strong, vibrant and resilient North, including Arctic security, climate change, housing, health care and public safety.
The Yukon Midwifery Program to launch in early July 2022
The Yukon Midwifery Program has hired a second registered midwife and anticipates being able to receive clients at the clinic as early as the first week in July. Whitehorse residents who are in their first 20 weeks of pregnancy will be able to apply for midwifery care prior to the program launch.
The midwifery clinic will be located at 9010 Quartz Road. Midwives will also have privileges at Yukon Hospitals.
The Novavax Nuvaxovid COVID-19 vaccine is now available
Yukoners who are 18 years of age and older and have not received another type of COVID-19 vaccine can now get the Novavax Nuvaxovid vaccine. Novavax is a non-mRNA, protein-based vaccine that is 90 per cent effective in protecting people against COVID-19. The vaccine is a two dose series with doses eight weeks apart.
Yukoners, including those in all rural communities, can access the vaccine by phoning the Whitehorse Health Centre at 867-667-8864. They will be asked for their full name and telephone number and will be followed up with an appointment when one is available.
The Government of Yukon supports launch of Klondike Placer Miners' Association education program
The Government of Yukon is providing over $148,000 to support the Klondike Placer Miners’ Association (KPMA) launch of KPMA 101, an industry-led training and compliance education program for its members.
Built around three core components, KPMA 101 is an app that includes training modules, on-site implementation support and an adaptive management roundtable to ensure concepts are being communicated and implemented.
Series of activities planned for Emergency Preparedness Week
This week is Emergency Preparedness Week and the Government of Yukon is hosting a series of awareness and educational activities.
