Yukon News Releases
The Yukon ends State of Emergency
The Government of Yukon is ending the State of Emergency in response to COVID-19 on Thursday, March 17, at 11:59 p.m.
The State of Emergency was last declared under the Civil Emergency Measures Act (CEMA) on November 8, 2021, in response to increased spread of COVID-19 in the Yukon. Public health measures under CEMA have been critical to managing the spread of the Delta and Omicron variants of COVID-19 and protecting the health and safety of all Yukoners.
Macaulay Lodge to be demolished and site redeveloped for housing
A Yukon First Nations business, United North Construction Group, has been awarded an over $800,000 contract to demolish Macaulay Lodge, a former long-term care home in Whitehorse.
The company used tools within the Yukon First Nations Procurement Policy such as bid value reductions for being a Yukon First Nations business and hiring Yukon First Nations labour, which ultimately made them the successful candidate for the demolition contract.
Handy Bus to operate seven days a week
The City of Whitehorse’s Handy Bus service is now available to Yukoners seven days a week.
The Handy Bus provides accessible and safe transportation to people who are unable to use standard transit services. People can book their trip in advance for this scheduled service by calling 867-668-8394.
To increase Handy Bus service to seven days a week in Whitehorse, the Government of Yukon increased the value of its agreement with the City to $247,700 for 2022.
Phase one of new Community Safety Planning program announced
Minister of Justice Tracy-Anne McPhee announced the Government of Yukon’s new Community Safety Planning program today.
Phase one of the program will be available to Yukon First Nations governments and will provide up to $200,000 to each First Nations government to support local community safety assessments, planning and initiatives.
2027 Canada Winter Games Bid Committee achieves major milestone
This is a joint release with the City of Whitehorse.
The Government of Yukon and the City of Whitehorse congratulate the Canada Winter Games Bid Committee on reaching the first major milestone in the 13-month process to bring the 2027 Canada Winter Games to Whitehorse.
The committee submitted the technical review information package to the Canada Games Council on March 11. The Technical Review Committee will visit Whitehorse from March 29 to 30, 2022, to conduct a site visit of the venues reviewed in the report.
Joint statement from Minister of Health and Social Services and the acting Chief Medical Officer of Health on the National Day of Observance for COVID-19
Health and Social Services Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee and acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott have issued the following the following statement:
“Today, marks the National Day of Observance for COVID-19. A day to observe all that has been lost, all that has been missed and a day to pay tribute to all that has been sacrificed.
Yukon First Nations Wildfire’s Warrior Program to provide First Nation youth with critical skills and experiences
This is a joint release with the Government of Yukon and Yukon First Nations Wildfire
Yukon First Nations Wildfire and the Government of Yukon has launched the Warrior Program that aims to provide First Nations youth with the skills and experience they need to reach their goals and enter the workforce.
Public engagement underway to review Sharing Common Ground
The Government of Yukon, in partnership with the Council of Yukon First Nations and the Yukon RCMP “M” Division, are reviewing the implementation of the Sharing Common Ground: Review of Yukon’s Police Force that was completed in 2010.
The MMIWG2S+ strategy recommended a review of Sharing Common Ground to assess each recommendation of the report in order to determine what has been successful, what challenges remain and identify any emerging needs.
Twenty-third Yukon resident dies of COVID-19
The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott is reporting another death of a Yukon resident from COVID-19. This brings the total to 23 since the first death was reported in October 2020.
Out of respect for the individual and their family, no additional information will be released.
Amendments to Miscellaneous Statute Law Act tabled
Minister of Justice Tracy McPhee tabled Bill No. 15 today, entitled the Miscellaneous Statute Law Amendment Act, 2022. The Bill proposes amendments that would correct and update 25 Acts that currently have typos, language errors or outdated names and references. These changes are minor and editorial in nature.
Miscellaneous statute law amendments must be made every few years to reflect changes to other Yukon Acts, federal legislation, international agreements or changes to official names.
Amendments to Legal Profession Act, 2017 tabled
Minister of Justice, Tracy-Anne McPhee tabled Bill No. 14 today, which proposes an amendment to the Legal Profession Act, 2017.
The proposed amendment would correct an administrative issue and allow the Law Society to permit a corporation, incorporated in another jurisdiction, to provide legal services in the Yukon. This proposed legislative change will support the Law Society of Yukon processes and ensure access to legal services for Yukoners.
Private seniors residence to pursue Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities Canada accreditation
Normandy Living, the first private seniors residence in the Yukon, will pursue accreditation with the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) Canada.
Accreditation by CARF Canada would enhance the quality of services at the facility and create an opportunity to make operational and service improvements to support their clients and staff.
Normandy Living is scheduled to open to residents in November 2022 and will fill a gap in the housing market by providing supportive housing for seniors for whom long-term care is not a suitable option.
Act to Amend the Child and Family Services Act tabled
Today, Health and Social Services Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee tabled Bill No. 11 in the Yukon Legislative Assembly. The Act to Amend the Child and Family Services Act (2022) would improve outcomes for children, youth and families who are involved with the child welfare system.
The proposed amendments are the culmination of significant work by the Child and Family Services Act Steering Committee, which includes representation from Yukon First Nations and is co-chaired by the Council of Yukon First Nations.
Work to develop Student Outcome Strategy underway
The Government of Yukon is moving forward on its commitment to develop a Student Outcome Strategy that will improve student outcomes in the Yukon, including for First Nations students, rural students and students with diverse learning needs.
The government has contracted IRP Consulting to begin engaging with Yukon First Nations to gather feedback and include their input on the development of the strategy. Following their work with Yukon First Nation governments, there will be opportunities to include student voices as well as feedback from partners and stakeholders.
Eagle feathers unveiled for use in Yukon courtrooms
A ceremony took place yesterday to mark the unveiling of a set of eagle feathers to be used in Yukon courtrooms as part of a series of initiatives aimed at making the law courts more culturally-inclusive for Yukon First Nations and Indigenous Peoples.
The initiative is the result of a joint effort between the Council of Yukon First Nations, Yukon First Nations, the Government of Yukon and judiciary representing both the Supreme Court of Yukon and the Territorial Court of Yukon.
Public input sought as new holiday considered for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The Government of Yukon is considering creating a new general holiday for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in the Yukon and is seeking public input through an online survey from March 8, 2022, to April 30, 2022. In addition, the Yukon government is engaging directly with Yukon First Nations governments to determine their support to create the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a general holiday in the territory.
March snow survey confirms snowpack levels are above to well above average in the Yukon
The Government of Yukon Water Resources Branch has released the March 1 Yukon Snow Survey Bulletin and Water Supply Forecast. The March 1 survey confirms snowpack levels are above to well above average in most major Yukon watersheds.
Amendment to the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act tabled
Minister of Justice Tracy-Anne McPhee tabled Bill No. 13 today, proposing an amendment to the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) Act that would require a review of the legislation.
The Government of Yukon is committed to completing a comprehensive review of the Act. The review will begin in 2023 in order to allow the Department of Justice time to prepare for a full review of the legislation.
Ukrainian Family Support Desk launched to help Ukrainians seek residency in the Yukon and Canada
Yukoners with family members or relatives in Ukraine who are looking for safe haven in the Yukon can now visit the new Ukrainian Family Support Desk. The support desk will help Yukoners and Ukrainians find pathways and resources for Ukrainians who are looking to seek residency in the Yukon and Canada.
The support desk will be staffed by Department of Economic Development staff who are equipped with extensive knowledge of immigration and temporary resident pathways.
The Ukrainian family support desk will:
Old Crow winter road is complete
This is a joint news release with the Government of Yukon and Vuntut Gwitchin Government (VGG).
Last week the Old Crow winter road opened to restricted traffic. The road will help move materials into the community to support infrastructure projects in the coming years, including the new Health and Wellness Centre, a 10-plex housing unit and the Old Crow Elders Complex.
The road spans 280 kilometres from Eagle Plains to Old Crow. The road will not be publicly accessible and the Vuntut Gwitchin Government (VGG) will control access.
