Yukon News Releases
Limits for indoor team sports increase for ages 18 and under
Based on new recommendations from the Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Government of Yukon is easing public health measures.
Effective February 5, 2022, limits on indoor recreational team sports for youth 18 years of age and under will increase to 25 people or 50 per cent of venue capacity, whichever is less.
Activities that can operate under the new limits include, but are not limited to:
COVID-19 boosters for ages 12 to 17 and third doses for immunocompromised children five to 11
Starting Monday, February 7, Yukoners aged 12 to 17, who are fully vaccinated, will be eligible for a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine if they are six months past their second dose.
Rural clinics will start on Monday, February 7, in Carcross. The communities of Haines Junction, Old Crow, Mayo, Dawson City and Watson Lake will also have clinics within the next week. More clinic dates and communities are being scheduled and will be added to Yukon.ca in the coming days.
Joint statement from Minister of Health and Social Services and acting Chief Medical Officer of Health in support of front line workers
Health and Social Services Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee and Yukon’s acting-Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott have issued the following statement:
“We offer our continued gratitude and appreciation to Yukon healthcare professionals and essential frontline workers. Working under incredibly demanding circumstances for the past two years, these everyday heroes have ensured we all continue to have reliable access to services and supplies, and support for our loved ones.
Launch of the celebrations of the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
The Yukon will be marking the launch of the celebrations of 70 years on the throne of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Flag raisingThe Yukon will be joining other Canadian jurisdictions in raising the Jubilee flag at their respective Legislatures. The flag will be raised at the Main Administration Building on Second Avenue on Sunday, February 6 at sunrise and will remain up for the month of February.
Statement from Minister Ranj Pillai on significant anniversaries of Yukon businesses
Minister of Economic Development Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“I want to congratulate several iconic Yukon businesses on significant anniversaries.
“Today, Total North Communications is celebrating 50 years of providing the satellite, radio and communications services that Yukoners rely on to stay connected. From their early roots that brought the Yukon some of its first radio services to the cutting edge technology they provide today, Total North has been a critical part of developing the Yukon.
Government of Yukon preparing study for a Mineral Exploration Fund
Government of Yukon officials are exploring a possible Mineral Exploration Fund to support junior mining companies. The Government of Yukon is preparing to launch a feasibility study to determine how a funding model could be structured to address the needs of the industry within a northern mining context. The Yukon government has engaged with its northern partners on the study scope of work and is looking forward to connecting with our pan-territorial counterparts during the course of the study and how the outcomes can benefit the northern territories.
Statement from Premier Sandy Silver on Dahria Beatty’s participation at 2022 Olympics
Premier Sandy Silver has issued the following statement:
“I join all Yukoners today in congratulating Dahria Beatty as she prepares to compete in cross-country skiing at the 2022 Olympics in Beijing representing Team Canada.
The Yukon’s State of Emergency extended
The Government of Yukon has extended the State of Emergency under the Civil Emergency Measures Act (CEMA) in response to COVID-19. The State of Emergency will be extended for up to 90 days and can be lifted at any time before then if it is no longer needed.
The State of Emergency allows the Government of Yukon to rapidly respond to the ongoing risk of COVID-19 by putting in force and enforcing temporary measures that support the health and safety of Yukoners.
Statement from Premier Sandy Silver and Minister John Streicker on Victoria Gold’s award for excellence in mine development
Premier Sandy Silver has issued the following statement:
“I remember when Victoria Gold poured their first bar of gold in the fall of 2019. They began commercial production on July 1, 2020, and in 2021 they successfully produced 164,222 ounces of gold.
“It is great to see their successful Eagle Gold Mine be recognized by the Association for Mineral Exploration’s 2021 E.A. Scholz Award for excellence in mine development in British Columbia or Yukon.
Indigenous public servants recognized by Premier Sandy Silver in annual Indigenous Employees Award of Honour
Premier Sandy Silver presented the 2021 Indigenous Employees Award of Honour to Shelby Blackjack of the Executive Council Office for her leadership and commitment to the Yukon’s public service.
Statement on the vaccine requirement for Government of Yukon employees
Minister responsible for the Public Service Commission John Streicker has issued the following statement:
“As of now, all Government of Yukon public servants, volunteers and contractors are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This requirement for employment is important to ensure all employees have a safe workplace and can safely provide programs and services to Yukoners.
Hidden Valley Elementary School Independent Review Report released
Minister of Education Jeanie McLean is releasing the Independent Review Report on the response to the 2019 incident at Hidden Valley Elementary School. The report was completed by Vancouver-based lawyer Amanda Rogers following her comprehensive independent review of the response. The independent review began in October 2021 at the request of Minister McLean. Today, Ms. Rogers provided the report to Minister McLean and it was subsequently shared with parents and families of Hidden Valley Elementary School in a meeting with Ms.
Government of Yukon and Yukon Association of Education Professionals ratify new collective agreement
Joint news release with the Yukon Association of Education Professionals.
On January 26, members of the Yukon Association of Education Professionals voted to ratify a new three-year collective agreement with the Government of Yukon. The new agreement will be in place until June 30, 2024.
Mineral claims released by claimholders in Peel Conservation Areas
A number of claim holders have agreed to give up their mining claims within the conservation areas specified in the Peel Watershed Regional Land Use Plan that was approved in August 2019.
Seven companies have relinquished 5,031 of the 7,298 claims that were located in Special Management Areas and Wilderness Areas.
Expanded support for rapid housing project in Whitehorse
This is a joint release with the Government of Canada.
Everyone in Canada deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Affordable housing is a key determinant of community safety as well as pandemic recovery in the Yukon and across Canada.
New funding project to incentivize the installation of up to 200 electric vehicle chargers across the Yukon
This is a joint release with the Government of Canada.
The Government of Yukon and Natural Resources Canada are collaborating to support the installation of up to 200 Level-2 electric vehicle chargers across the Yukon. The project, valued at $2.15 million, will encourage the expansion of Level-2 electric vehicle chargers in public places, on streets, at multi-unit residential buildings and workplaces throughout the territory.
Statement from Minister Jeanie McLean on the unofficial results of the Yukon First Nation School Board referendum
Minister of Education Jeanie McLean has issued the following statement:
“Last night marked a historic moment in the Yukon, as we received the preliminary results of the referendum on the First Nation School Board. These results show that seven school communities have voted yes to have their schools operated by the new Yukon First Nation School Board. The official results of the referendum process will be announced on January 31 and we will have more information to share at that time.
2022 residential rent index increase rises to 3.3 per cent
The Government of Yukon temporarily indexed residential rent increases in 2021 to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Whitehorse. The index limits rental increases to the rate of change in the CPI for the previous year. The Yukon Bureau of Statistics has determined the CPI for Whitehorse has increased from 1 per cent for 2021–22 to 3.3 per cent for the year beginning May 15, 2022.
The Yukon’s minimum wage to increase to $15.70 per hour
Effective April 1, 2022, the Yukon’s minimum wage will increase from $15.20 to $15.70 per hour. This increase is based on the 2021 Consumer Price Index for Whitehorse, which is 3.3 per cent.
The Fair Wage paid to people working on government-tendered construction contracts will increase April 1, 2022, by 3.3 per cent across all four wage categories.
The rise in inflation is increasing costs of everyday life for all Yukoners. This increase will help people earning minimum wage to afford necessities. It will also help businesses attract and retain employees.
