Yukon News Releases
Mis à jour : il y a 22 min 1 sec
New media funding programs support Yukon content creators
The Government of Yukon is launching new film, television and digital media funding programs to support the territory’s media content creators and provide economic benefits and employment opportunities to Yukoners working in screen based industries. These programs consist of the Predevelopment Fund, Development Fund, Media Production Fund and the Training Fund.
The Yukon is providing take-home, self-administered rapid COVID-19 tests for people with symptoms
To help meet the growing demand for testing in response to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, the Government of Yukon is providing rapid antigen tests to Yukoners with symptoms of COVID-19 free of charge.
Additional public health measures in force
Additional public health measures intended to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 and limit impacts on the Yukon’s health care system are now enforceable under the Civil Emergency Measures Act.
These additional temporary public health measures are based on recommendations from the Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health:
Government of Yukon updates COVID-19 testing approach
Based on the recommendations of the acting Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Government of Yukon is adjusting its approach to testing for COVID-19 in response to the advent of the new Omicron variant of concern.
With widespread community transmission of Omicron throughout the territory and across Canada, there is no longer the capacity to use lab-based PCR tests for most people to confirm whether they have COVID-19.
Omicron cases increasing quickly
Covid-19 case counts are on the rise in the territory with 158 new cases since Friday, December 31, 2021, 245 active cases and 32 per cent test positivity rate.
The acting Chief Medical Officer of Health is urging the public to stay home when sick with even the mildest of symptoms.
Additional public health measures introduced in response to spread of Omicron variant in the Yukon
Please note Yukoners are strongly encouraged to follow these new measures immediately and they will be enforced under the Civil Emergency Measures Act starting on January 7, 2022 .
Based on new recommendations from the Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health, additional temporary public health measures are being introduced in the Yukon to limit the spread of COVID-19. In recent days there has been a significant increase in active cases of COVID-19 in the territory as well as community transmission of the Omicron variant.
Fifteenth Yukon resident dies of COVID-19
The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott has reported another death of a Yukon citizen from COVID-19. This brings the total to 15 since the first death was reported in October 2020.
There are currently 106 active cases of COVID-19 in the territory. There have been 26 new cases in the last 24 hours.
Early sign of community transmission of Omicron variant in the Yukon, new recommendations introduced
A significant increase in active cases of COVID-19 is an early sign of community transmission of the variant of concern, Omicron, in the Yukon.
There were 34 new active cases of COVID-19 reported this morning.
Camping fees set to increase in 2022
As part of the implementation of the Yukon Parks Strategy, camping fees for Yukon campgrounds are going up in 2022 for the first time in 20 years. The new fees will contribute to the maintenance and sustainability of the Yukon’s world-class system of parks and campgrounds so that users can continue to have access to quality, affordable camping experiences now and in the future.
Call for Youth Panel on Climate Change applicants
The Government of Yukon is calling for applications to form the next Youth Panel on Climate Change that will provide perspectives and advice to the Yukon government on how to address climate change in the territory.
Yukon youth ages 13 to 25 are encouraged to apply. The deadline for application is January 21, 2022.
Panel members will reflect the diversity of Yukon youth and will have a keen interest in helping others learn about climate change and how to take meaningful action.
School communities to vote on joining the first Yukon First Nation School Board
Announced June 2021, the Yukon First Nation School Board Framework sets out the process for the creation of a First Nation School Board under the Education Act.
As of December 13, 2021, the following school councils and school communities have submitted a resolution or a verified petition to trigger a referendum:
Shingles vaccine program expanded
The Government of Yukon is expanding the eligibility for the publicly funded shingles vaccine program for Yukoners. The Shingles vaccine will be available starting December 6, 2021, in Whitehorse pharmacies to all Yukoners aged 65 to 79. The previous age eligibility was for those 65 to 70.
Shingles is a painful condition caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus. After someone has had chickenpox, the virus lies inactive in nerve tissue. Years later, the virus may reactivate as shingles, which manifests as an unpleasant rash.
Leadership update in the Department of Tourism and Culture
Premier Sandy Silver has made an update to the leadership position in the Department of Tourism and Culture.
Justin Ferbey has been appointed as Deputy Minister for the Department of Tourism and Culture, along with his existing role as Deputy Minister for the Department of Economic Development and President of the Yukon Development Corporation.
This appointment is effective immediately.
Development of public health agency underway as Putting People First implementation continues
The Government of Yukon is working to establish a new public health agency for the Yukon as part of the ongoing implementation of the Putting People First recommendations. Premier Sandy Silver has appointed Michael Hale as an additional Deputy Minister with the Department of Health and Social Services to oversee the development of the new public health agency.
Statement from Premier Sandy Silver on the passing of Alice McGuire
Yukon Premier Sandy Silver has issued the following statement:
“Today we recognize the passing of Ta’an Kwäch’än Citizen Alice McGuire who was the first female Yukon First Nations member of the Yukon Legislative Assembly.
“Alice honourably represented the district of Kluane from 1978 to 1982, and continued in public service as a member of Ta’an Kwäch’än Council and Ta’an Kwäch’än Elder’s Council.
“Alice’s legacy of leadership is forever etched into the history of the territory and will continue inspiring future generations of leaders who follow in her footsteps.
Yukoners recommended to avoid all international non-essential travel, cautioned against domestic travel
The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott is advising Yukoners to follow federal guidance prior to any travel outside Canada. This guidance has recently changed due to the Omicron variant and is updated regularly. Many countries around the world are experiencing community transmission so it is important to follow the federal travel advice. Caution is also advised for those planning to travel within Canada due to early community transmission of Omicron within some regions of Canada.
Canada supports rapid housing projects in Whitehorse
Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for affordable housing and led to rising levels of homelessness.
Eleven groups receive funding to support marginalized youth
Yukon youth will benefit from over $45,000 awarded to 11 community groups through the Youth Investment Fund. The groups received funding for a variety of arts, recreation and educational programming, including an art camp, music camp, snowboard program and wall climbing.
The Youth Investment Fund provides financial support to short-term projects aimed at providing marginalized youth under 19, who may face discrimination, with opportunities to participate in activities in positive environments.
Control measures in place as COVID-19 outbreak declared at Whitehorse Correctional Centre
The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health is undertaking contact tracing for a COVID-19 outbreak at the Whitehorse Correctional Centre. The outbreak includes three cases at this time and contact tracing is ongoing.
Control measures were quickly implemented by the Whitehorse Correctional Centre, including visitor restrictions since the cases were first detected.
