Yukon News Releases
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.
National Kids and Vaccines Day spotlights COVID-19 vaccination confidence
Today is National Kids and Vaccines Day, which focuses on COVID-19 vaccination this year. To mark the occasion, organizations such as ScienceUpFirst, Children’s Healthcare Canada and the Sandbox Project have united to provide the best information available on COVID-19 vaccinations for kids aged five to 11 years of age.
COVID-19 rapid tests going to Yukon schools, early learning programs and communities
With the support of its partners, the Government of Yukon is expanding the availability of take-home, self-administered rapid COVID-19 tests to schools, licensed early learning and child care (ELCC) programs, and communities throughout the Yukon.
Acting Chief Medical Officer of Health declares COVID-19 outbreak at Whistle Bend Place
The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott has declared an outbreak at the Whistle Bend Place long-term care home following the identification of COVID-19 cases among staff and residents in three houses.
The current situation is contained and routine outbreak management procedures are in place, including screening and testing protocols. Additional information has been shared with staff, residents and families.
Sixteenth 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 16 since the first death was reported in October 2020.
Substance use health emergency declared in the Yukon
Health and Social Services Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee has declared a substance use health emergency following a drastic increase in overdose related deaths in the territory.
The Government of Yukon is working closely with partners to advance a range of harm reduction initiatives in response to the emergency. A number of initiatives will be underway including:
Warning issued following increase in opioid-related deaths in the Yukon
The Yukon’s Chief Coroner Heather Jones has confirmed four deaths due to illicit drugs in the first seven days of January 2022. Three of these deaths are the result of fentanyl. Further, the Yukon Coroner’s Service is investigating three more deaths occurring between January 15 and 19 that are suspected to be drug related. Toxicology results related to these three additional deaths are pending.
New temporary public health measures now in force
Stronger public health measures needed to address the rapid spread of COVID-19 in the Yukon are now enforceable under the Civil Emergency Measures Act.
The new temporary public health measures are being introduced to further limit contact between individuals and prevent further strain on public health systems based on recommendations from the Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health.
Public health measures now in effect include:
Statement on the new COVID-19 treatment PAXLOVID
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee and the acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott have issued the following statement:
“The Government of Yukon is pleased that Health Canada has authorized a new drug to treat adults who have been diagnosed mild to moderate COVID-19 and are at risk of developing serious disease.
Stronger public health measures needed to address rapid spread of COVID-19
The Government of Yukon is strengthening public health measures to address the rapid spread of COVID-19 in the Yukon as a result of the highly contagious Omicron variant.
The Yukon is experiencing unprecedented numbers of COVID-19 cases that threaten to overwhelm the territory's health care system.
Based on recommendations from the Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health, new temporary public health measures are being introduced to further limit contact between individuals and prevent further strain on public health systems.
Statement on the opioid crisis and mental health concerns in the Yukon
Premier Sandy Silver and Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee have issued the following statement:
“The start of this year has been extremely difficult and incredibly sad, as our territory continues to struggle with devastating loss of life due to opioids and mental health issues.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies go out to all of the families, friends and communities mourning and navigating these troubling times.
Acting Chief Medical Officer of Health declares COVID-19 outbreak at Copper Ridge Place
The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott has declared an outbreak at the Copper Ridge Place long-term care home following the identification of two COVID-19 cases.
The current situation is contained and routine outbreak management procedures are in place, including screening and testing protocols. Additional information has been shared with residents, staff and families.
Travel recommendations from the acting Chief Medical Officer of Health
The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott is recommending that Yukoners returning from domestic travel monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and self-isolate when they are sick.
This new recommendation removes the recommendation to reduce contacts for the three or five day period following travel that were included in the holiday guidelines on Yukon.ca. This change is being made to reflect that COVID-19 activity is similar in the Yukon to that outside the territory.
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.
