Yukon News Releases
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.
Statement from Minister of Tourism and Culture Ranj Pillai on the Hyatt Place Whitehorse hotel development
Minister of Tourism and Culture Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:
“On December 9th, Northern Vision Development announced plans to construct a 100-room Hyatt Place hotel in downtown Whitehorse on Main Street. This development represents a significant private sector investment in the recovery of the Yukon’s tourism sector.
Government of Yukon and Yukon First Nations meet to discuss Yukon Days meetings
Today, Premier Sandy Silver and his Cabinet, Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston and the Yukon First Nations Chiefs met for the final Yukon Forum of 2021.
The Yukon Forum began with the lighting of a sacred fire at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre to support healing for communities and families across the territory, lift up leadership and promote strength and safety throughout the upcoming holiday season. Leaders discussed this year's Yukon Days along with ongoing collaborative initiatives.
Yukoners to receive higher carbon rebate payments in 2022–23
The Yukon Government Carbon Price Rebate will continue to benefit Yukoners in 2022–23 as individuals are set to receive more money, on average, than they pay in carbon pollution pricing.
Booster shot appointments now available for Yukoners aged 18 and over
Following recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) and the Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health, COVID-19 boosters are now available to eligible Yukoners aged 18 and over.
People in Whitehorse aged 18 and older are now able to book their booster shots at the Whitehorse Vaccine Clinic. In communities, some booster clinics are now open for people aged 18 and older and more clinics will be added in the coming weeks. All Yukoners aged 18 and over who are eligible to get a booster should be able to receive one before the end of January.
The Government of Yukon and the Yukon Association of Education Professionals reach tentative agreement
The Government of Yukon and the Yukon Association of Education Professionals, formerly known as the Yukon Teachers’ Association (YTA), have reached a tentative agreement in collective bargaining on December 2, 2021.
The agreement will be submitted for ratification by the respective parties. No details will be released until the agreement is ratified.
Work on new Yukon First Nations School Board moves forward
The Yukon First Nation School Board Framework announced in June 2021 sets out the process for the creation of a First Nation School Board under the Education Act.
As of October 31, 2021, the following school councils have submitted a resolution to trigger a referendum on their school falling under the authority of a newly established First Nation School Board:
Yukon Permanent Art Collection celebrates 40 years and new acquisitions
In honour of the 40th anniversary of the Yukon Permanent Art Collection, a retrospective exhibition of more than 75 works from different eras of the collection’s holdings is now on display in the Main Gallery at the Yukon Arts Centre.
Entitled Collective Memory, the exhibition features a selection of pivotal works from the past four decades, highlighting the depth and diversity of the collection. Also included in the exhibition are the 21 works added to the Yukon Permanent Art Collection from the 2020/21 call for submissions.
