Yukon News Releases
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Support offered to Yukon businesses and organizations affected by new public health measures
Economic Development Minister Ranj Pillai has announced two new funding programs today to assist Yukon businesses and organizations affected by the new public health measures.
The new Yukon Vaccination Verifier app is now available for download
The Government of Yukon’s new Yukon Vaccination Verifier app is available for download. The app will help designated services and establishments verify Yukoners’ proof of vaccination credentials.
The app will scan the QR code located on the proof of vaccination credential and confirm if someone is partially or fully vaccinated. Designated establishments and services can either use the app to verify vaccination status or visually verify. People age 12 and up will be required to show one piece of government-issued photo identification to confirm their identity.
The Government of Yukon recognizes excellence in mining practices
The Government of Yukon has recognized two companies this year for the Robert E. Leckie Awards for excellence in environmental stewardship, outstanding social responsibility and innovation in mining practices.
The Leckie Award for Responsible and Innovative Exploration and Mining Practices went to Slate River Mining. The company is being recognized for innovation and best practices at its placer operations. This included its use of forested leave-strips, a small equipment footprint, low fuel usage and solar systems for camp electricity.
Take Action on Radon: Yukoners urged to test homes for radon this winter
November is Radon Action Month in Canada and the Government of Yukon is encouraging homeowners to test their homes.
Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking. The invisible, radioactive gas occurs naturally in some soils and may be present in any home in the territory. It enters buildings through cracks, drains, sump pumps and gaps around pipe fittings. If a test shows that radon levels are above the Health Canada guideline of 200 Becquerels per cubic metre, Yukoners are encouraged to take action to remove radon from their home.
Twelfth Yukon resident dies of COVID-19
The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. André Corriveau has reported another death of a Yukon citizen from COVID-19. This brings the total to 12 since the first death was reported in October 2020.
There are currently 166 active cases of COVID-19 in the territory.
Statement from Premier Sandy Silver on the selection of Nunavut Premier PJ Akeeagok
Premier of the Yukon Sandy Silver issued the following statement:
“On behalf of the Government of Yukon I would like to congratulate PJ Akeeagok on being selected as the new Premier of Nunavut.
“The Yukon and Nunavut have always enjoyed a strong relationship and I look forward to continuing to work together to advance opportunities that matter most to northerners, including housing, climate change action, responding to mental health and addictions challenges, and advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
Commissioner of Yukon congratulates the recipients of the Public Volunteer Service and Bravery awards
Please note that the recipient's description for the Commissioner's Award for Bravery has been updated.
The Commissioner of Yukon Angélique Bernard announces the 2021 recipients of the Commissioner’s Award for Public Volunteer Service and the Commissioner’s Award for Bravery. The recipients were chosen from nominations submitted to the Commissioner’s Award Advisory Committee.
Fifth Housing Initiatives Fund intake opens to support affordable housing projects
The fifth intake of the Housing Initiatives Fund launched today to support the construction of affordable housing for Yukoners across the territory.
This call for projects includes three streams:
- shovel-ready projects in Whitehorse;
- shovel-ready projects in communities; and
- project concepts.
First Nations governments, First Nations Development Corporations, developers, contractors, community organizations and the public can apply for funding to support projects that will increase affordable housing options in their community.
New COVID-19 measures now in effect
Changes have been made to reflect proof of vaccination requirements.
On November 8, 2021, the Government of Yukon declared a State of Emergency to allow for new temporary measures recommended by the acting Chief Medical Officer of Health to rapidly decrease the transmission of COVID-19 and ensure the territory’s healthcare capacity is not overwhelmed.
Community Services Minister Richard Mostyn has authorized new Ministerial Orders under the Civil Emergency Measures Act that come into effect on November 13, 2021:
Eleventh Yukon resident dies of COVID-19
The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. André Corriveau has reported another death of a Yukon citizen from COVID-19. This brings the total to 11 since the first death was reported in November 2020.
Macaulay Lodge slated for demolition in 2022
A former long-term care home in Whitehorse that is at its end of life will soon be demolished. A building assessment of Macaulay Lodge, which opened in 1969, determined that renovating or repurposing it would not be economical due to its poor condition.
Joint statement on respectful treatment of the Yukon’s health care providers
Premier Sandy Silver and acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott issued the following statement:
“Our territory’s dedicated team of health care professionals are working hard every day to keep Yukoners safe and healthy.
“Following the announcement of new COVID-19 health requirements and emergency measures there have been reports of verbal abuse and insults towards nurses and other front-line staff. This aggressive and unacceptable behaviour is creating safety concerns and it must stop.
Vaccination requirements for designated settings introduced to protect public health
The Government of Yukon is fast-tracking the vaccination requirement for designated settings to support new public health recommendations from the acting Chief Medical Officer of Health. Starting November 13, 2021, people age 12 and up will be required to provide proof of vaccination to access designated establishments and services in the Yukon.
Public engagement on permanent paid sick leave begins
Yukoners are invited to provide their input on how permanent paid sick leave should be established in the territory. An online engagement on this topic is now open and will run until December 10, 2021.
All Yukoners can participate in this engagement by completing a survey, answering a number of quick polls, sharing their ideas and stories or asking questions. This input and feedback will be compiled in a What We Heard summary and shared publicly through the engagement website.
State of emergency declared in response to increased spread of COVID-19 in the Yukon
In the past three days more than 80 cases of COVID-19 have been reported by the Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health, bringing the total number of active cases in the Yukon to 169. In response to this significant surge in COVID-19 cases in the territory and widespread community transmission in Whitehorse, the Government of Yukon is declaring a state of emergency under the Civil Emergency Measures Act (CEMA) effective immediately.
November 8, 2021: COVID-19 case update
The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott reports 80 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, from noon Friday, November 5, until noon Monday, November 8. The number of active cases is currently 169.
The Government of Yukon is considering new recommendations from the acting Chief Medical Officer of Health to act swiftly to help control the rapid spread of COVID-19 within the territory. Yukoners are urged to get vaccinated and practise the Safe 6 and are strongly encouraged to wear a mask in indoor public spaces.
Work set to begin on first project under the Yukon Resource Gateway Program
Whitehorse based company Pelly Construction has been awarded the contract for the Carmacks Bypass Project, a $29.6 million investment to construct a new road and bridge near Carmacks. This project is a key component under the Yukon Resource Gateway Program and a collaborative effort between the Government of Yukon and Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation.
November 5, 2021: COVID-19 case update
The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott reports 44 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, from noon Wednesday, November 3, until noon Friday, November 5. The number of active cases is currently 102. With the increasing number of infected people, many of whom have no known connection to other known cases or exposures sites, the acting Chief Medical Officer of Health has confirmed there is now widespread community transmission of COVID-19 in Whitehorse.
The total number of confirmed cases in Yukon residents since March 2020 is 1017.
