Yukon News Releases

FireSmart funding program helps 36 groups build wildfire-resilient communities

mer, 06/02/2021 - 16:00

Municipal and First Nations governments, volunteer fire departments, community associations and non-profits across the Yukon are joining forces with the Government of Yukon’s FireSmart funding program to improve community wildfire resiliency.

Over the coming year, 36 groups will receive a total of $1.1 million in FireSmart funding to remove forest fuels from areas near their communities. The Government of Yukon is investing $850,000 through the FireSmart funding program, and the Government of Canada’s Emergency Management Assistance Program is contributing a further $250,000.

June 2, 2021: COVID-19 update

mer, 06/02/2021 - 14:00

The Government of Yukon has the following updates for the Yukon public on measures being taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 cases and recoveries

As of Wednesday, June 1, the COVID-19 case count for Yukon is 84. Eighty-two people have recovered, two people have died and there are no active cases in Yukon. We have tested 7,567 people.

Celebrating the 125th Anniversary of the Discovery of Gold with the Commissioner

mar, 06/01/2021 - 14:29

This summer, join the Commissioner of Yukon Angélique Bernard in commemorating the 125th Anniversary of the Discovery of Gold in Yukon. The Commissioner’s office has organized the following activities:

Exhibit at the Taylor House

On June 1, an exhibit of photos and articles from the Discovery of Gold in Yukon will be on display on the second floor of the Taylor House, 412 Main Street in Whitehorse. The exhibit is open to the public Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Masks are mandatory while inside the Taylor House.

Final report on inclusive and special education released in ceremony

mar, 06/01/2021 - 11:34

The final report of the review of Inclusive and special education in the Yukon was released in ceremony today at the Haa Shagóon Hídi (Learning Centre) in Carcross.

Ministers, Chiefs, Elders and members of First Nations Education Commission and the Advisory Committee for Yukon Education gathered in-person with school communities joining remotely via livestream to honour and acknowledge the stories shared as part of the review and to begin to work on next steps.   

First sitting of 35th Yukon Legislative Assembly concludes

lun, 05/31/2021 - 20:28

Today, the first sitting of the 35th Yukon Legislative Assembly concluded. The Assembly opened with a Speech from the Throne outlining the government’s priorities for its new mandate.

New works added to Yukon Permanent Art Collection after enhanced call for submissions

lun, 05/31/2021 - 17:34

The Government of Yukon is pleased to announce 21 new works of art have been selected for the Yukon Permanent Art Collection.

The new acquisitions include work from Yukon artists Brenda Lee Asp, Luann Baker-Johnson, Emma Barr, Karen Bien, Faye Chamberlain, Marla Charlie, Cécile Girard, Joshua Lesage, Peter Mather, Lena Moon, Randi Nelson, Barb Pratt, Mark Preston, Martha Jane Ritchie, Ramon Joseph Santos, Doug Smarch Jr., Karen Thomas, Donald Watt and Justien Senoa Wood.

Statement from Premier Sandy Silver on the discovery of children’s remains at Kamloops Indian Residential School

lun, 05/31/2021 - 16:03

Premier Sandy Silver has issued the following statement:

“I mourn with Yukoners after the remains of 215 children were discovered on the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School on May 27th. This devastating discovery reinforces Canada’s historic and ongoing struggle with systemic racism. 

Members of Yukon’s Emergency Medical Services team receive Governor General Award

ven, 05/28/2021 - 14:04

This morning, Commissioner of Yukon Angélique Bernard awarded the Governor General’s Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal to 10 members of the Yukon Emergency Medical Services (EMS) team at Shipyards Park in Whitehorse.

The Commissioner and award recipients were joined by Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn, Yukon EMS management, members of Yukon EMS’s allied partner agencies at the Fire Marshal’s Office, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Whitehorse Fire Department, as well as their friends and families.

New Yukon Hospital Corporation Board chair named

ven, 05/28/2021 - 13:52

The Government of Yukon has named Al Lucier as the chair of the Yukon Hospital Corporation Board of Trustees effective June 1, 2021. Lucier will replace previous Chair Brian Gillen whose term expires on May 31, 2021. Lucier has been appointed for a three-year term. As Chair Lucier will continue to oversee the hospital through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Government of Yukon donates $25,000 towards COVID-19 relief in India

jeu, 05/27/2021 - 18:32

Today, the Government of Yukon announced a donation to the Canadian Red Cross to support COVID-19 response efforts in India. A donation of $25,000 will be directed to the Indian Red Cross to support relief efforts and help mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Donations to the Red Cross support the procurement of essential supplies and medicines, including oxygen cylinders for clinics and ambulances.

The Yukon extends State of Emergency

jeu, 05/27/2021 - 18:24

As of today, the Government of Yukon is extending the State of Emergency under the Civil Emergency Measures Act (CEMA).

By extending the State of Emergency, the Government of Yukon remains able to adapt to potential rapid changes in the COVID-19 situation, including monitoring the third wave in Canada and reviewing emerging data on variant spread to inform our decisions.

The State of Emergency will be extended for up to 90 days and can be cancelled at any time.

2021 is the year of the Great Yukon Summer

jeu, 05/27/2021 - 14:10

Please note the release has been updated to reflect that it is a minimum of $250,000 that will be available through the On Yukon Time: Great Yukon Summer Edition funding program. 

With new incentives for Yukoners to explore the world-class opportunities in their own backyard, 2021 is the year of the Great Yukon Summer.

Housing Initiatives Fund supports eight new affordable housing projects

mer, 05/26/2021 - 16:35

The fourth intake of the Housing Initiatives Fund (HIF) will support eight more shovel-ready housing projects over the next two years as well as four housing project development concepts.

The selected projects will support 102 new affordable housing units for Yukoners in Dawson City, Teslin, Watson Lake, Lake Laberge and Whitehorse. These units will be below median market rent for 20 years.

May 26, 2021: COVID-19 update

mer, 05/26/2021 - 14:00

The Government of Yukon has the following updates for the Yukon public on measures being taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 cases and recoveries

As of Wednesday, May 26, the COVID-19 case count for Yukon is 84. Eighty-two people have recovered, two people have died and there are no active cases in Yukon. We have tested 7,469 people.

Public health restrictions to be lifted on May 25

ven, 05/21/2021 - 15:04

As the Yukon’s vaccine uptake continues to increase the Government of Yukon will begin lifting public health restrictions on Tuesday, May 25.

Fully vaccinated people will no longer need to self-isolate upon entry to the territory as of May 25.

These individuals will need to sign a declaration that they have been fully vaccinated and will also need to provide consent for the verification of their vaccination status in order to be exempt from self-isolation requirements.

Dempster Fibre Line construction set to begin

mer, 05/19/2021 - 16:25

Work continues on the Dempster Fibre Line project, an 800-kilometre fibre optic line that will run along the Dempster Highway between Dawson City, Yukon, and Inuvik, Northwest Territories.

ROHL Global Networks, in partnership with Dagoo Services, has been awarded a $67 million dollar contract for the construction of the Dempster Fibre Line. From this, more than 20 per cent of the contract value will be subcontracted to First Nations businesses.

May 19, 2021: COVID-19 update

mer, 05/19/2021 - 14:01

Please note the number of COVID-19 tests for the week was corrected; the proper number is 36.

The Government of Yukon has the following updates for the Yukon public on measures being taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 cases and recoveries

As of Wednesday, May 19, the COVID-19 case count for Yukon is 84. Eighty-two people have recovered, two people have died and there are no active cases in Yukon. We have tested 7,398 people.

COVID-19 vaccination clinics for youth begin May 31

mar, 05/18/2021 - 16:47

The Government of Yukon has scheduled clinics for Yukon youth age 12 to 17 to be vaccinated with the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

Beginning May 31, youth will be able to receive their first doses in Yukon communities. In Whitehorse, first shots will be administered starting June 1. Second dose clinics will start as early as June 23. Everyone who is eligible is encouraged to get their shot for a safe and enjoyable summer.

Clinics in communities will be held in schools. In Whitehorse, clinics will be held at the Coast High Country Inn Convention Centre.

Yukon surpasses 75 per cent vaccination rate

lun, 05/17/2021 - 18:04

Yukon’s COVID-19 vaccination rate has now reached 76 per cent for first doses of the vaccine. As of May 17, 26,242 eligible Yukon adults have received their first dose of the vaccine and 23,236 have had their second dose.

Master plan being developed in the Range Point neighbourhood

lun, 05/17/2021 - 17:00

Joint news release with Kwanlin Dün First Nation.

Kwanlin Dün First Nation (KDFN) and the Government of Yukon are working together for the first time on a joint project to create a master plan for a residential development in Whitehorse’s Range Point neighbourhood.

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