Yukon News Releases
/* ES HIDE ALL TABS FOR KUOOT php print render($tabs); */ ?>Statement from Premier Silver on passing of Archie Lang
Premier Silver has issued the following statement:
“I am saddened to learn of the passing of Archie Lang. Archie was very committed to the territory and had an impressive political career. He was first elected to the Yukon Legislative Assembly in the general election on November 4, 2002 and continued to represent Porter Creek Centre as an MLA in the Yukon Party until 2011.
Changes to Territorial Lands (Yukon) Act proposed
Energy, Mines and Resources Minister Ranj Pillai tabled amendments to the Territorial Lands (Yukon) Act today in the Yukon Legislative Assembly.
To ensure that Yukon’s resource economy grows in a sustainable and environmentally responsible way, the amendments to the Territorial Lands (Yukon) Act would provide more clarity to resource companies, and additional administrative and enforcement tools for regulators.
$40 million Northern Carve Out funding for housing in Yukon announced
Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home.
Tender issued for construction of the Whistle Bend elementary school
Today, the Government of Yukon issued a design-build tender for the first new elementary school in Whitehorse in more than 25 years.
The Whistle Bend elementary school will accommodate up to 425 students from Kindergarten to Grade 7 from Whistle Bend and the surrounding area. The successful contractor will work with the Owner’s Advisor, Colliers Project Leaders, to design a school that reflects the needs and goals of the school community.
Economic resilience plan will support local businesses
The Government of Yukon has released its economic resilience plan to help Yukon’s economy rebound with responsiveness and adaptability while Yukoners remain safe and healthy.
The economic resilience plan is a strategic response that looks at current planned projects and programs with an eye to maximizing benefits while outlining new initiatives to support Yukoners as we adapt and build economic resilience.
New Workers’ Safety and Compensation Act tabled
Minister Jeanie McLean tabled Bill No. 22, the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Act, in the Legislative Assembly today.
The new Act would modernize and amalgamate the Workers’ Compensation Act and Occupational Health and Safety Act.
March 10, 2021: COVID-19 update
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 recoveriesAs of Tuesday, March 9, the COVID-19 case count for Yukon is 72. Seventy-one people have recovered, one person has died and there are no active cases. We have tested 6,712 people.
Government of Yukon expands orthopedic program, soon to begin offering hip replacements
The Government of Yukon, the Yukon Hospital Corporation and the territory’s current two orthopedic surgeons have signed a memorandum of understanding to add a third surgeon to the orthopedic team and further enhance musculoskeletal services for Yukon.
The additional orthopedic surgeon will help reduce wait times for elective surgeries and increase the number of surgeries conducted in the territory for patients who would otherwise have to travel out of territory for surgery. The new surgeon is expected to begin in April 2021.
Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act amendments tabled in the Yukon Legislative Assembly
Minister of Justice Tracy-Anne McPhee tabled Bill No. 20 today, proposing amendments to the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) Act.
The SCAN Act enables the SCAN Unit to investigate complaints received from the public and take action when illegal or dangerous activity is occurring on a property that negatively affects the neighbourhood. Each activity the SCAN Unit can investigate is identified in the Act as a "specified use", which currently includes illegal drug and alcohol activities and prostitution.
Amendment to Family Property and Support Act tabled
Minister of Justice, Tracy McPhee tabled Bill No. 19 today, a proposed amendment to the Family Property and Support Act. The proposed amendment will allow greater access to spousal support for former common law spouses by removing the time limit for support applications.
New economic development program to support growth and diversification
Please note that the information session dates hosted by the department have been updated.
Today, Economic Development Minister Ranj Pillai announced the launch of a new program to maximize the impact of funding investments in response to the needs of Yukon businesses. The new Economic Development Fund provides greater funding flexibility so clients can undertake a wider range of projects that will increase local spending and employment opportunities throughout the territory.
Yukon receives more than $3 million in funding for virtual health care services
A bilateral agreement between the Government of Yukon and the Government of Canada will provide funding to increase the capacity to provide virtual care to residents across Yukon.
Universal child care program will make life more affordable for Yukon families
To support Yukon families and make their lives more affordable, the Government of Yukon is investing more than $25 million in 2021–22 towards early learning and child care initiatives. This includes approximately $15 million for a new Yukon-wide universal child care program.
Licensed child care operators who opt into the new universal child care program will receive additional funding from the Government of Yukon, which will benefit families through reduced monthly fees.
Child Care Act amendment tabled
Education Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee tabled Bill No. 18 today, proposing amendments to the Child Care Act to better support Yukon families and early learners.
The Government of Yukon is requesting proposals for a full review of the rural fire service
The Government of Yukon is committed to completing a transparent review of the current state of the fire service in rural Yukon, with special attention to the community of Keno.
We have released a Request for Proposals for a value-driven service contract for a full, independent review of the fire service in rural Yukon. The review will include an environmental scan, community engagement and a comprehensive report complete with recommendations to the Government of Yukon.
Next steps to move Yukon towards living with COVID-19
The Government of Yukon has released A Path Forward: Next Steps, a strategy outlining how Yukon will move forward through the next phases of the pandemic. The approach focuses on reducing or modifying COVID-19 restrictions. It is contingent on the territory's overall vaccination rate, the new case count remaining low, the understanding and impact of the COVID-19 variants, and ongoing adherence to public health measures.
Virtual conference to promote Yukon’s mineral sector globally
The Government of Yukon is participating in this year’s virtual Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) annual conference, from March 8 to 11. As part of PDAC, the Government of Yukon is proud to be associated with Invest Canada North, which is a strategic mining industry-led investment attraction initiative during the annual Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada conference.
Budget makes life more affordable with historic investments in Yukon families, infrastructure and renewable energy
Today, Premier and Finance Minister Sandy Silver tabled the Government of Yukon’s 2021–22 Budget. The $1.79 billion budget is focused on improving the lives of Yukoners and includes significant investments in education, housing, community infrastructure and renewable energy projects.
Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health and Deputy Chief receive COVID-19 vaccine
Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley and Deputy Chief Dr. Catherine Elliott received their COVID-19 vaccines today. Both were vaccinated this afternoon at the clinic in Whitehorse.
The clinic opened for all residents, age 18 and older on Monday, March 1, making Whitehorse the first capital city in Canada to open general public clinics. As of March 1, 32 per cent of adult Yukoners had received their first dose of the vaccine. Starting March 11, the clinic in Whitehorse will accept walk-ins.