Yukon News Releases
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Update devices and calendars to Yukon Standard Time
Yukoners are reminded that they do not need to turn their clocks back this weekend. Make sure devices are ready to show the new Yukon time by installing the latest updates to operating systems and other scheduling software.
As Yukon moves closer to transitioning into a new permanent time, the government has become aware of an issue with calendars, scheduling and appointments after November 1, 2020.
New electric vehicle fast charging stations available for use in Yukon
The Government of Yukon has installed two new Level 3 electric vehicle charging stations in Haines Junction and Marsh Lake. These fast-chargers join three others located in Whitehorse and Carcross and are available for public use.
October 28, 2020: 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 recoveries
Watson Lake COVID-19 cluster is now at five
Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Brendan Hanley today confirmed two additional cases of COVID-19, bringing the territory’s total to 22 cases since the first case was announced on March 22, 2020.
These two new cases are associated with the recent exposures in Watson Lake. Both individuals had not recently travelled and are from the same household which has confirmed direct exposures. A source of origin is still being investigated and contact tracing is actively underway. The two individuals are currently doing well and self-isolating at home.
Commissioner launches new Yukon Service Pin
The Commissioner’s Office is launching the Yukon Service Pin to recognize people who have served or are serving in the military or as a first responder. In this case, first responders include paramedics, emergency medical technicians, police officers, firefighters, rescuers and other trained members of organizations connected to this type of work, either as a volunteer or as a paid employee. Military service includes all branches of the Canadian military, including the Canadian Rangers.
COVID-19 public health notifications issued for Watson Lake
Yukon Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley today confirmed three additional cases of COVID-19, bringing the territory’s total to 20 cases since the first infection was announced on March 22, 2020.
A source of origin is still being investigated and contact tracing is actively underway.
This is the fourth incidence of infection in a rural community since COVID-19 was reported in Yukon.
The community is being identified because of possible cases of exposure at three locations in Watson Lake.
October 21, 2020: 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 recoveries
As of today, October 21, at 11 a.m., the COVID-19 case count for Yukon is 17. Fifteen people have recovered and there are currently two active cases, with both people in self-isolation and recovering at home. We have tested 3,814 people.
COVID-19 Testing Centre
Public engagement on the future of immigration in Yukon set to begin
Yukoners are being asked to contribute their ideas and experiences with the Yukon Nominee Program to help inform immigration in the territory for the next 10 years.
The Government of Yukon is modernizing its economic immigration strategy to guide policy and program development and to ensure immigration programming continues to be responsive to the needs of Yukon’s economy.
Individuals can provide input by visiting engageyukon.ca. Survey responses will be accepted until December 4, 2020.
Getting the flu shot is more important than ever this year
With the COVID-19 pandemic, this year the flu vaccine is more important than ever. Yukon’s influenza vaccine will be available starting on Monday, October 19, with the first week aimed at those most vulnerable to complications from influenza. These include Yukon residents with chronic medical conditions, as well as those over 65, pregnant women, and young children.
Yukon School Council honoraria increased
The Government of Yukon has increased School Council honoraria rates for School Council members for the first time since 1991.
Recognizing the important role and responsibilities of School Councils and Boards in the governance of Yukon public schools, the Government of Yukon has increased the maximum honoraria rates for School Council members and Chairs, and for School Board trustees. School councils and boards provide a voice for students and families on developing policies, growth planning, input on the school calendar, school renovations, staffing needs and school programs.
COVID-19 case count increases to 17
Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Brendan Hanley confirmed two additional cases of COVID-19 in Yukon. This brings the territory’s total to 17 cases since the first case was announced on March 22, 2020.
Lab results confirmed the positive diagnosis on Sunday. Contact tracing has been completed and Yukon Communicable Disease Control (YCDC) has been in touch with all contacts. There is no increased risk to the public due to these cases.
New funding package announced for tourism industry hard hit by COVID-19
Tourism and Culture Minister Jeanie McLean today announced the Tourism Accommodation Sector Supplement. This support program of up to $2.88 million is being added to the Yukon Business Relief Program to help eligible accommodation businesses as they are a critical part of Yukon’s tourism infrastructure.
This support is one element of a broader funding package of up to $15 million over three years for the Yukon tourism industry to help the industry deal with the unprecedented impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on global tourism and travel.
HPV vaccine program in Yukon to be expanded
The Government of Yukon is expanding the eligibility of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine program to include all Yukoners up to and including age 26.
Previously the HPV vaccine was only available for girls age nine to 18 and boys age nine to 14. This expanded vaccine coverage will be publicly funded and will be available starting January 1, 2021.
Commissioner introduces first Story Laureate of Yukon
Today, Commissioner Angélique Bernard introduced Michael Gates as the inaugural Story Laureate of Yukon. The Story Laureate will serve as an ambassador for the literary arts, story telling and literacy in the context of Yukon’s past, present and future for two years starting on January 1, 2021.
Yukon Lobbyist Registry supports transparency
All lobbyists in Yukon will now be required to report their activities. The Lobbyists Registration Act came into effect on October 15, 2020, making registration mandatory for those who meet the criteria set out in the Act.
The public can visit yukonlobbyistregistry.ca or refer to the Lobbyists Registration Act to learn more about:
Public engagement on the future of innovation in Yukon begins
Yukoners are being asked to contribute their ideas and experiences to help inform how the Government of Yukon should invest resources to stimulate and diversify Yukon’s technology and knowledge economy.
The results of this engagement will help to determine the future of innovation in Yukon and how the Government of Yukon can support and drive innovation. The input of Yukoners is essential to help inform what innovation looks like in Yukon’s tech and knowledge sector as well as the perceived barriers and challenges businesses and entrepreneurs are facing.
Locally-produced film about Yukon’s Beringian history debuts
Today at 6:30 p.m., a new film, Crossroads of the Continents, will be launched at the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre. Shot and produced in Yukon, the new film showcases the unique scientific discoveries and collaborations between the Government of Yukon and First Nations heritage experts.
Members of the public are invited to participate online through a livestream of the event, which will include a screening of the film, followed by a discussion panel with the filmmakers, scientists and First Nations contributors.
October 14, 2020: COVID-19 update
The Government of Yukon has the following updates for the Yukon public on measures underway in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 cases and recoveries
As of today, October 14, at 11 a.m., the COVID-19 case count for Yukon is 15. Everyone has recovered. We have tested 3,635 people.
COVID-19 Testing Centre
From Tuesday, October 6, to Monday, October 12, we tested 93 people at the COVID-19 Testing and Assessment Centre (CTAC) in Whitehorse.
Update on previously announced probable case
Community-based projects receive $175,000 for prevention of violence against Indigenous women and girls
The First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun, Whitehorse Aboriginal Women’s Circle, Skookum Jim Friendship Centre and Selkirk First Nation have been awarded $175,000 in funding for projects to prevent violence against Indigenous women. The projects, designed and developed by, and for, Indigenous women, focus on providing support groups, education workshops, trauma-informed training and building cultural connections.
New probable case of COVID-19 in Yukon announced
Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Brendan Hanley has announced a probable case of COVID-19 in Yukon. Yukon Communicable Disease Control (YCDC) is awaiting confirmation from the BC Centre for Disease Control.
The individual is from Whitehorse, and received care through the Whitehorse General Hospital Emergency Department. The person is currently stable and safely self-isolating. The case is linked to travel outside of Yukon. Initial testing was undertaken using the Genexpert rapid test. A subsequent test was sent to BC for confirmation.
