Yukon News Releases
Updated: 3 hours 32 sec ago
Yukon’s policing priorities set for 2018–19
Minister of Justice Tracy-Anne McPhee has communicated four policing priorities for 2018–19 to the Yukon RCMP that focus on addressing violence against women, responding to serious and organized crime and building stronger relationships with First Nations, communities and youth.
Yukon’s annual policing priorities are informed by the Minister of Justice from recommendations given by the Yukon Police Council, as well as information and analysis provided by the Government of Yukon’s Department of Justice.
Local company awarded Yukon’s air ambulance value-driven contract
(Note: we have added explanations of the phrases “fit up term” and “tendered service” to the quick facts below.)
Yukon Premier continues work with counterparts for a strong Canada
Yukon Premier Sandy Silver will participate in the summer meeting of Premiers in Saint Andrews, New Brunswick, from July 18 to 20. Agenda topics will include trade, the economy, infrastructure, health care and cannabis.
Personal Use Fuelwood Permits now available online
(Note: this news release originally said that the public could collect commercial permits over the counter. We have corrected this error.)
Yukoners can now get free Personal Use Fuelwood Permits online to cut up to 11 cords (25 cubic metres) of firewood per year on public land for personal use.
Public input sought for update of Coroners Act
Yukoners are asked to provide feedback on modernizing the Coroner’s Service. Through an online survey, citizens can describe what factors they believe should be considered in updating the Coroners Act, the legislation that guides the operations of the service.
Public responses will be considered before the drafting of new legislation. A new Act will be introduced during the fall 2018 session.
Comments will be accepted until August 24, 2018.
Pavement upgrades underway at Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport
The Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport is being upgraded. Starting this week, the main runway will be resurfaced with asphalt.
Work on the 40-year-old runway will extend its life and ensure it continues to meet the growing demands of an international airport. A complete runway reconstruction is being planned to begin within the next 7 years.
Construction has been scheduled to have a minimal effect on air traffic. The secondary runway is also available for arriving and departing aircraft when the main runway is closed.
Dawson Regional Land Use Planning Commission being formed
Joint news release with Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in
As part of their ongoing commitment to improving collaboration on land use planning initiatives, the Government of Yukon and the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in have agreed to restart the Dawson Regional Land Use Planning process. The Commission will be re-established by the fall of 2018.
Yukon sport and recreation groups to benefit from $1.4 million in funding
The Government of Yukon, in partnership with the Yukon Lottery Commission and Sport Canada, is proud to support the sport and recreation community with $1.4 million in funding.
Air quality testing to continue in Yukon
Yukoners enjoy some of the best air quality in Canada, but a recent study shows there are areas for improvement. Air in nine Whitehorse neighbourhoods was monitored from November 2015 to April 2017 as part of the Whitehorse Air Quality Monitoring Study, in partnership with the City of Whitehorse and Health Canada.
Recycling surcharges come into effect October 1
After extensive engagement with Yukoners, businesses, municipalities and other stakeholders, the Government of Yukon is moving forward with changes to the Designated Materials Regulation.
The changes will apply new recycling surcharges to electronics, electrical products and tires at the point of purchase to help offset the cost of collecting and recycling those items. Yukoners will no longer pay tipping fees for these products at depots and solid waste facilities.
A Canada Day statement from Premier Silver
Premier Sandy Silver issued the following statement for Canada Day:
Every picture tells a story at Yukon Archives
The Yukon Archives First Nations photo identification project aims to improve the identification and description of Indigenous people, places, geographical features, activities and events in images held at Yukon Archives.
Government of Yukon to reduce impacts of carbon pricing for aviation and placer mining
The Government of Yukon has negotiated a provision for all aviation fuel. Now all flights – whether within Yukon or between Yukon and other locations – will be exempt from the levy. Under the federal carbon pricing mechanism, the agriculture industry is also exempt from the levy.
Additionally, the government has determined, with agreement from the federal government, that it will rebate Yukon placer miners all levies paid by the placer miner industry as a result of carbon pricing. This will offset the unavoidable costs related to the federally implemented carbon pricing regime.
Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation will receive housing funding
Joint news release with Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation
The Government of Yukon and the Government of Canada are pleased to provide funding for the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (VGFN) for the creation of ten utility buildings in Old Crow. VGFN is receiving $500,000 for the project funded as part of the Investment in Affordable Housing Agreement.
Yukon communities to benefit from more reliable internet
Joint news release with the Government of Canada
Residents of Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and northern British Columbia will be able to connect more reliably with friends and family across Canada and around the world, participate in distance education, seize new business opportunities and search for jobs online. This is made possible thanks to investments in high-speed internet worth up to $79 million by the Government of Canada, the Government of Yukon and Northwestel.
New project to support individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities
Joint news release with the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Society of Yukon and the Kids Brain Health Network
New staff dedicated to helping Yukoners navigate the health, social and education systems will now be available. Through a partnership with the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Society of Yukon (FASSY) and the Kids Brain Health Network, the Government of Yukon is launching this new initiative aimed at providing more support to families and individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities, including autism and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
Family Mediation pilot project comes to Yukon
Joint news release with the Government of Canada and Yukon Family Mediation Service
An alternative to court that helps parents resolve child-related matters recently started in Whitehorse. Funded by $299,000 from the Government of Canada’s Canadian Family Justice Fund, the Yukon Family Mediation Service continues until March 31, 2020.
Yukon delegates strengthen tourism industry ties with China
Joint news release with the Government of Canada and Air North
Three Yukon businesses will join a Government of Yukon contingent on a delegation to China as part of the Canada-China Year of Tourism.
Government of Yukon and Yukon First Nations meet in Carcross for Yukon Forum
Joint news release with the Council of Yukon First Nations and Carcross/Tagish First Nation
Yukon’s Premier, Cabinet members and First Nations Chiefs met today at the Carcross Learning Centre for the 2nd Yukon Forum of 2018.
Today’s discussions revolved around working together to improve educational outcomes for First Nations students, as well as closer collaboration on environment matters. Fish and wildlife will be added to the Joint Priority Action Plan for ongoing discussion and collaboration through the Yukon Forum.
Statement on M. ovi implicated in Alaska caribou death
A statement from Yukon's Chief Veterinary Officer of Disease Monitoring Dr. Mary VanderKop.
