Yukon News Releases
Updated: 8 hours 2 min ago
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.
Improvements to medical travel support
The Government of Yukon is making travel easier and more affordable for Yukoners. Starting January 1, 2021, the medical travel subsidy for patients will double, from $75 per day to $150 per day, for multi-day travel. A new $75 subsidy will also be introduced for same day travel for both patients and escorts.
Medical travel to cities such as Prince George, Victoria and Kelowna will also be included in the medical travel subsidy program. Increased options will give patients more flexibility in determining the most appropriate destination to respond to their treatment needs.
Amendments to Condominium Act, 2015 proposed
Today, Minister of Justice Tracy-Anne McPhee tabled Bill No. 16, which would modernize the legislative framework and adopt best practices for condominium ownership and development in Yukon.
Proposed amendments to the Condominium Act, 2015 focus on balancing consumer protection with development and economic opportunities. These amendments bring clarity to how condominiums will be developed and regulated, facilitating a stable housing market in Yukon.
The proposed amendments:
Corporate Statutes Amendment Act tabled
Minister of Community Services John Streicker tabled Bill 15 today. The Bill would amend the 2018 Societies Act, the Business Corporations Act and the Cooperative Associations Act.
The amendments incorporate best practices and lessons learned from other jurisdictions into Yukon’s societies legislation. For consistency, some related technical amendments are also proposed to the Business Corporations Act and the Cooperative Associations Act.
Enduring Powers of Attorney Bill tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Minister of Justice Tracy-Anne McPhee tabled Bill No. 17 today. The Bill proposes amendments to the Enduring Power of Attorney Act that would enhance protections and accessibility for individuals and align Yukon with the Uniform Law Conference of Canada.
October 7, 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 7, at 11 a.m., the COVID-19 case count for Yukon is 15. Everyone has recovered. We have tested 3,542 people.
COVID-19 Testing and Assessment Centre
From Tuesday, September 29, to Monday, October 5, we tested 108 people at the COVID-19 Testing and Assessment Centre (CTAC) in Whitehorse.
COVID alert app
Production support and funding available for Yukon filmmaking team
The Government of Yukon, in partnership with the Harold Greenberg Fund, will contribute a total of $20,000 to help one Yukon filmmaking team produce a dramatic short film. This marks the second year of the Northern Shorts Program, which aims to develop the media industry in Yukon, Nunavut and Northwest Territories. In addition to the funding, the program will also provide production support and advice.
Applications to the Harold Greenberg Fund Northern Shorts Program are now open. Yukon filmmaking teams are encouraged to apply. The deadline for applications is December 4, 2020.
Fixed election dates proposed
Today, Premier Sandy Silver tabled amendments to the Elections Act that would set fixed dates for territorial elections. The amendments would set territorial elections for the first Monday in November every four years, starting on November 3, 2025.
Ban on single-use products proposed
The Government of Yukon is proposing amendments to the Environment Act to strengthen the territory’s waste reduction efforts by allowing for the banning certain types of single-use packages and products. Minister of Environment Pauline Frost tabled Bill 14 today in the Yukon Legislative Assembly. The Bill would allow for new rules around how single-use products and packages are made, supplied, distributed and used.
