Yukon News Releases
Updated: 7 hours 44 min ago
Statement from Minister of Tourism and Culture Jeanie Dendys on National Tourism Week
Minister of Tourism and Culture Jeanie Dendys has issued the following statement to mark the kick-off of the 2020 National Tourism Week.
As we mark this year’s National Tourism Week, the tourism industry finds itself facing a new and very challenging global landscape.
The past several years of banner growth and development, ground-breaking partnerships and the focused vision of the Yukon Tourism Development Strategy have been an exciting and optimistic time.
Yukon organizations receive $821,800 in Arts Operating Funds
Twenty organizations will receive a total of $821,800 in funding for this year’s Arts Operating Funds.
These funds will assist in the delivery of programming related to the development, creation or presentation of art for the benefit of Yukon audiences.
This represents an almost $80,000 increase over the 2019 funding total and is the highest amount ever distributed.
Funding to help Yukon employers hire students for critical and essential services
The Government of Yukon is providing $750,000 to help Yukon employers create new summer employment for graduating and postsecondary students in critical and essential services. This funding is in addition to recent funding supports announced through the Yukon Essential Worker Income Support Program.
Essential workers to receive income support from Government of Yukon
A new program will support workers for the delivery of essential services during COVID-19.
The Yukon Essential Workers Income Support Program will provide low-income essential workers with a wage subsidy of up to $4.00 per hour to a maximum of $20.00 per hour for up to 16 weeks. All services identified as critical or essential in the Guidelines for the delivery of critical, essential and other services are eligible.
May 22, 2020: COVID-19 update
Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley 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, May 22, at 2 p.m. the case count remains at 11 cases of COVID-19 in the territory.
All of the 11 people who have contracted COVID-19 in Yukon have recovered. There are no active cases in the territory and 1,145 people have been tested. We have had no new cases since April 20.
Whitehorse Skate Park contract awarded, construction to begin next week
The contract for construction of the new Whitehorse Skate Park has been awarded to Castle Rock Enterprises. Construction work is expected to begin next week, at which time the existing park will be closed.
Awarding the design contract is the latest milestone for this community-driven project. The new skate park designed was created by Stantec after a series of consultations with skateboard park users and the Skate for Life Alliance in 2018.
Government of Yukon extends support to Yukon businesses
The Yukon Business Relief Program is being extended to provide continued support to Yukon businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Yukon Business Relief Program helps Yukon businesses that have experienced a 30 per cent reduction in revenue and need immediate support to cover fixed costs, including rent, utilities and business insurance. Eligible businesses can apply for a grant of up to $30,000 per month to cover fixed costs. The program has been extended to July 23, 2020.
Government of Yukon offering support to families impacted by COVID-19
Families with children in Kindergarten to Grade 12 who have been impacted by COVID-19 are eligible for $250 per student from the Government of Yukon.
Face-to-face classes are suspended for the remainder of the 2019–20 school year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Students are learning from home with support and guidance from teachers and school staff. This funding will help to offset costs for Yukon families with children learning from home during this time.
May 19, 2020: COVID-19 update
Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley 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, May 19, at 2 p.m. the case count remains at 11 cases of COVID-19 in the territory.
All of the 11 people who have contracted COVID-19 in Yukon have recovered. There are no active cases in the territory and 1,134 people have been tested. We have had no new cases since April 20.
Commissioner unveils wall of translations
The Commissioner’s office is working with the Yukon First Nations to have “Commissioner of Yukon” translated into the eight First Nations’ languages in the territory. Six out of the eight languages are complete and the last two will be coming shortly.
Plan to ease COVID-19 restrictions released with start of Phase I
The Government of Yukon and the Chief Medical Officer of Health have released A Path Forward: Yukon’s plan for lifting COVID-19 restrictions.
French First Language Secondary School name announced
A name for the new French First Language secondary school and community centre has been chosen.
The full name of the school and community centre will be Le Centre scolaire secondaire communautaire Paul-Émile Mercier in French or The Paul-Émile Mercier Secondary School Community Centre in English; CSSC Mercier for short.
Government of Yukon sets policing priorities for 2020–21
Minister of Justice Tracy-Anne McPhee has communicated policing priorities for 2020–21 to Yukon RCMP Chief Superintendent Scott Sheppard.
This year’s priorities focus on collaboration to:
Additional enforcement officers, information station for travellers will help protect Yukon from COVID-19
Starting Friday, May 15, a new roadside information station outside of Whitehorse will ensure travellers in transit through Yukon understand their mandated route through the territory and the restrictions in place under the Civil Emergency Measures Act (CEMA).
CEMA enforcement officers are now in place in Carmacks, Mayo, Dawson, Ross River, Faro, Haines Junction, Old Crow, Teslin and Watson Lake. RCMP remain available to support enforcement in all communities, and may issue fines or make arrests of those found violating the CEMA orders.
Yukon Forum focuses on COVID-19
Joint news release with the Council of Yukon First Nations and Yukon First Nations governments
Yukon’s Premier, Cabinet members, Council of Yukon First Nation’s Grand Chief and Yukon First Nations Chiefs met virtually today for the Yukon Forum.
The meeting focused on how the governments can work together to respond to and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Leaders discussed health and social supports, the economy, education, treaty rights, and Yukon’s comprehensive reopening strategy, which will be unveiled tomorrow.
Pharmacists to have new practice options during COVID-19 pandemic
The Government of Yukon has introduced temporary changes for pharmacists to ensure Yukoners can continue to safely access needed prescriptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The changes will also support effective and efficient health care during this time.
Online meetings now supported for annual general meetings under the Civil Emergency Measures Act
Yukon’s societies, business corporations and cooperatives can now hold their official meetings online with electronic and teleconferencing technology.
Statement from Health and Social Services Minister Frost on the final report of health and social services comprehensive review
I am very happy to see the report produced by the Independent Expert Panel. The report, Putting People First, presents a bold approach that would position Yukon as a national leader in the health and social care delivery. It would move Yukon toward a more holistic and person centred system.
While there is still extensive analysis that must be done, I believe this is the right direction for our territory and I am very pleased to see such a progressive, modern approach to revitalizing health services in Yukon.
Final report of health and social services comprehensive review released
The final report on the comprehensive review of Yukon’s health and social programs and services is now complete and available to the public. An independent expert panel compiled the report following extensive public engagement. Putting People First outlines the panel’s findings, including 76 recommendations for the future of Yukon’s health and social systems.
Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health releases motor vehicle report
Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health has released a report called Motor Vehicles in Yukon: A Public Health Perspective. The aim of the report, which is based on detailed data from a range of sources, is to provide direction that will help to reduce motor vehicle collision injuries in Yukon.
The report includes seven key recommendations.
