This is a joint news release between the Government of Canada and the Government of Yukon.

Communities and governments are working together to prepare and adapt to impacts of climate change, to help improve quality of life for Canadians in higher-risk areas and to reduce the costs of disasters. In Canada, flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster, causing damage to households, property and infrastructure.

Today, the Commissioner of Yukon Adeline Webber is launching the King Charles III Coronation Medal program in the Yukon. The Commissioner is a partner in the program and has 21 medals to give to deserving Yukoners.

To be eligible, nominees must have done something remarkable for Canada or their community and been alive on May 6, 2023. The first medals were given out today during an event at Taylor House. Commissioner Webber will present the medals.

Health and Social Services Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:

“Today marks the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Week, nationally observed from May 6 to 12. This year, the Canadian Mental Health Association is asking Canadians to embrace Healing through Compassion, a theme that underscores the role of compassion in enhancing mental health and overall wellbeing.

Whitehorse families can now register their students for school bus service for the 2024–25 school year by visiting yukon.ca/bus. They must register each year for busing.

The registration deadline is June 14, 2024.

Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean has issued the following statement:

“As we approach the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit+ People, also known as Red Dress Day, I encourage all Yukoners to observe the day and reflect on how they can contribute to ending violence against Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit+ people.

The Government of Yukon, following the latest guidelines from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization and the Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, is encouraging Yukoners at high risk of severe illness to get a COVID-19 booster this spring.

This includes:

Premier Ranj Pillai is pleased to announce that Jennifer Gehmair will be the acting Deputy Minister of the Department of Health and Social Services with responsibility for Social Services for six months. Additionally, Gary Gazankas has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Yukon Development Corporation.

Jennifer Gehmair has been with the Government of Yukon for 17 years in a variety of leadership positions, most recently as Assistant Deputy Minister of Social Services since late 2022. The appointment is effective May 3.

As the Spring 2024 session of the Yukon Legislative Assembly concludes, the Government of Yukon is proud of the significant progress made on key priorities for Yukoners in the areas of health, housing, education, affordability and reconciliation.

The Government of Yukon is committed to improving the lives of all Yukoners, which includes working hard alongside our partners to foster a safe, inclusive and thriving downtown Whitehorse for everyone.  As part of this commitment, the community space in the Jim Smith Building in Whitehorse will remain open until May 17, 2024.

The community space is on the ground floor of the Jim Smith Building at 2071 2nd Avenue in Whitehorse. It is open to the public from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.

The Government of Yukon is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all students and staff in Yukon schools. Following a new review of the 2018–19 test results of water fixtures, it has been determined that 30 schools require further testing and possible remediation due to updates to the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality.