Yukoners who are 18 years of age and older and have not received another type of COVID-19 vaccine can now get the Novavax Nuvaxovid vaccine. Novavax is a non-mRNA, protein-based vaccine that is 90 per cent effective in protecting people against COVID-19. The vaccine is a two dose series with doses eight weeks apart.

Yukoners, including those in all rural communities, can access the vaccine by phoning the Whitehorse Health Centre at 867-667-8864. They will be asked for their full name and telephone number and will be followed up with an appointment when one is available.

The Government of Yukon is providing over $148,000 to support the Klondike Placer Miners’ Association (KPMA) launch of KPMA 101, an industry-led training and compliance education program for its members.

Built around three core components, KPMA 101 is an app that includes training modules, on-site implementation support and an adaptive management roundtable to ensure concepts are being communicated and implemented.

This week is Emergency Preparedness Week and the Government of Yukon is hosting a series of awareness and educational activities.

The Government of Yukon is launching a public engagement to modernize parks regulations in the territory. Feedback is being sought from Yukoners on noise, domestic animals, liquor, smoking, on-road and off-road vehicles, aircraft use (including drones), park zoning, permitting and other regulations related to parks. Yukoners can submit their feedback through a survey by July 4, 2022.

Following the engagement with Yukoners, the Government of Yukon expects to have modernized regulations for the 2023 camping season. 

Minister of Justice Tracy-Anne McPhee has provided the 2022–23 policing priorities to Yukon RCMP Chief Superintendent Scott Sheppard.

Policing priorities are established by the Minister of Justice based on the feedback received from the Yukon Police Council, community partners and the Department of Justice.

The Yukon Police Council ensures that Yukoners have a say about the policing services they receive. The council collects feedback from Yukoners on community policing and develops recommendations that are included in the drafting of policing priorities.

Today, the 2022 Spring Sitting of the Yukon Legislative Assembly concluded. During the Spring Sitting, the Government of Yukon’s 2022–23 Budget received assent along with a number of pieces of legislation.

The 2022–23 Budget shows a surplus of $39.5 million and a total of $1.97 billion in spending. This includes a record capital budget of $546.5 million for the territory’s roads, buildings, bridges and airports. These investments will bring benefits to Yukoners in every community and help support the territory’s growing economy.

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

“Saturday marked the start of National Immunization Awareness Week, an opportunity to highlight the important role immunization plays in protecting our health and saving lives.

“The World Health Organization estimates that immunization prevents between two to three million deaths every year and has contributed to the reduction of illness and death in adults, children and vulnerable people around the world.

A complete list of calendar dates for all Yukon schools for the 2022–23 school year are now finalized and available online at Yukon.ca.

School calendars are developed in partnership with school administrators and school councils. School councils provide input on how school calendar dates affect the community, including for Yukon First Nations cultural activities. 

Nominations are now open for the Council of the Federation Award for Innovation in Mental Health and Addictions Care.

This award recognizes Yukoners, non-governmental organizations or Yukon First Nations governments that demonstrate outstanding achievement, innovative practice and excellence in mental health and substance use care.

The award is valued at $5,000 and will be given to one recipient or organization going above and beyond to promote mental wellness in the territory.

The deadline to submit nominations is May 20, 2022.

This news release has been updated to show funding is being increased to $442,000 per year.

The Government of Yukon is increasing funding for the Yukon Hospital Corporation’s Ophthalmology Program to $442,000 per year.

The Government of Yukon and Yukon Hospital Corporation have had a three-year plan to reduce wait times and improve access to ophthalmology care in the Yukon. Based on the trial's success, funding will be increased permanently.