Announced June 2021, the Yukon First Nation School Board Framework sets out the process for the creation of a First Nation School Board under the Education Act.
As of December 13, 2021, the following school councils and school communities have submitted a resolution or a verified petition to trigger a referendum:
The Government of Yukon is expanding the eligibility for the publicly funded shingles vaccine program for Yukoners. The Shingles vaccine will be available starting December 6, 2021, in Whitehorse pharmacies to all Yukoners aged 65 to 79. The previous age eligibility was for those 65 to 70.
Shingles is a painful condition caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus. After someone has had chickenpox, the virus lies inactive in nerve tissue. Years later, the virus may reactivate as shingles, which manifests as an unpleasant rash.
Premier Sandy Silver has made an update to the leadership position in the Department of Tourism and Culture.
Justin Ferbey has been appointed as Deputy Minister for the Department of Tourism and Culture, along with his existing role as Deputy Minister for the Department of Economic Development and President of the Yukon Development Corporation.
This appointment is effective immediately.
The Government of Yukon is working to establish a new public health agency for the Yukon as part of the ongoing implementation of the Putting People First recommendations. Premier Sandy Silver has appointed Michael Hale as an additional Deputy Minister with the Department of Health and Social Services to oversee the development of the new public health agency.
Yukon Premier Sandy Silver has issued the following statement:
“Today we recognize the passing of Ta’an Kwäch’än Citizen Alice McGuire who was the first female Yukon First Nations member of the Yukon Legislative Assembly.
“Alice honourably represented the district of Kluane from 1978 to 1982, and continued in public service as a member of Ta’an Kwäch’än Council and Ta’an Kwäch’än Elder’s Council.
“Alice’s legacy of leadership is forever etched into the history of the territory and will continue inspiring future generations of leaders who follow in her footsteps.
The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott is advising Yukoners to follow federal guidance prior to any travel outside Canada. This guidance has recently changed due to the Omicron variant and is updated regularly. Many countries around the world are experiencing community transmission so it is important to follow the federal travel advice. Caution is also advised for those planning to travel within Canada due to early community transmission of Omicron within some regions of Canada.
Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for affordable housing and led to rising levels of homelessness.
Yukon youth will benefit from over $45,000 awarded to 11 community groups through the Youth Investment Fund. The groups received funding for a variety of arts, recreation and educational programming, including an art camp, music camp, snowboard program and wall climbing.
The Youth Investment Fund provides financial support to short-term projects aimed at providing marginalized youth under 19, who may face discrimination, with opportunities to participate in activities in positive environments.
The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health is undertaking contact tracing for a COVID-19 outbreak at the Whitehorse Correctional Centre. The outbreak includes three cases at this time and contact tracing is ongoing.
Control measures were quickly implemented by the Whitehorse Correctional Centre, including visitor restrictions since the cases were first detected.