Statement on the opioid crisis and mental health concerns in the Yukon

Submitted by mnicks on

Premier Sandy Silver and Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee have issued the following statement:

“The start of this year has been extremely difficult and incredibly sad, as our territory continues to struggle with devastating loss of life due to opioids and mental health issues.

“Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies go out to all of the families, friends and communities mourning and navigating these troubling times.

Acting Chief Medical Officer of Health declares COVID-19 outbreak at Copper Ridge Place

Submitted by mnicks on

The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott has declared an outbreak at the Copper Ridge Place long-term care home following the identification of two COVID-19 cases.  

The current situation is contained and routine outbreak management procedures are in place, including screening and testing protocols. Additional information has been shared with residents, staff and families.

Travel recommendations from the acting Chief Medical Officer of Health

Submitted by almiller on

The Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Catherine Elliott is recommending that Yukoners returning from domestic travel monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and self-isolate when they are sick.  

This new recommendation removes the recommendation to reduce contacts for the three or five day period following travel that were included in the holiday guidelines on Yukon.ca. This change is being made to reflect that COVID-19 activity is similar in the Yukon to that outside the territory.

New media funding programs support Yukon content creators

Submitted by mnicks on

The Government of Yukon is launching new film, television and digital media funding programs to support the territory’s media content creators and provide economic benefits and employment opportunities to Yukoners working in screen based industries. These programs consist of the Predevelopment Fund, Development Fund, Media Production Fund and the Training Fund.

Additional public health measures in force

Submitted by almiller on

Additional public health measures intended to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 and limit impacts on the Yukon’s health care system are now enforceable under the Civil Emergency Measures Act.

These additional temporary public health measures are based on recommendations from the Yukon’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health:

Government of Yukon updates COVID-19 testing approach

Submitted by almiller on

Based on the recommendations of the acting Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Government of Yukon is adjusting its approach to testing for COVID-19 in response to the advent of the new Omicron variant of concern.

With widespread community transmission of Omicron throughout the territory and across Canada, there is no longer the capacity to use lab-based PCR tests for most people to confirm whether they have COVID-19.

Omicron cases increasing quickly

Submitted by mnicks on

Covid-19 case counts are on the rise in the territory with 158 new cases since Friday, December 31, 2021, 245 active cases and 32 per cent test positivity rate.

The acting Chief Medical Officer of Health is urging the public to stay home when sick with even the mildest of symptoms.  

Informing the future of the Yukon Nominee Program

What is this engagement about? 

The Yukon Nominee Program is an economic immigration program. It is delivered by the Government of Yukon in partnership with the Government of Canada. 

The program helps Yukon employers hire or retain foreign nationals when qualified Canadians or permanent residents are not available to fill positions.

Demand for the program has grown in recent years. At the same time the number of nomination allocations available to Yukon has declined.

Changes to Canada’s immigration system changes in the Yukon’s labour market have also created new pressures on the program.

The review will look at whether the program is meeting its goals in a effective, fair and efficient way. It will also look at how the program protects its integrity.

The engagement will focus on:

  • how well the program meets employer and workforce needs;
  • ways to improve program processes;
  • labour market needs across the Yukon;
  • access to information about the program;
  • barriers faced by program participants;
  • how well the public understands the program; and
  • communication gaps. 

This engagement is only about the Yukon Nominee Program. It is not a review of Canada’s immigration system or other immigration programs administered by the Government of Canada.

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