The Government of Yukon will now provide the Community Wellness Court with permanent annual funding of $459,000, effective April 1. The innovative court provides sentencing alternatives for offenders with mental health, addictions problems and disabilities such as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau today announced the appointment of Angélique Bernard as Yukon’s new Commissioner and Adeline Webber as the territory’s new Administrator.
As the 26th Commissioner of Yukon, Angélique Bernard is the ceremonial head of the government. To allow the new Commissioner to immediately fulfil their duties, such as assenting to bills and signing Orders-in-Council, the new Commissioner will be sworn in during a private ceremony on Monday, March 12 10:30 a.m. at Taylor House.
Minister Pillai and officials from the departments of Energy, Mines and Resources and Economic Development were in Ontario this week promoting Yukon as a world class destination for mining investment and exploration at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) annual conference. Held from March 4–7 in Toronto, the conference is considered the largest event of its kind in the world.
The Trouble puppet show will be visiting several Whitehorse daycares over March break this spring. This will be the third tour of the popular performance for young children. Trouble combines Yukon-based storytelling and a strong message of non-violence to help develop skills on how to express and manage feelings.
Today, the Government of Yukon tabled Bill No. 15, the Cannabis Control and Regulation Act. The Act governs the distribution, retail, consumption, personal cultivation and possession of non-medical cannabis in Yukon.
The proposed Act will provide for legal, controlled access to cannabis with the goal of displacing illegal activity. It puts a priority on health, safety and harm reduction with a focus on protecting youth from negative health effects.
Joint news release with Klondike Placer Miners' Association
Premier Sandy Silver was in Dawson last week to join the Klondike Placer Miners’ Association as they donated $10,000 to Robert Service School to enhance the school’s metal shop program.
Robert Service School will use the funds to purchase materials and equipment for the metal shop, including safety gear, metal works tools and consumable materials such as welding rods, steel and wires.
The Government of Yukon tabled Bill No. 16 today, which includes amendments to five different Acts for which the Minister of Justice is responsible: Condominium Act, 2015; Judicature Act; Lord’s Day Act; Motor Vehicles Act; and Supreme Court Act.
The Government of Yukon reinforced its commitment to lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, Two-Spirit plus (LGBTQ2S+) non-discrimination by introducing a new Gender Diversity and Related Amendments bill today.
The bill promotes more cultural, regional and gender diversity on four Government of Yukon boards and committees. These changes will support more inclusive decision-making in key areas – including child care, violence prevention, social assistance and provision of care.
The Government of Yukon is providing $442,000 per year for the next three years to the RCMP “M” Division for the creation of a Historical Case Unit. This funding will expand the RCMP’s capacity to investigate unsolved homicides and missing person investigations.
The resources will support three additional full-time RCMP officers who will investigate historic homicides and missing persons cases, and be available to support the Major Crimes Unit if needed when suspicious deaths occur.
Yukoners are encouraged to recognize those that are making Yukon communities safer by nominating them for a Minister of Justice Community Safety Award.
The nominating committee reviews nominations and selects recipients who are making a significant difference in the lives of Yukoners through their job duties or as volunteers. Past award nominees have included youth, volunteers, first responders, law enforcement officers and community groups or programs.