This news release as been updated to reflect that nursing staff are available on-call after hours, including on Saturday and Sunday. 

The Government of Yukon and the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation announce the opening of Old Crow’s new Health and Wellness Centre, named Natr’idizhii Srii Tr’agwandaii Hah Zheh, meaning "place for healing and wellness". The new Health and Wellness Centre is based on a collaborative care model and provides a range of health care and social services for the residents of Old Crow.

The Government of Yukon and the Chief Medical Officer of Health is encouraging all Yukoners to ensure they are up to date with their vaccinations to protect themselves and their families from pertussis (whooping cough) as the territory experiences a rise in cases. Over the past two months, seven cases have been reported so far in 2024. While most cases have been linked to travel, some have not been connected to a known source, indicating the possibility of community transmission. Nationally, rates of pertussis are also increasing and the Yukon is not immune to this trend.

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

“It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Gilles ’Red’ Grossinger.

Premier Ranj Pillai and Deputy Premier Jeanie McLean have issued the following statement:

“This week the Yukon welcomed the CanArctic trade delegation led by United States Ambassador to Canada, David L. Cohen. This visit included seven businesses from the U.S. meeting with Yukon government officials, Yukon First Nations development corporations and local business owners to explore commercial and investment opportunities.

Minister of Justice Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:

“On September 5, 2024, the Yukon Supreme Court found that Section 3(2) of the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act was unconstitutional making it no longer in force. That section allowed a landlord of a property that is subject to a substantiated complaint to terminate a tenancy or lease agreement with five days notice with the support of the SCAN Unit.

The Government of Yukon presents 25 more commemorative medals to exceptional Yukoners in celebration of the Yukon’s 125th anniversary.

Today, the Government of Yukon celebrates another 25 Yukoners who embody the values of leadership and reconciliation and contributed significantly to the wellbeing of the territory. Over the course of September, another 25 recipients will be announced each week.

This week’s Yukon 125 medal recipients are:

Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean and Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee have issued the following statement:

“Today, we saw many Yukoners join together and show their support for our youngest 2SLGBTQIA+ community members.

“To the Yukon’s transgender community, allies and advocates, we say ‘thank you'. Your dedication and unwavering care in protecting our communities’ rights to freedom of opinion and expression, as well as the right to security and safety, is respected and deeply valued.

Activities on site

In the Southern Tutchone language of Kluane First Nation, Kêts’ádań Kų̀ [Kay-et-zah Dun-COO] means “house of learning”. In the coming years, it will be the name of the new school in Burwash Landing, a project that has been long anticipated by the community. The Government of Yukon recently awarded the construction contract to build the school, which will replace the aging Kluane Lake School in Destruction Bay.

Premier Ranj Pillai has made two senior leadership appointments.

Matt King has been appointed Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services. The dual Deputy Minister roles in Health and Social Services have been consolidated to enhance efficiency and optimize operations.

Damien Burns has been appointed as acting Deputy Minister of Community Services for a period of six months.

Both of these senior leadership appointments are effective September 20, 2024.