August 30, 2024

Business

Fancamp Announces Transaction with Lode Gold Resources to Advance New Brunswick and Yukon Mineral Properties (Calgary Herald)

Fancamp Exploration Ltd. has entered into a transaction with Lode Gold Resources to advance mineral properties in New Brunswick and Yukon. The agreement includes a joint venture where both companies will share interests in their respective mineral properties, with Fancamp investing $2.5 million into a subsidiary, Gold Orogen, and acquiring a 19.9% stake. The transaction aims to enhance exploration efforts in a promising region for gold and polymetallic minerals, with significant funding allocated for exploration activities.

BQE Water Wins Contract to Design and Supply Water Treatment Plant for the Closure of Legacy Tailings in the Yukon (BQE Water)

BQE Water Inc. has been contracted by Elsa Reclamation & Development Company Ltd. to design and supply a Water Treatment Plant for the closure of the Valley Tailings Facility in Yukon. The plant will treat water from tailings excavation, targeting heavy metals, and is expected to operate seasonally for approximately six years, starting in Q2 2025. This project aims to ensure clean water production and aligns with the goals of the First Nation Na-Cho Nyak Dun, emphasizing the importance of preventing pollution from mining activities.

Victoria Gold owes more than $315M to unsecured and secured creditors (Yukon News)

Victoria Gold is in receivership, owing over $315 million to secured and unsecured creditors following a landslide at its Eagle Mine. PricewaterhouseCoopers revealed the company has $824.75 million in assets, with $442.6 million in property and equipment, and $224.7 million in inventory. Secured creditors are owed at least $233 million, while unsecured creditors, including local businesses, face uncertain recovery amounts. The company attempted to delay the receivership to restructure but was denied due to environmental concerns.

Economy

NICHI announces Yukon recipients of funding to advance critical Indigenous housing projects in urban, rural and northern areas and address urgent and unmet needs (Government of Canada)

NICHI announced $34.5 million in funding for four Indigenous housing projects in Yukon to address urgent housing needs in urban, rural, and northern areas. This funding is part of a larger $281.5 million initiative aimed at improving housing conditions for over 171,000 Indigenous Peoples facing core housing needs. The projects emphasize an Indigenous-led approach to ensure culturally appropriate and affordable housing solutions.

Education

Whitehorse's F.H. Collins high school is over-capacity, 8 years after it was rebuilt (CBC)

F.H. Collins Secondary School in Whitehorse, rebuilt less than a decade ago, is already over-capacity with 783 students enrolled, exceeding its operational capacity of 744. The school is set to add two portables for the 2025-26 school year, a promise made four years ago. Concerns have been raised about inadequate planning for the growing student population, with some students in the catchment area on a waitlist. School officials are addressing the issue, acknowledging the need for more space.

Government of Yukon continues work to support safe and inclusive schools (Government of Yukon)

The Government of Yukon is dedicated to creating safe and inclusive schools, having made significant progress in policies, training, and infrastructure over the past year. Key initiatives include comprehensive training for staff on student protection, the implementation of the Ready-to-Learn approach, support for 2SLGBTQIA+ students, and enhancements to school infrastructure. The Department of Education has also focused on recruitment, hosting orientation for new educators, and improving investigation processes for serious incidents, all aimed at ensuring the safety and wellbeing of students and staff.

Environment

Yukon First Nation fears exclusion from mine disaster review, seeks public inquiry (Canadian Press)

The Na-Cho Nyak Dun First Nation in Yukon is demanding an independent review of a disaster at the Eagle Gold mine, expressing concerns that the Yukon government may exclude them from the investigation. They seek a public inquiry into the incident, which involved a cyanide spill, and insist on co-managing the review process. The First Nation highlights ongoing regulatory issues at the mine and criticizes the government's unclear enforcement response to past incidents.

Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in chief 'frustrated' at waiting for Yukon gov't to move on land-use planning (CBC News)

The chief of the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in First Nation expresses frustration over delays from the Yukon government in finalizing the Dawson Regional Land Use Plan, which has been in development for five years. The First Nation submitted its feedback in April, but progress is stalled pending the government's response, which is crucial for protecting traditional territories from unchecked mineral claims. The Yukon government is committed to reviewing the plan and expects to provide feedback by Fall.

Government

Statement from Premier Pillai on Labour Day (Government of Yukon)

Premier Ranj Pillai's Labour Day statement highlights the dedication of Yukon's workforce across various sectors, emphasizing their role in the territory's economic strength and low unemployment rate. He encourages Yukoners to celebrate workers and take time to relax, while reaffirming the government's commitment to supporting a sustainable economic future.

Yukon government proposes new resource road regulations reflecting public feedback (Yukon News)

The Yukon government is proposing new regulations for resource roads based on public feedback to enhance management from planning to reclamation. Key concerns include ensuring public access, collaboration with First Nations, environmental protection, and addressing enforcement challenges. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of incorporating Indigenous rights and suggested various measures for effective regulation and monitoring, while industry representatives raised issues regarding liability and financial security. The government aims to develop regulations that reflect Yukoners' values and promote sustainable resource management.

Landlord and tenant views diverge on Yukon act governing rentals (Yukon News)

The review of the Yukon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act reveals polarized views between landlords and tenants, with a disproportionate number of landlords responding to a government survey. Key concerns include acceptable reasons for ending tenancies, the impact of "renovictions," and the need for safety provisions related to family violence. Tenants favor rent control and a rental registry, while landlords express concerns over rising property costs. The review is part of a political agreement and follows recent changes to eviction policies.

Former MLA Paolo Gallina announces intentions to run for Whitehorse City Council (96.1 The Rush)

Former MLA Paolo Gallina announced his candidacy for a councillor position on the Whitehorse city council in the upcoming municipal election. He aims to prioritize downtown safety, support local businesses, and enhance public transit. Gallina emphasizes his commitment to economic growth, public safety, and community collaboration. The election is scheduled for October 17th.

Outstanding Yukoners awarded Yukon 125 anniversary medals (Government of Yukon)

The Government of Yukon is awarding 125 medals to Yukoners for their leadership and contributions to the territory's wellbeing in celebration of its 125th anniversary. The first 25 recipients have been announced, with additional recipients to follow weekly. The medals feature artwork by Violet Gatensby and recognize achievements across various sectors, including public service and environmental stewardship. The initiative also includes medals for Yukon First Nations leadership, with recipients to be announced separately. Premier Ranj Pillai and other leaders express gratitude for the recipients' dedication to building a bright future for the Yukon.

Health

Yukoners concerned with quality of care at Wind River Hospice (CBC)

Concerns have arisen among Yukoners regarding the quality of care at Wind River Hospice following its relocation within Whistle Bend Place. Experts, officials, and residents are urging the Yukon government to address these issues.