September 12, 2024

Business

Workers’ compensation boards urged to return excess funds belonging to small businesses (Lexpert)

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is urging six overfunded workers’ compensation boards in Canada to return nearly $5 billion in excess funds to small businesses. The CFIB highlights that these funds could help businesses manage debt and invest in health and safety initiatives. While some provinces have begun returning surpluses, the CFIB calls for broader action and legislation to ensure regular rebates. Recommendations include returning surplus funds when funding ratios exceed targets and establishing mandatory distribution policies.

Yukon greenlights Selkirk First Nation’s initial transaction for Minto mine (CIM Magazine)

The Yukon Supreme Court has authorized the Selkirk First Nation to take control of the abandoned Minto mine, potentially making it the first Indigenous-owned mine in Canada. The Selkirk First Nation plans to conduct drilling and exploration to assess the possibility of reopening the mine while ensuring it does not interfere with ongoing reclamation efforts by the Yukon government. The government has allocated $21.5 million for reclamation work, and negotiations for the second transaction to finalize the deal are expected to conclude by the end of September 2024.

Bastion Minerals engages First Nations on Canadian copper project (Mining.com.au)

Bastion Minerals is engaging with the Kaska First Nations to facilitate exploration at the ICE Copper Project in Yukon, Canada. Productive discussions have been held with local councils and government agencies, including the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Advisory Board. The company plans to establish relationships with local First Nations for its Harley and Mariner projects in the Northwest Territories as well. Yukon is recognized for its rich natural resources and is a significant contributor to the mining sector.

Silver Strike: 10,000 g/t & $10M in the Bank! —with Rory Quinn of Yukon Metals Corp. (The Deep Dive)

In an interview, Rory Quinn, CEO of Yukon Metals Corp., discusses the company's promising exploration activities in the Yukon, highlighting high-grade silver and gold discoveries. With $10 million in cash, Yukon Metals is well-funded for exploration and maintains a positive relationship with local First Nations. Quinn also addresses the impact of Victoria Gold's challenges on the mining environment and outlines future exploration plans at their Birch and Star River properties.

Environment

Technical support sought for potential probes related to Yukon mine slide (Yukon News)

The Yukon Water Board seeks technical support for investigations related to the Eagle Gold Mine landslide on June 24, 2024, which breached its heap leach facility, releasing contaminated materials. An independent review board has been established to assess the incident, while the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun calls for a public inquiry and accountability for the disaster. Monitoring efforts are ongoing to address environmental risks, and new safety measures are being implemented at the mine site.

Government

Motion asking for more police funding passes in Whitehorse (Yukon News)

Whitehorse city council unanimously passed a motion to request increased police funding and prioritize property crime in response to rising crime rates, particularly downtown. The motion, introduced by Coun. Ted Laking, highlights a significant increase in property crime compared to national averages and seeks more resources for the Yukon RCMP. Despite some council members questioning the necessity of the motion, it was supported due to concerns over the impact of crime on local businesses and community safety.

Community

Whitehorse man salvages construction waste to use for his own home (CBC)

Colin Abbott, a Whitehorse educator, is salvaging construction waste, specifically foam insulation, from the Beringia Interpretive Centre to use in building his home, saving an estimated $30,000 and preventing waste from going to the landfill. His initiative highlights the potential for reusing construction materials, benefiting both the environment and the construction industry by reducing disposal costs. Abbott suggests that improved policies and a focus on waste diversion could enhance these efforts further.

Yukon's Ember Fire Academy is celebrating its 10-year anniversary (CBC)

The Yukon's Ember Fire Academy is celebrating its 10-year anniversary, marking a decade of training women to become firefighters in the territory.

Yukon 125 anniversary celebration continues with 25 more medals awarded (Government of Yukon)

The Government of Yukon is awarding Yukon 125 medals to recognize 25 outstanding Yukoners for their contributions to the community, leadership, and reconciliation in celebration of the territory's 125th anniversary. The recipients come from various sectors, including public service, education, and the arts, and their achievements reflect the values of the territory. Each medal features artwork by Violet Gatensby, symbolizing resilience and vision for future generations.

Statement from Premier Pillai on the passing of Joseph Novak (Government of Yukon)

Premier Pillai expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Joseph Novak, a dedicated community and military figure. Novak served in the Canadian Armed Forces during WWII, earning numerous honors, including being knighted in the French National Order of the Legion of Honour. He was also a generous philanthropist, donating over one million dollars to the Yukon Hospital Foundation and $150,000 to Yukon University for Indigenous student bursaries. His legacy of service, generosity, and commitment to education will inspire future generations.

Infrastructure

Whitehorse takes over recycling, opens new depot at landfill (Yukon News)

Whitehorse has opened a new temporary recycling depot at the landfill, accepting non-refundable items for a fee of $1 per bag or bin. The city will provide curbside recycling services through Whitehorse Blue Bin Recycling until December 31, 2025, with new fees for curbside pick-up increasing to $27.30 starting December 1, subsidized by the Yukon government.

Yukon premier calls on 2 more telecom giants to pay back Yukoners (Yukon News)

Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai is urging Rogers Communications and TELUS Corporation to compensate Yukoners for ongoing inadequate cell phone service, following Bell Canada's example. Pillai expressed frustration over unreliable service affecting daily life and safety, and he commended Bell for their commitment to address the issue. He has not yet received responses from Rogers or TELUS regarding his request for compensation.

Justice

Dangerous driving trial held for Whitehorse man who fatally ran over partner with tow truck (CBC)

A Whitehorse man, Jason Evans, is on trial for dangerous driving causing the death of his partner, Joanne Felix, who was fatally run over by his tow truck. The incident occurred in July 2023, and while the Crown argued Evans's actions showed a marked departure from standard care, the defense claimed Felix was the aggressor and responsible for her own injuries. Closing arguments have been made, and the judge will deliver a decision at a later date.