September 13, 2024

Arts

Yukon Permanent Art Collection exhibits 14 newest acquisitions (Government of Yukon)

The Government of Yukon has opened the Abundance exhibition, showcasing 14 new acquisitions to the Yukon Permanent Art Collection, featuring diverse media from local artists. The exhibition runs until November 15, 2024, alongside a retrospective for the Northern Cultural Expressions Society. The Yukon government has doubled the acquisitions budget to support the arts, reflecting its commitment to cultural growth. The collection now includes nearly 550 works by over 290 artists, with selections made through a competitive submission process.

Business

Court approves first phase of Selkirk First Nation's Minto Mine purchase (Yukon News)

The Selkirk First Nation has received court approval for the first phase of its acquisition of the Minto Mine, aiming to prevent its permanent closure. The mine, abandoned in 2023, is now under Selkirk's control over its assets, allowing for future decision-making regarding operations and environmental standards. Ongoing negotiations may lead to the purchase of additional mine claims and licenses, with a focus on sustainable practices and community involvement in future reclamation efforts.

Silver Co. Starts Drilling at Property in Yukon's Historic Keno Hill (Streetwise Reports)

Silver North Resources Ltd. has commenced its 2024 drilling campaign at the Haldane property in Yukon's Keno Hill silver district, targeting approximately 1,000 meters across three holes to explore high-grade silver mineralization. The drilling aims to expand on previous promising results and assess key targets, including the West Fault, Main Fault, and Bighorn. Analysts view the Haldane project as a significant silver exploration opportunity, with expectations for increased demand for silver driven by technological advancements, particularly in electric vehicle batteries.

Community

Whitehorse RCMP seek public assistance in locating missing 24-year-old, Noel Crotty-Upshall (96.1 The Rush)

The Whitehorse RCMP sought public assistance in locating 24-year-old Noel Crotty-Upshall, who was reported missing on September 11 after last being seen on September 7. He has since been located as of September 13. Descriptions included his physical appearance and clothing.

Yukoners voice support and solidarity for First Nations through mining concerns (CHON-FM)

Yukoners gathered in solidarity with the Kaska Nation to support their appeal against the Kudz Ze Kayah mine's construction, emphasizing the need for awareness of the legal and ethical context. Additionally, the Yukon NDP backed the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun's call for a public inquiry into the heap leach failure at Victoria Gold's Eagle Gold mine, highlighting concerns over government oversight in the incident.

Environment

How Concerned Neighbors Kept a Conservation Dream Alive (The Revelator)

The Yukon Wildlife Preserve, spanning over 700 acres, is home to 12 iconic Yukon species and plays a crucial role in wildlife rehabilitation and education. Founded by Danny Nowlan in the 1960s, the preserve transitioned from a private game farm to a public facility in 2004, following community advocacy. Current challenges include climate change impacts, maintaining infrastructure, and ensuring animal care, while the preserve aims to foster connections between visitors and Northern wildlife.

Government

Statement from Premier Ranj Pillai on the Teslin Tlingit Council election (Government of Yukon)

Premier Ranj Pillai congratulated Elizabeth Bosely on her historic election as the first female Naa Sháade Háni-elect of the Teslin Tlingit Council and Tod Smarch as Deputy Naa Sháade Háni. He acknowledged the contributions of outgoing Naa Sháade Háni Eric Morris and highlighted key achievements during his term, emphasizing the importance of the government-to-government relationship between the Government of Yukon and the Teslin Tlingit Council.

Yukon citizens’ assembly recommends changing electoral system to ranked vote (Yukon News)

The Yukon Citizens' Assembly on Electoral Reform recommends transitioning from the first-past-the-post system to a ranked voting system to enhance voter representation. The assembly, consisting of 38 randomly selected Yukoners, believes ranked voting allows voters to express true preferences and supports smaller parties. They also propose randomizing candidate names on ballots and implementing an extensive voter education program. The assembly's full report will be available before October 31, and the legislature will decide on the next steps, including a potential public vote on the proposed changes.

Health

Government of Yukon launches Baby Basket Project (Government of Yukon)

The Government of Yukon has launched the Yukon Baby Basket Project to support new parents and improve health outcomes for families. The initiative provides free baby baskets containing essential items and educational resources for those at least 28 weeks pregnant or with a newborn up to two months old. This project, inspired by a similar program in Finland, aims to enhance support for Yukoners during pregnancy and early parenthood, celebrating new arrivals and promoting family wellbeing.

With Yukon government support, surgical services at Whitehorse General Hospital have increased (Government of Yukon)

The Yukon government has enhanced surgical services at Whitehorse General Hospital by increasing capacity and optimizing operations, allowing for an expected 4,400 surgeries this year. This initiative, supported by Budget 2024-25 funding, aims to reduce wait times and improve access to critical care. Additionally, recruitment of full-time nurses and technicians is part of a broader strategy to ensure high-quality healthcare in the territory, addressing rising demand and improving patient outcomes.

Infrastructure

Construction of the Dempster Fibre Line is complete (Government of Yukon)

The construction of the Dempster Fibre Line, a 778-kilometre fibre optic line connecting Dawson, Yukon, to Inuvik, Northwest Territories, is complete. This project enhances telecommunications in northern Canada, providing a redundant network to ensure reliable internet and cellular services. Funded by the Government of Canada, Yukon, and Northwestel, the line is expected to be operational by December 2024, benefiting local communities and Indigenous groups along its route.

Temporary Recycling Deport now open in Whitehorse (CHON-FM)

A temporary Recycling Depot has opened in Whitehorse, allowing residents to drop off non-refundable materials like tin cans and mixed paper for a fee of $1 per bag or container. This follows the closure of free drop-offs at Raven Recycling Society. The facility operates Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

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 highlighted the significant frustration among residents and businesses regarding unreliable service, which impacts daily life and safety. He commended Bell for their commitment to addressing service issues and called for accountability from all telecom providers in the region. As of September 11, 2024, Pillai had not received a response from Rogers or TELUS.

Justice

Tribunal urges First Nations, feds to 'leave their conflicts aside' on Jordan's Principle issues (CBC)

The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal urged the federal government and First Nations organizations to resolve conflicts regarding Jordan's Principle, which ensures First Nations children receive timely healthcare. The tribunal highlighted ongoing issues with unprocessed requests and the need for collaboration, despite tensions between the Assembly of First Nations and the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society. The tribunal's decisions may lead to negotiations for better solutions, but immediate action is necessary to prevent harm to children.

RCMP make quick arrest after robbery in Porter Creek (96.1 The Rush)

A man was arrested following a robbery at the Petro One gas station in Porter Creek, Whitehorse, where he used bear spray on employees and stole cash before fleeing on a bicycle. The RCMP is seeking information from the public regarding this and other crimes.

Whitehorse RCMP arrests one male connected to robbery in Whitehorse. (CHON-FM)

The Whitehorse RCMP arrested a male connected to a robbery at the Petro One station on September 12, 2024, where he used bear spray on employees and stole cash before fleeing on a bicycle. The suspect will appear in court following the investigation.

Whitehorse RCMP make arrest following gas station robbery (Yukon News)

Whitehorse RCMP arrested a man following a robbery at the Petro One gas station on September 12, where bear spray was used against employees. The suspect fled on a bicycle with cash and will appear in court on charges. The bear spray affected nearby businesses, forcing the Smoke and Sow restaurant to close for lunch.

Safety

City to Host FireSmart Information Sessions (City of Whitehorse)

The City of Whitehorse is hosting two public information sessions on FireSmart initiatives to educate residents about reducing wildfire risks. Sessions will be held on September 19 at Mount McIntyre Recreation Centre and September 25 at Whistle Bend Elementary School, both from 6 to 7 p.m. Residents are encouraged to participate, ask questions, and sign up for FireSmart Home Assessments.