September 16, 2024

Business

The Yukon hosts events discussing Canada’s global economic potential (Yukon News)

The Yukon is hosting discussions on Canada's global economic potential, highlighted by the recent Banff Forum and the upcoming Magnetic North Business Conference. Key topics include the importance of critical minerals for international trade, challenges in infrastructure for Yukon businesses, and strategies for economic development and sustainability. Export Development Canada emphasizes its role in supporting Canadian exports and facilitating market access, while the conference will focus on food sovereignty, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence.

Banyan Metallurgy Update with 93% Recovery from Powerline, AurMac Project, Mayo, Yukon (BYAGF Stock News)

Banyan Gold Corporation reports a 93% gold recovery from the Powerline Deposit at its AurMac Project, with ongoing metallurgical tests indicating strong recovery rates across various methods. The current inferred Mineral Resource Estimate for the project is 7.0 million ounces of gold, with plans for a Preliminary Economic Assessment in 2025. The deposits are confirmed to be non-acid generating, supporting future permitting and waste management.

Banyan Gold Corp. Provides an Update on Ongoing Metallurgical Test Program Work for the Company's Aurmac Project in the Yukon Territory (MarketScreener)

Banyan Gold Corp. updated on its metallurgical test program for the AurMac Project in the Yukon, focusing on the Powerline and Airstrip Deposits. The tests show strong gold recoveries of 93%, 92%, and 90% using conventional methods, with gravity recoverable gold at 54%, 46%, and 24%, respectively. The program aims to optimize mill flow sheets for future economic studies, with oversight by a qualified professional.

Community

Single motor vehicle collision at the Lewes River Bridge (Royal Canadian Mounted Police)

On September 16, 2024, a truck pulling a trailer missed the Lewes River Bridge and plunged into the Yukon River. Emergency services, including RCMP and local fire departments, responded, and there is no impact on traffic. Drivers are urged to adhere to speed limits and reduce speed near construction and emergency personnel.

Truck and trailer enters Yukon River following MVI at Lewes River Bridge (96.1 The Rush)

A truck and trailer plunged into the Yukon River after missing the Lewes River Bridge in Whitehorse, prompting a response from RCMP, Yukon EMS, and local fire departments. The vehicle is not commercial, and details on the number of people involved or their conditions are currently unavailable. Traffic flow remains unaffected, but drivers are advised to reduce speed in the area due to emergency personnel presence.

RCMP report vehicle in Yukon River at bridge south of Whitehorse (Yukon News)

On September 16, 2024, a truck pulling a trailer fell into the Yukon River at the Lewes River Bridge south of Whitehorse. The RCMP and local fire departments responded to the incident, but traffic flow remains unaffected. Motorists are advised to adhere to speed limits and exercise caution in the area. No information on injuries has been provided, and updates will follow as more details emerge.

Economy

B.C. leads provinces for expected wage growth in 2025 (Business in Vancouver)

B.C. is projected to have the highest wage growth in Canada for 2025, with an expected average increase of 3.9%, compared to the national average of 3.6%. The real estate sector anticipates the largest salary hike at 4.2%, while healthcare and education expect the lowest increases at 2.8% and 2.9%, respectively. Additionally, workers in Canada's territories earn significantly more than those in the provinces, with $1,448.43 per week made by workers in the Yukon in June.

Yukon Workers' Safety and Compensation Board confirms 1 workplace fatality in 2023 (CBC News)

The Yukon Workers' Safety and Compensation Board confirmed one workplace fatality in 2023, despite an earlier report stating zero fatalities. At its annual meeting, the board announced a reduction in assessment rates due to a strong financial position and plans to distribute $10 million in rebates to eligible employers. While claims decreased from 785 in 2022 to 687 in 2023, there has been a notable rise in psychological injuries over the past eight years, prompting a call for continued vigilance in worker safety.

Yukon Workers' Safety and Compensation Board reports one worker death in 2023 (Yukon News)

In 2023, the Yukon Workers' Safety and Compensation Board reported one worker death, consistent with the previous year. The board also noted a decrease in workplace injury claims and announced a $10 million rebate for eligible employers. Assessment rates for nearly three-quarters of Yukon businesses will decrease in 2025, with specific reductions varying by industry. The board emphasized that rates were set based on injury rates over the past decade, and future incidents could influence rate adjustments.

Environment

Government of Yukon provides update on heap leach failure response at Victoria Gold’s Eagle Gold Mine (Government of Yukon)

The Government of Yukon is actively addressing the heap leach failure at Victoria Gold’s Eagle Gold Mine by focusing on environmental protection and safety measures, including contaminated water storage and treatment, groundwater monitoring, and heap stability. Recent water monitoring showed low cyanide levels in Haggart Creek, and fish mitigation measures are in place to prevent fish from entering the affected area. Collaboration with the First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun and Fisheries and Oceans Canada is ongoing to protect local fish migration patterns.

Government

Boyd makes bid for sixth Whitehorse city council term (Yukon News)

Dan Boyd, a long-serving Whitehorse city councillor since 2015, is running for re-election for his sixth term. He aims to prioritize the city's finances, addressing deteriorating infrastructure and safety concerns, while also acknowledging challenges in affordable housing due to rising construction costs. Mayor Laura Cabott praised Boyd's commitment and experience, highlighting the need for continuity on the council amid expected turnover.

Local tattoo artist aims to be Whitehorse’s next mayor (Yukon News)

Dan Bushnell, a local tattoo artist, has announced his candidacy for mayor of Whitehorse, focusing on community safety, fiscal responsibility, and collaborative governance. He aims to address crime in downtown areas and prioritize infrastructure improvements, particularly the Selkirk Water Treatment Plant. Bushnell emphasizes the need for long-term solutions and community involvement in governance.

Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform recommends ditching first-past-the-post in Yukon elections (96.1 The Rush)

The Yukon Citizens' Assembly on Electoral Reform recommends replacing the first-past-the-post voting system with a ranked vote system to enhance representation. This system allows voters to rank candidates, ensuring that the elected representative has over 50% support. The assembly, consisting of 38 volunteers, also suggests randomizing the order of candidates on ballots to mitigate bias. The final report will be submitted to the Yukon Legislature by October 31st for further action.

Health

Whitehorse hospital adds operating room hours with goal to hit record surgeries (Yukon News)

Whitehorse General Hospital is extending its surgical hours by five hours daily to achieve a record of 4,400 surgeries this year, aiming to reduce wait times and improve patient care. The expansion includes new staff positions to support the increased demand, funded by the Yukon government. Despite these efforts, wait times and hospital capacity remain under pressure due to rising service demands.