September 17, 2024

Business

Seven U.S. companies to visit Whitehorse to explore economic opportunities as part of trade delegation (Government of Yukon)

A trade delegation led by U.S. Ambassador David L. Cohen will visit Whitehorse, Yukon, from September 18 to 20, involving seven U.S. businesses exploring economic opportunities. The delegation aims to foster connections with Yukon government officials and local businesses, promoting cross-border trade and economic development, particularly in partnership with the Yukon First Nation Chamber of Commerce. In 2023, Yukon exported over CAD $105 million to the U.S., highlighting the significance of this relationship.

Community

Yukon gov't knew about sexual assault allegations against employee for years, documents show (CBC)

The Yukon government is investigating long-standing sexual assault allegations against an employee in Ross River, following community concerns and a letter from the Ross River Dena Council. Despite being aware of the allegations for years, the government only recently placed the employee on leave. Community leaders express frustration over the government's delayed response and the lack of support for potential victims, highlighting a history of abuse and systemic issues affecting Indigenous women in the area.

Canada Games Centre pool reopens (City of Whitehorse)

The Whitehorse Lions Aquatic Centre pool reopened on September 16 after annual maintenance and infrastructure upgrades, including an accessible lift chair and new shower stations. The water slide will be closed from September 18 to 20 for additional work, but the pool remains open.

Dauphin air cadet adds to their skills at Yukon camp (The Dauphin Herald)

Cadet Maison Legge from the 50 Lt.-Col. Barker V.C. Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron in Dauphin enhanced their skills at a Survival Instructor Course in Whitehorse, Yukon, this summer. The course included survival skills, instructional techniques, and navigation, emphasizing environmental conservation. Legge joined cadets in 2022 to follow family tradition and enjoys the opportunities for friendship, skill development, and travel. The air cadet program, open to youth aged 12-19, has a long history in Manitoba, with local training starting this month and opportunities for adult leaders as well.

One man unaccounted for after vehicle hits Yukon River south of Whitehorse (Yukon News)

A vehicle and trailer fell into the Yukon River at the Lewes River Bridge south of Whitehorse on September 16. One of the two men in the vehicle escaped and received medical treatment, while the other remains unaccounted for. The RCMP and local fire departments are on the scene, and recovery efforts for the vehicle are planned.

The Government of Yukon celebrates apprenticeship excellence and 60 years of apprenticeship training (Government of Yukon)

The Government of Yukon celebrated the 30th annual Yukon Apprenticeship Excellence Awards, marking 60 years of apprenticeship training. The event recognized 47 apprentices and 50 new journeypersons, many achieving Red Seal designations. Awards highlighted the importance of businesses and mentors in supporting skilled trades, with a total of 3,220 journeypersons certified over six decades and over 500 apprentices currently registered in the territory.

Education

Statement from the Minister of Highways and Public Works Nils Clarke on the parking lot upgrades at Selkirk Elementary School (Government of Yukon)

Minister Nils Clarke announced the completion of parking lot upgrades at Selkirk Elementary School, aimed at enhancing transportation infrastructure and community safety. The improvements have reduced traffic congestion, increased parking capacity, and provided a safer drop-off zone, including features like electrical plug-ins and enhanced lighting. This project is part of a broader plan to offset lost parking from new school constructions and promote active transportation.

Environment

Former Victoria Gold engineer blasts Yukon gov't for 'passive' response to mine failure (CBC)

A former engineer from Victoria Gold criticized the Yukon government for its passive response to the cyanide spill at the Eagle mine, claiming that the government's push for receivership hindered environmental recovery efforts and reduced transparency. Nico Harvey argued that the government imposed unrealistic demands on the company, which was actively managing the situation before being forced into receivership. He expressed concerns over the lack of updates and accountability from the government since taking control of the site.

Government

Yukoners may get electoral reform question with next territorial ballot (Yukon News)

Yukoners may vote on electoral reform in the next territorial elections, potentially adopting a ranked voting system as recommended by the Yukon Citizens' Assembly. Premier Ranj Pillai is coordinating with Elections Yukon for a plebiscite in 2025, which would include public education on the voting options. The final report from the citizens' assembly is expected by the end of October, and the all-party committee suggests two public votes: one on changing the system and another to assess the new system's effectiveness.

Health

Launch of Yukon government's Managed Alcohol Program delayed due to staffing (CBC News)

The launch of the Yukon government's Managed Alcohol Program (MAP) is delayed due to ongoing staffing issues, with no confirmed start date. The program aims to assist individuals with severe alcohol use disorder, particularly the unhoused and those in poverty, by providing medically prescribed doses of alcohol along with health and social services. NDP Leader Kate White expressed frustration over the delay, emphasizing the long-standing need for such a program. The MAP will operate at the former St. Elias Adult Group Home, which has been repurposed for this initiative.

‘Baby baskets’ born out of Yukon health minister’s Scotland trip launch (Yukon News)

Yukon's Health Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee launched a "baby basket" initiative on September 13, 2024, providing free boxes with essential items for newborns to families with pregnant women at least 28 weeks along or with babies no older than two months. The program, inspired by similar initiatives in Scotland, aims to support all families regardless of income, with 200 boxes budgeted over two years at a cost of $100,000. The minister faced criticism for the trip to Scotland that influenced this project amid concerns about rural health services in Yukon.

Infrastructure

Residential lottery and industrial tender for lots in Haines Junction, Mayo, Teslin and Watson Lake now open (Government of Yukon)

The Government of Yukon has opened a residential lottery and industrial tender for new lots in Haines Junction, Mayo, Teslin, and Watson Lake to enhance land and housing availability. Seven residential and three industrial lots are available, with applications accepted until October 4, 2024, and a lottery draw on October 9, 2024. This initiative is part of a larger effort that has released 685 lots since 2021, aiming for over 1,000 lots by 2026.

Justice

Kaska Nation back in court to appeal ruling over consultation on Yukon mining project (CBC)

The Kaska Nation is appealing a court ruling regarding the Kudz Ze Kayah mine project in southeastern Yukon, claiming they were not adequately consulted before the project's approval.

Yukon appeal court hears case over approval of Kudz Ze Kayah mine project (CBC)

The Yukon Court of Appeal is reviewing the Kudz Ze Kayah mine project, focusing on whether the Kaska Nation was adequately consulted. Kaska Nation's lawyers argue that the previous ruling failed to recognize consultation flaws, particularly regarding economic feasibility and the consultation process's restrictions. In contrast, lawyers for Canada, Yukon, and BMC Minerals contend that the consultation met legal obligations and that Kaska's demands exceeded what was required. The judges have reserved their decision, while BMC Minerals continues to seek necessary licenses for the project.