September 18, 2024

Arts

Check out the newest acquisitions from the Yukon Arts Centre (CBC)

The Yukon Arts Centre is showcasing new acquisitions to its permanent art collection, featuring works by 14 artists.

Business

CMC Metals Advances Yukon Silver Hart Project (TipRanks)

CMC Metals Ltd. is advancing the Yukon Silver Hart Project by engaging Micon International Ltd. for a NI 43-101 compliant Mineral Resource Estimate, marking the first phase for assessing its suitability for small-scale open pit mining. The CEO is optimistic about the project's mid-term production potential and exploring pre-concentration technologies for better economic feasibility.

Could the Eagle gold mine in Yukon, Canada, soar again? (Mining Journal)

The Eagle gold mine in Yukon, Canada, is currently managed by PricewaterhouseCoopers as a receiver, and several gold producers are reportedly interested in acquiring the asset.

Community

Arizona man missing after pickup truck slides into Yukon River near Whitehorse (CBC)

Yukon RCMP are searching for a missing man after a pickup truck he was in slid into the Yukon River near Whitehorse. The incident occurred early Monday morning while two men from Phoenix, Arizona, were driving on the Alaska Highway. One man escaped and received medical treatment, while the other remains unaccounted for, with the truck and trailer still submerged in the river.

CAFN mourns passing of past chief (CHON-FM)

Champagne and Aishihik First Nations mourns the passing of past Chief Bob Charlie at age 76. Known as the "Singing Chief," he served as Chief from 1998 to 2002, supported residential school survivors, and contributed to media and broadcasting, including helping CHON-FM launch in the 1980s.

Fall Family Fest Coming To Shipyards Park (City of Whitehorse)

The Fall Family Fest will take place at Shipyards Park on September 27 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., featuring food trucks, live music, games, and activities for all ages. The event is free and open to everyone.

Moose harvest threshold reached in Game Management Subzones near Faro (96.1 The Rush)

Moose hunting in the Faro area has ended for the 2024 season after reaching the local threshold of 15 harvested moose on September 17th. Game Management Subzones 4-44, 4-45, and 4-46 are now closed for hunting, and successful hunters are urged to complete their harvest reports promptly.

Yukon Workers' Safety and Compensation Board records 1 death in 2023 (Canadian Occupational Safety)

In 2023, the Yukon Workers’ Safety and Compensation Board recorded one workplace death, marking the second consecutive year with this statistic. A total of 876 injury claims were filed, with 687 accepted, a decrease from 2022. Additionally, some employers may qualify for a $10 million rebate, contingent on maintaining an open account and paying assessment premiums in 2023.

Canadian Medical Association to formally apologize for harms to Indigenous people (CBC)

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) will hold a ceremony in Victoria to publicly apologize for the harms caused to Indigenous Peoples by the medical profession. The apology aims to build trust and support for Indigenous communities and inspire reconciliation efforts. The event will feature dignitaries from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, and will include a screening of a film about the experiences of a Métis elder. The CMA acknowledges the health disparities faced by Indigenous people due to colonialism and systemic racism.

Education

What We Heard report released on the Child Care Act review (Government of Yukon)

The Government of Yukon released a "What We Heard" report summarizing public feedback on the review of the Child Care Act, aimed at modernizing the Act to enhance children's learning experiences. Key principles include quality, affordability, accessibility, and inclusion, with suggestions such as reducing child-to-educator ratios, ensuring sustainability of funding, and increasing access for children with diverse needs. The input from various stakeholders will guide the development of the new Act, scheduled for spring 2025.

Government

Yukon government criticized for handling of worker accused of sexual assault, misconduct (Human Resources Director Canada)

The Yukon government faces criticism for its handling of a worker accused of sexual assault and misconduct, with allegations dating back to 2016. The employee was placed on leave following a letter from the Ross River Dena Council detailing serious accusations, including the misuse of government resources to endanger women. The council demands an investigation into the government's actions, which they describe as insulting and potentially racist. The Yukon government has initiated an HR investigation to review its past responses to these allegations.

How a Yukon court ruling could affect NWT’s Scan act plans (Cabin Radio)

A Yukon Supreme Court ruling deemed a section of the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act unconstitutional, which could influence the Northwest Territories' plans for similar legislation. The ruling criticized short-notice evictions for tenants suspected of illegal activity, highlighting risks of homelessness and psychological harm. Advocates argue that such legislation can disproportionately affect marginalized groups and call for fairer eviction processes. The NWT government is in the early stages of reviewing potential Scan legislation, emphasizing the need for thorough analysis and consideration of residents' rights.

Infrastructure

Confused about where to recycle now? Here’s what you need to know to sort it out (96.1 The Rush)

With the closure of Raven ReCentre's non-refundable recycling drop-off, residents of Whitehorse can now use the City's temporary Recycling Depot for paper, packaging, and other items for a fee. Raven ReCentre continues to accept refundable items, while P & M Recycling accepts various recyclable materials. A temporary curbside recycling program will start in December, ending when Extended Producer Responsibility takes effect, shifting recycling responsibilities to producers.

Residents call for upgrades to 'very deceiving' bridge after Alaska Highway crash near Whitehorse (CBC)

Residents near the Lewes River bridge in Yukon are calling for safety upgrades following a serious crash where a pickup truck slid into the river, resulting in one person missing. Concerns include the deceptive entrance to the bridge, poor visibility, and heavy truck traffic. Residents advocate for improvements such as a pedestrian walkway and better lighting, with some suggesting the bridge should be replaced with a modern structure due to its history of accidents.

Yukon says residents can expect better telecom services with new fibre line (APTN News)

Yukon residents can expect improved telecom services due to a new fibre line, which is part of ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity in the region.

Justice

Kaska Dena Council appeals Kudz Ze Kayah mining project approval in Yukon Supreme Court (Yukon News)

The Kaska Dena Council is appealing the approval of the Kudz Ze Kayah mining project in the Yukon Supreme Court, questioning the adequacy of consultation with First Nations. A previous ruling found that the Crown did not fulfill its consultation obligations, and while the project was re-approved with conditions, the Kaska Nation argues that economic feasibility was inadequately considered. Chief Stephen Charlie emphasized the importance of self-determination and collaboration in managing their land. The court has reserved judgment on the appeal.

Kaska Nation Appeals Kudz Ze Kayah mine decision (APTN)

The Kaska Nation is appealing a Yukon Supreme Court decision that allowed the Kudz ze Kayah mining project to proceed, arguing that the territorial and federal governments failed to adequately consult them. Demonstrators rallied in support of the Kaska, expressing concerns about the mine's impact on the Finlayson caribou herd and the legacy of abandoned mines. The appeal was heard in Yukon’s Court of Appeal, with Kaska lawyers claiming the lower court mischaracterized their consultation efforts. The mining company, BMC, maintains its commitment to involving the Kaska in the project as the appeal process continues.

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

The Yukon Court of Appeal is hearing a case regarding 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 shortcomings and imposed excessive restrictions. In contrast, representatives for Canada, Yukon, and BMC Minerals assert that the consultation met legal obligations and that Kaska's demands were outside the scope of consultation. The judges have reserved their decision, while BMC Minerals continues to pursue necessary licenses for the project.

Man who pulled 'improvised knife' on worker, escaped Whitehorse youth offender facility sentenced to 10 months (CBC)

A man from the N.W.T. was sentenced to 10 months in custody for escaping a Whitehorse youth offender facility after pulling a shiv on a guard and inciting a riot. He pleaded guilty to forcibly breaking out of a cell and assault with a weapon. The sentence will be served concurrently with credit for pre-trial custody, and he is also serving a seven-year sentence for second-degree murder related to a 2022 shooting.

Safety

City of Yellowknife has new plans for emergencies and evacuations (CBC)

Yellowknife has released updated community emergency and evacuation plans following the 2023 wildfire evacuation. The new plans, developed from lessons learned and recommendations from a KPMG report, aim to improve communication, coordination, and address the needs of vulnerable populations during emergencies. The 44-page emergency plan and 45-page evacuation plan outline procedures for disaster management and evacuation, emphasizing that they are living documents subject to regular review and updates.

Science

Trove of dinosaur fossils found high in B.C. mountains, near Yukon border (CBC)

Researchers have discovered over 90 dinosaur fossils in northern British Columbia's Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park, an area previously unexplored for fossils. The fossils, estimated to be 66 to 68 million years old, may belong to unknown species, providing valuable insights into the region's prehistoric life. The challenging terrain has limited scientific exploration, making this find particularly significant for understanding the history of dinosaurs in British Columbia.