September 19, 2024

Business

CMC Metals Ltd. Completes A Significant Reclamation Program and Discovers Three Manto Zones at its Silver Hart Project, Yukon, Canada (Canadian Insider)

CMC Metals Ltd. has completed a significant reclamation program at its Silver Hart and Blue Heaven claims in Yukon, Canada, discovering three new manto zones during the process. The reclamation work is crucial for meeting permit requirements and demonstrating social responsibility. The company plans further exploration, including drilling in identified target areas, and has engaged MICON International for a new mineral resource estimate. The Blue Heaven Property contains multiple mineralized areas yet to be evaluated, and a permit application for exploration is in the final review stage.

Community

Canadian Medical Association apologizes for past and ongoing anti-Indigenous racism in healthcare (96.1 The Rush)

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) formally apologized for its role in perpetuating anti-Indigenous racism in healthcare, acknowledging past harms such as medical experiments and forced sterilizations. CMA President Dr. Joss Reimer emphasized the need for equitable access to healthcare for Indigenous Peoples and pledged to adopt Joyce’s Principle, revise the Code of Ethics, and increase Indigenous representation in the medical field. The apology was welcomed as a significant step towards a more equitable healthcare system by Indigenous leaders.

B.C. police divers unable to find American man after Yukon River crash (Squamish Chief)

In Yukon, police divers have been unable to locate an American man missing after a truck he was in plunged into the Yukon River. The crash occurred when the vehicle missed the Lewes River Bridge. One man escaped and received medical treatment, while extensive searches for the second man continue.

Update:Man remains missing as divers search Yukon River after truck crash (Yukon News)

Knate Ostenso remains missing after his truck crashed into the Yukon River on September 16, 2024. While one occupant swam to safety, search efforts by the RCMP, including divers, continue to locate Ostenso. His loved ones have provided details about his clothing at the time of the accident to assist in the search.

Statement from Premier Pillai on the passing of former Dän nätthe äda (Chief) Bob Charlie (Government of Yukon)

Premier Ranj Pillai expressed deep sadness over the passing of former Chief Bob Charlie of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, honoring his contributions as a broadcaster, language preservationist, and leader. Charlie's tenure included a significant agreement with the BC government regarding the respectful management of ancient remains. He was also known for his humor, storytelling, and musical talents, impacting many lives in his community. The Government of Yukon extends condolences to his family and community.

Environment

Yukon gov't fires back at former Victoria Gold official over Eagle mine response (CBC)

The Yukon government responded to accusations from former Victoria Gold official Nico Harvey regarding the handling of the Eagle mine heap leach failure. Harvey claimed the government was overly demanding during Victoria Gold's management but became passive after the company entered receivership. Yukon officials countered that the company's poor communication and failure to address the environmental crisis led to the need for receivership, emphasizing the urgency of remediation efforts to protect the environment and taxpayers.

Government of Yukon welcomes public feedback on proposed amendments to the Air Emissions Regulations (Government of Yukon)

The Government of Yukon is seeking public feedback on proposed amendments to the Air Emissions Regulations, which would require permits for commercial and institutional biomass burning systems over 150 kilowatts to minimize harmful air pollutants. The amendments aim to enhance regulation clarity while preserving air quality. Feedback can be submitted until November 18, 2024, and the government is engaging directly with stakeholders, including Yukon First Nations and industry representatives, as part of its climate strategy, Our Clean Future.

Government

Yukon government to hold referendum on electoral reform in 2025 (CBC)

The Yukon government will hold a referendum on electoral reform in 2025, allowing residents to choose between the current first-past-the-post system and a proposed ranked ballot system recommended by a citizen's assembly. The assembly's members, representing diverse demographics, advocated for the ranked system to enhance voter preference expression and reduce strategic voting. The decision reflects a commitment to involve Yukoners in changing their electoral system, with the formal report from the assembly to be released in the next legislative session.

Senior civil servants at provincial, territorial level invited to seek top secret clearance (CBC)

John Hannaford, Clerk of the Privy Council in Canada, has invited provincial and territorial leaders to apply for top secret security clearance to enhance dialogue on foreign interference and security threats. This initiative aims to facilitate regular intelligence briefings to support policy development and responses to security events. The letter emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach to address evolving global security challenges, and offers the option for governments to designate officials for timely intelligence sharing. Recent events, including ransomware attacks and foreign interference concerns, have heightened the urgency of this initiative.

Jason Wilneff announces bid for council (Yukon News)

Jason Wilneff is running for Whitehorse city council as part of the Together Whitehorse slate, focusing on collaboration, fiscal responsibility, and community safety. He aims to address downtown conditions, support small businesses, improve safety, and enhance infrastructure, particularly traffic management. Wilneff has a background in business development and has started multiple companies in Whitehorse, earning praise for his leadership and community commitment.

No joke: Whitehorse comedian runs for city council (Yukon News)

Jenny Hamilton, a comedian and former auto mechanic, is running for Whitehorse city council as part of the Together Whitehorse slate. She aims to address rising crime, improve city infrastructure, and enhance communication with the territorial government. Hamilton emphasizes the importance of tackling root causes of crime, such as homelessness and addiction, and advocates for fiscal responsibility in city budgeting.

Health

Doctors fact check Yukon authorities on adding hospital operating room hours (Yukon News)

Two local doctors dispute claims by Yukon authorities regarding the addition of surgical hours at Whitehorse General Hospital, stating that no actual increase in operating time has occurred despite official announcements. They emphasize the need for significant investment in infrastructure and staffing to address ongoing surgical service demands and healthcare challenges in the region.

Opposition criticizes Yukon's delayed managed alcohol program (Yukon News)

Yukon NDP Leader Kate White criticized the delay in launching the managed alcohol program, which is intended to support individuals with severe alcohol use disorder. While the program was expected to start intake in spring 2024, it has not yet opened, leading to frustration among potential clients. The Yukon Party raised concerns about the program's status and the decision to relocate former group home residents without proper consultation. The program aims to provide medically prescribed alcohol in a supervised environment, but details on its effectiveness remain unclear.

Infrastructure

Statement from Minister Richard Mostyn on the new City of Whitehorse Recycling Program (Government of Yukon)

Minister Richard Mostyn announced a new curbside recycling program for Whitehorse, funded by the Yukon government with $2.4 million to cover half the costs. This initiative addresses a gap in recycling options after Raven ReCentre stopped accepting non-refundable materials and aims to support the environment while transitioning to Extended Producer Responsibility regulations in 2025, which will shift recycling costs to manufacturers. The program is expected to enhance waste management, extend landfill life, and promote a circular economy in the region.

Justice

Yukon RCMP officer cleared in 2022 fatal shooting at Whitehorse airport (Halifax City News)

A Yukon RCMP officer has been cleared in the 2022 fatal shooting of a man at Whitehorse airport who was threatening others with a rifle. The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team found the officer acted properly, as the suspect had previously pointed the rifle at others and ignored police orders to drop the weapon before being shot.

Media

FTC Staff Report Finds Large Social Media and Video Streaming Companies Have Engaged in Vast Surveillance of Users with Lax Privacy Controls and Inadequate Safeguards for Kids and Teens (US Federal Trade Commission)

The FTC staff report reveals that major social media and video streaming companies engage in extensive user surveillance with inadequate privacy protections, particularly for children and teens. The report highlights issues such as lax data handling practices, mass data collection for monetization, and insufficient safeguards against privacy invasions. Recommendations include comprehensive federal privacy legislation, stricter data collection policies, and enhanced protections for minors. The report emphasizes the need for companies to recognize the presence of child users and improve transparency and user control over data usage.