This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and Summit Health Associates.

On November 1, 2024, Summit Health Associates’ psychiatry services became fully integrated into the Government of Yukon’s Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services (MWSUS). This physical integration aims to enhance access to psychiatric care, improve coordination with other mental health and substance use services and align with the Government of Yukon’s Putting People First priorities by providing seamless, patient-centred care across the territory.

Keeping with commitments made in the Government of Yukon’s Substance Use Health Emergency Strategy and the 2023 Confidence and Supply Agreement, the Yukon’s first live-in Managed Alcohol Program (MAP) opened in Whitehorse on November 6, 2024. The MAP offers a structured, medically supported environment aimed at supporting Yukoners with severe and treatment-resistant alcohol use disorder. The program provides participants with direct access to managed, medically supervised doses of alcohol in a safe setting, as part of a tailored care plan, as well as health care and social services.

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

“It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of John Horgan, former Premier of British Columbia.

“John was more than a leader; he was a passionate advocate for the people of British Columbia and all Canadians. He committed himself fully to public service, believing in its power to bring meaningful change and improve lives.

This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and Safe at Home Society. 

Starting December 1, 2024, Safe at Home Society will operate a new 17-unit supportive housing program at 408 Alexander Street. This partnership between the Government of Yukon and Safe at Home Society will offer tenants safe, stable housing and access to a variety of social services.

Yukon Communicable Disease Control and the Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) have confirmed a case of pertussis (whooping cough) in a passenger on Air North Flight 4N543 from Whitehorse to Vancouver on November 6, 2024.

Passengers are advised to monitor for symptoms of pertussis, which may start to show 7 to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria and can range from mild cold-like symptoms to severe coughing fits lasting weeks.

The Emergency Measures Organization will be issuing a test of the AlertReady system at approximately 1:55 pm local time on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.

The test will be broadcast on cellphones, radios and televisions across the Yukon. The test alert will clearly state that it is a test. If there is a real emergency, the message will state that it is not a test.

Users in Old Crow and other areas with only 3G wireless will not receive the alert on their phone.

The Government of Yukon and the Environmental Careers Organization (ECO) Canada are excited to announce that nominations are now open for the second Yukon Sustainability Awards. These awards celebrate Yukoners’ commitment to sustainability and recognize businesses that are leading the charge toward a greener economy with a focus on Indigenous reconciliation and collaboration.

Minister responsible for the French Language Services Directorate John Streicker has issued the following statement:

The Government of Yukon remains committed to completing the much-needed new 34-unit residence in Dawson; however, additional contamination requiring remediation was found on site, resulting in a project delay until spring 2025.

In 2011, the 14-unit apartment building and single detached house known as the Korbo site or Korbo Apartments were demolished after the discovery of an underground fuel oil leak. Following demolition, the site underwent soil remediation and backfilling and was declared “remediated” and fit for residential construction by a third-party consultant in 2015.

Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:

“This week marks National Nurse Practitioner Week, a time to recognize the essential role nurse practitioners play in the Yukon and across Canada.

“Nurse practitioners are crucial front-line workers who demonstrate unwavering commitment to the health of Yukoners every day. With their advanced practice abilities, skills and compassion, they ensure our communities receive the comprehensive and patient-centered care they need and deserve.