Here is a quick look at what happened in the Legislature this week.
COVID-19 Updates:
As Yukon faces a second wave of COVID-19, we wanted to take the opportunity to update Yukoners on how this Liberal Government is continuing to work hard to keep them safe.
- Non-medical masks will be mandatory in Yukon in indoor public spaces as of December 1, 2020. More information will be available soon on Yukon.ca about what that will mean for your workplace or business.
- The Yukon Essential Worker Income Support Program has been extended to February 15, 2021. This program provides low-income essential workers with a wage top-up of up to $4.00 per hour for 16 weeks. Employers must apply on behalf of their staff and may choose when the 16 week benefit is applied between October 15, 2020 and February 15, 2021.
- A COVID-19 screening drive-thru has opened in Whitehorse, to meet increased demand for testing. It is located at Centennial Motors, 91628 Alaska Highway, in the wash bay. It is currently scheduled to be open until Sunday December 13, with an extension possible into 2021 based on demand.
Do you have questions about COVID-19? Make sure to visit https://yukon.ca/en/covid-19-information.
Geoscience Tribute
On Monday, Minister Pillai paid tribute to the 48th annual Yukon Geoscience Forum which is taking place this week. This year’s forum is an innovative and interactive virtual conference due to COVID-19 limitations.
During the Forum, geologists and mining company representatives will deliver talks and display virtual posters detailing their research. This includes showcasing Yukon’s latest geological discoveries. The ever popular placer forum was also hosted virtually by the Yukon Geological Survey.
Congratulations to the Yukon Chamber of Mines for being creative and adapting to these unprecedented times, and still being able to host a very successful event.
Land Lottery Announced
Minister of Community Services John Streicker announced on Thursday the launch of the largest ever lottery and tender of lots in Whitehorse.
The Government of Yukon is accepting lottery applications and tenders for 257 lots in Whitehorse. They include 140 single family lots, one duplex lot, 91 townhouse lots, 11 multi-family lots and eight commercial lots in Whistle Bend, as well as five country residential lots in Hidden Valley.
This latest release of lots furthers the vision of the Whistle Bend subdivision as a vibrant, growing neighbourhood. It is also particularly exciting to see the release of commercial lots in Whistle Bend, which will help build the town square, and to further address the need for both commercial and residential lots in Yukon.
You can read Minister Streicker’s Ministerial Statement here: https://yukonassembly.ca/sitting-day/34-3-069
16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence and National Day of Remembrance
On Wednesday, Minister McLean rose to pay tribute to the 16 days of activism against gender based violence. Every year, the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence launches on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. It ends on December 10, Human Rights Day. This year has been a particularly difficult year for many, resulting in an increase of gender based violence across the nation.
You can see a video of Minister McLean’s full tribute here: https://fb.watch/1-A_uhCZiH/
Housing Initiatives Fund
On Wednesday, Minister Frost highlighted some of the important action that is being taken to address the issue of affordable housing in Yukon.
The fourth intake of the Housing Initiatives Fund (HIF) is now open for applications. First Nations governments, First Nations Development Corporations, developers, contractors, community organizations and the general public can apply to this $3.6 million annual fund to support projects that will increase affordable housing options in their community. Over the past three intakes, this program has successfully supported projects that will lead to over 350 new affordable homes in Yukon communities.
One project that has been supported through this fund is Normandy Manor. Once completed, this privately owned and operated seniors supportive housing project in Whitehorse’s Takhini Subdivision will provide 84 new housing units.
You can learn more about HIF here: https://yukon.ca/en/apply-funding-new-housing-initiatives
You can read the transcript of Minister Frost’s statement here: https://yukonassembly.ca/sitting-day/34-3-068
Yukon University Witnesses
In continuing our commitment to have all Yukon Government entities appear before the Legislative Assembly as witnesses each year, officials from Yukon University appeared as a witnesses on November 26. Chair of the Board David Morrison and Acting President Dr. Maggie Mattear took questions on a variety of topics. You can read the transcript here: https://yukonassembly.ca/sitting-day/34-3-069
