Labour Market News

Want to find out more about local or provincial labour market history? The labour market news archive may be a good place to start.

In this section, you can browse archived news titles, whose links are no longer functional, for up to one year from the current date. The archived news can help you understand the labour market trends in geographic areas and industries that are of interest to you.

• Week of 2025-04-14 to 2025-04-18

  • The Village of Haines Junction will be considering the possibility of a paid fire chief, with a report coming to Council. As the need for fire services increases in the territory, and the administrative workload associated with the position grows, the volunteer fire chief position for the village has remained vacant.

    cbc.ca

  • Whitehorse Hospital has returned to normal operations after a sprinkler system issue led to a shutdown of some surgeries. A leak detected in the sprinkler system led to the shutdown of one operating room, leading to the postponement of some surgeries and service disruptions for the hospital.

    yukon-news.com

  • Under the relicensing process for the Whitehorse hydroelectric dam, Yukon Energy is required to implement a First Nations traditional knowledge framework and enhance fish passage. In addition, Yukon Energy must expand monitoring and reporting on the dam's impact on local wildlife, particularly chinook salmon, as outlined by the governmental decision bodies overseeing the application.

    cbc.ca

  • The Whitehorse Community Thrift Store has announced it will provide $30K in grants to numerous community groups for projects including learning garden programs, bag lunches and community events. The funds come from the Thrift Store's ongoing Sharing Our Success Program that aims to promote sustainability and engage the community.

    yukon-news.com
• Week of 2025-04-07 to 2025-04-11

  • The Government of Yukon has bought a former pet store building to create space for supportive services, in a location near the Whitehorse Emergency Shelter. Further announcements will be made in the coming weeks, including the operator of the supportive services.

    yukon-news.com

  • The Government of Yukon has announced a second phase of response to U.S. tariffs. The territorial government will end rebates for Tesla products, review contracts with Starlink and move away from communications on X, formerly known as Twitter. These measures are in addition to earlier changes that included removing U.S. liquor from shelves and limiting government contracts to U.S.-based firms.

    yukon.ca

  • The Conference Board of Canada claims in a new report that Yukon faces a shortage of workers, with the highest job vacancy rate in Canada. The housing market is one of the biggest barriers to people moving to the territory, with rental rates at an all-time high. Retraining of adults already in the territory may be one solution to fill available jobs.

    cbc.ca

  • The City of Whitehorse will launch an online permitting system on April 29, allowing builders and other tradespersons to avoid in-person visits to city offices to submit documents and check the status of building permits. According to the City, the new process will be reduced wait times and simplify permitting processes for users.

    whitehorse.ca
• Week of 2025-03-31 to 2025-04-04

  • A bill was introduced in the Yukon Legislative Assembly to allow the Yukon Medical Association (YMA) to negotiate on behalf of all physicians with the territorial government for reimbursement rates and other working conditions. The YMA claims this would lead to fewer disparities among practitioners in the territory.

    cbc.ca

  • Gladiator Metals has proposed a five-year copper exploration project within the boundaries of Whitehorse. The Yukon Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment Board will evaluate the proposal, considering potential environmental impacts on homes and trails in the city. The company estimates the area could produce over $7B worth of high-grade copper per year.

    yukon-news.com

  • PriceWaterhouseCoopers has requested to further increase borrowing for its receivership of the Eagle Gold mine for up to $220M. The company is conducting emergency remediation work for the mine, which it took over from Victoria Gold after an environmental catastrophe. Phase 3 of the remediation work is set to begin, as the mine prepares for the spring thaw.

    cbc.ca

  • The Yukon Nominee Program will have new priorities after changes announced by the Yukon government. Businesses will submit expressions of interest, and the territory will prioritize skilled immigrants more likely to remain in the Yukon, those who speak French and those with support to obtain a Yukon-specific work permit. The intake period will close on April 22.

    cbc.ca

  • Premier Pillai of the Yukon issued a statement summarizing current housing intiatives under the Yukon Housing Corporation's Creating Home plan. These initiatives include the Yukoner First Home Program, with details soon to be announced, and housing developments in Whitehorse, Dawson, and Watson Lake. The Yukon Housing Corporation's Housing Initiatives Fund will also provide up to $4M to support the construction of affordable housing units across the territory.

    yukon.ca
• Week of 2025-03-24 to 2025-03-28

  • The minimum wage in the Yukon will increase from $17.59 per hour to $17.94 per hour, starting on April 1, 2025. The wage increase was based on a 2.0 percent change to the Consumer Price Index for Whitehorse.

    yukon.ca

  • The Government of Yukon and Champagne and Aishihik First Nations have agreed to finance the renovation of 12 housing units as part of the Our Clean Future strategy. The $1.87M for energy upgrades include installing cold climate heat pumps, ventilation and enhanced insulation, helping to reduce carbon emissions and lower energy bills.

    yukon.ca
• Week of 2025-03-17 to 2025-03-21

  • The Government of Yukon has launched a Tourism Dashboard. The website, created in consultation with the tourism sector, provides indicators and statistics to the public on restaurant sales, hotel stays, flight arrivals and other tourism-related figures.

    yukon.ca

  • The Government of Yukon will offer letters of support for certain holders of work permits set to expire in 2025. Foreign nationals must have been living and working in Yukon on May 16, 2024, and employers must plan to nominate the permit-holders for permanent residency through the Yukon Nominee Program. Requests must be submitted by April 2.

    yukon.ca

  • The federal and Yukon governments are increasing funding for the Affordable Heat Pump Program by $6.3M to help Yukon residents transition to energy-efficient heating and cooling. Under the program, low- to median-income Yukon homeowners are eligible for a rebate of up to $24,000.

    yukon.ca

  • The community centre in Tagish, Yukon, was destroyed by fire. In addition to housing artifacts, the centre acted as a regular meeting place, library and event venue for the community. The territorial government has promised to help with building a replacement facility.

    cbc.ca

  • The federal government is contributing $74.2M over 10 years for territorial projects aimed at increasing housing supply. These funds will support initiatives like wastewater, solid waste, and drinking water systems, helping to advance housing goals by increasing densification in developed areas and enabling housing growth.

    canada.ca
• Week of 2025-03-03 to 2025-03-07

  • Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai has indicated that the 2025-2026 Yukon Budget will be a "disciplined" budget with minimal new spending. However, increased investments are expected in key areas, including child care, housing and sustainability.

    yukon-news.com

  • Starting in 2026, the Government of Canada will contribute $2.3M over ten years toward public transit in Whitehorse. Funds will go towards capital expenditures to upgrade, replace and maintain the city's transit infrastructure.

    yukon-news.com

  • The Government of Yukon plans to invest $75.5M in the upcoming budget to complete the final phase of main runway construction at the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport by fall 2025. Upgrades to airport utilities will also take place to prepare for an eventual new maintenance facility. Passenger traffic increased by 22.5% in 2024 compared to the year prior.

    yukon.ca

  • The City of Whitehorse is hosting a career open house on Friday, March 7. Participants will be able to discuss opportunities with managers and receive information about the advantages of working for the city, including health and pension benefits.

    whitehorse.ca

  • The use of visiting doctors to fill temporary vacancies has increased by 75% in Yukon since 2022. However, of the 153 locum physicians who came to the Yukon in 2024, none remained in the territory. Recruitment efforts are ongoing to attract physicians ahead of expected retirements.

    yukon-news.com

  • The Yukon Government's paid sick leave rebate program has been proposed for another fiscal year as part of the budget process. More than 1,100 workers have accessed paid sick leave so far through the program, with most from retail, accommodation and health care sectors.

    yukon-news.com

  • The Government of Yukon will increase the Comprehensive Municipal Grant to $29.5M in its upcoming 2025-2026 budget. Individual municipalities will see their funding levels increased. The Association of Yukon Communities is also set to receive $88,000 in annual funding to support training and development for municipal government employees.

    yukon.ca

  • The Queer Yukon Society has signed its first-ever collective agreement, retroactive to July 2022. The new agreement includes provisions for gender-affirming care sick leave and Indigenous-led dispute resolution. Programming at the centre was paused during the ratification process but is set to resume.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2025-02-24 to 2025-02-28

  • The Government of Yukon and Every Student Every Day are jointly spending $200K on projects to encourage school attendance. The funding will go toward improving school kitchens, acquiring supplies to help feed students and supporting related programs.

    yukon.ca

  • The Government of Canada will contribute over $185k to the Société des immeubles franco-yukonnais, which will be used for repair and renovation of the Centre de la francophonie in Whitehorse, a community hub. More than 14% of Yukon's population speaks both English and French.

    canada.ca

  • The federal and Yukon governments are contributing a combined $2.9M toward new facilities in Whitehorse for Biathlon Yukon, in anticipation of the 2026 Arctic Winter Games. The facilities will also serve as community recreational spaces after the conclusion of the games.

    canada.ca

  • Yukon Metals plans to explore for copper at its AZ project near Beaver Creek, following up on favourable sample results. The company will search for deposits of this critical mineral at Chair Mountain using a combination of past data, geology, drilling, and airborne magnetic and electromagnetic detection methods.

    canadianminingjournal.com

  • Sitka Gold Corp. will begin a new drilling program at its RC Gold project in the Tombstone Gold Belt, Yukon, more than doubling the amount of drilling conducted at the site so far. The program will focus on expanding existing sites as well as exploring new prospects.

    miningnewsnorth.com

  • The Da Daghay Development Corporation, along with the Governments of Canada, Yukon, and the City of Whitehorse, are contributing $37M toward building 105 housing units in Whitehorse, the largest affordable housing development in Yukon history. The project will consist of both one- and two-bedroom units and is set to be completed in 2026.

    yukon.ca
• Week of 2025-02-17 to 2025-02-21

  • Cantex Mine Development reported elevated germanium results from its 2024 drilling program at the North Rackla project in the Yukon. The drilling uncovered high-grade germanium, along with significant silver, lead, and zinc. These results highlight North Rackla's potential as a crucial alternative source of germanium, especially given China's export restrictions, which have increased the need for reliable supplies In North America.

    canadianminingjournal.com

  • The Government of Canada is providing $315K in funding for fourteen projects aimed at supporting seniors across Yukon. These projects include recreational and social programs, as well as initiatives to prevent senior abuse and promote financial security.

    canada.ca

  • The Council of Yukon First Nations has opened a 10-unit housing facility for Indigenous women and children in Whitehorse. The Family Preservation Wellness centre provides residents with meals, assistance with finding permanent housing, and culturally-relevant programming.

    cbc.ca

  • The federal government has signed an agreement with the Government of Yukon to provide $1M over two years to support Downtown Whitehorse Safety Response Action Plan. The initiative includes a 17-unit supportive housing program, as well as the development of a community safety and well-being plan for Whitehorse.

    canada.ca

  • The federal government is allocating $9.7M toward 166 unit through 11 affordable housing projects in Yukon. The funds will help improve, repair and provide new housing across municipalities in the territory, as well as to enhance energy efficiency.

    cmhc-schl.gc.ca
• Week of 2025-02-10 to 2025-02-14

  • The Yukon First Nations Culture and Tourism Association has paused some of its events for 2025. The association stated that the pause is to ensure the long-term sustainability of its operations.

    cbc.ca

  • The Government of Canada announced the signing of an amendment to the Teslin Tlingit Council Administration of Justice Agreement Implementation Plan, focused on corrections and community services. The agreement provides $5M this year and $2.1M annually to support the Teslin Tlingit Council in implementing their corrections and community service model.

    canada.ca

  • The federal government announced a $2.5M pilot program to fund five Yukon First Nation-led studies on critical mineral and infrastructure development. The funding will support Indigenous participation in decisions regarding major resource and infrastructure projects.

    canada.ca
• Week of 2025-02-03 to 2025-02-07

  • The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission announced an investment of over $14M to support the construction of high-speed fibre Internet infrastructure in northern communities, including Jade City and Good Hope Lake in BC, as well as Upper Liard in the Yukon. The new infrastructure is expected to benefit local businesses by providing new digital opportunities and improve access to health care and education in these regions.

    newswire.ca
• Week of 2025-01-27 to 2025-01-31

  • The federal and Yukon governments are jointly contributing $558,800 over three years for Yukon Venture Angels to support small and medium-sized businesses through an investor ecosystem project. Yukon Venture Angels plans to develop a strategic plan, offer founder training, and build capacity to manage private investments. The federal government aims to help create jobs by supporting investment opportunities in the Yukon.

    canada.ca

  • The Yukon and federal governments rejected the proposal for a placer mine at Stony Creek, following the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board’s recommendation due to concern for water quality and chinook salmon population health. Hundreds of people rely on Stony Creek for drinking water. The project would have included a mining camp for 12 people.

    cbc.ca

  • The Yukon government approved $70.2M in supplementary spending through a special warrant. Of this funding, $51.8M will be allocated to the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources for operations, including loan payments to Victoria Gold’s receiver. Of the remainder, $10M will be allocated to the Department of Community Services for land development work, and $8.4M to the Department of Highways and Public Works for operations and maintenance.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2025-01-20 to 2025-01-24

  • Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is allocating only 215 nominees for the Yukon government’s Nominee Program in 2025, half the allocation received in 2024. The Yukon government is delaying its January intake to adjust to the low allocation. IRCC is also planning to implement a new requirement that at least 75% of the nominations be allocated to temporary foreign workers currently residing in Canada.

    yukon.ca

  • The Yukon government launched a foreign credential recognition service to help internationally educated health professionals (IEHPs) enter the labour force in the Yukon. The service will provide or direct individuals to services for immigrants, licensing requirement information, training opportunities, and counselling. Some IEHPs may be eligible for financial assistance.

    yukon.ca

  • Polar Knowledge Canada opened a new office in Whitehorse, Yukon, for the Canadian High Arctic Research Station. The new hub allows Polar Knowledge to recruit staff, build long-term capacity in the Yukon, and strengthen relationships between researchers and Indigenous knowledge holders in the territory. Polar Knowledge employs around 100 staff across Canada.

    canada.ca

  • The Yukon Environmental Socio-Economic Assessment Board (YESEAB) released a report, recommending relicensing the Whitehorse hydroelectric dam until 2050, conditional on implementing recommendations to mitigate impacts to chinook salmon. Mitigation recommendations include upgrading the fish ladder and preventing fish deaths in the dam's turbines.

    aptnnews.ca

  • The City of Whitehorse has pledged $300,000 this year for landslide risk and mitigation efforts along Robert Service Way. The funding will be used to install and operate traffic-blocking gates, monitor the escarpment during the spring melt, and mitigation efforts such as lock-blocks.

    rcinet.ca
• Week of 2025-01-06 to 2025-01-10

  • The City of Whitehorse implemented measures to alleviate building permit application backlogs in 2024. The city hired additional building officials, consultants, introduced remote inspections and foundation-only permits for some buildings, and commissioned a report to identify other ways to improve permitting. The city is now implementing recommendations for the 2025 construction season.

    whitehorse.ca

  • Banyan Gold Corp. saw positive exploration results in 2024, with 85% of expenditures allocated to exploration. In 2025, Banyan plans to conduct scoping studies and preliminary engineering activities in. Yukon-owned businesses and Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Development Corporation partner companies receive 75% of Banyan’s contracts, and 30% of Banyan’s workforce is from Mayo, Yukon.

    banyangold.com

  • Sitka Gold expanded key deposit areas and reported strong gold mineralization results at its RC gold project near Dawson, Yukon, along the Tombstone gold belt. Sitka also reported its Blackjack deposit continues to grow beyond initial resource estimates, indicating strong potential for a large gold resource.

    canadianminingjournal.com

  • The Yukon government has provided funding for the Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) for an engagement process to develop rural community health and wellness plans. The funding will go towards increasing CYFN’s capacity and working with First Nations in the Yukon.

    yukon.ca

  • White Gold Corp. identified the presence of copper, molybdenum, tungsten, and other critical minerals at its White Gold project near Dawson, Yukon. These critical minerals add prospective targets to the gold discoveries. Four target gold deposits have potential for expansion and seven critical mineral targets have been identified.

    miningnewsnorth.com
• Week of 2024-12-16 to 2025-01-03

  • The United States federal government and the Government of Canada are committing a combined $35.0M – $22.1M and $12.9M, respectively – toward Fireweed Metals’ Mactung mine project along the southern Yukon-NWT border. The funds will be used to build a 250 km road, improve transmission lines, conduct feasibility studies, and perform other preconstruction work. The mine will produce tungsten for U.S. military munitions.

    cbc.ca

  • The Yukon Association of Education Professionals (YEAP) and Yukon government finalized a new collective agreement, with the condition that YEAP does not take job action. Over three years, educators would receive a wage increase of 14.15% with an additional 10% for substitute teachers and an additional 7% for education assistants. Union members will vote on ratification in January.

    cbc.ca

  • The Yukon Hospital Corporation is opening a new $29.8M mental wellness unit at the Whitehorse General Hospital on June 3, 2025. The facility will include eight beds, with the potential to expand to 12, a First Nations healing room, and a kitchenette. Staff will receive advanced safety and crisis intervention training. Construction began in June 2023, with completion initially expected in July 2024.

    cbc.ca

  • The federal government and Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in are jointly providing $25.6M for the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in First Nation to build a heritage facility in Dawson City, Yukon. Once open, cultural resources will be available at the facility including records preservation, language and cultural programs, a studio to record oral history, a library, classrooms, and archives.

    canada.ca
• Week of 2024-12-09 to 2024-12-13

  • The federal government is providing almost $1.5M for three Yukon organizations to expand and improve operations to better address and prevent gender-based violence. The Yukon Status of Women Council, The Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre, and the Yukon Women’s Coalition will receive money for projects focused on root causes and systemic forms of gender-based violence.

    canada.ca

  • The federal government is providing $750,000 to Sky High Wilderness Ranch, a tourism business, to build new cabins and centers for elders and visitor experiences in Yukon. The Kwanlin Dün First Nation owns Sky High Wilderness Ranch, and the project aims to preserve culture and empower the nation economically. Tourism visits to Yukon increased by 20% last year, with further growth expected.

    yukon-news.com
• Week of 2024-12-02 to 2024-12-06

  • The federal government is providing $4M to the Yukon government from 2024 to 2028 to reduce and prevent gun violence in the territory. The funding will go towards prevention initiatives through community organizations and law enforcement.

    canada.ca

  • Sitka Gold Corp. signed an agreement with Whitehorse-based Kluane Drilling Corp. to conduct a drilling project in 2025 at Sitka’s RC Gold Project in Yukon. The drilling project will be the largest at RC Gold, with 30,000 metres of drilling aimed at advancing and expanding deposit targets.

    sitkagoldcorp.com

  • Gladiator metals closed a private placement, yielding $12.625M in proceeds. The funds will go toward advancing exploration at its Whitehorse Copper Project, including drilling and aeromagnetic surveying.

    gladiatormetals.com

  • White Gold Corp. identified critical mineral prospect targets during gold exploration in west-central Yukon. White Gold Corp. also updated its gold resource estimates, which indicate potential for a high-grade open pit resource.

    canadianminingjournal.com

  • On December 2, the Yukon Premier and the federal Defence Minister signed a letter of intent to explore the feasibility of building a naval reserve in the Yukon. Royal Canadian Navy members will explore options in the territory in the summer of 2025. The Navy aims to recruit members and build a deep-water Arctic port in the long term, while the Yukon government seeks to build infrastructure and create jobs.

    cbc.ca

  • The NAPEGG Education Foundation distributed 11 new scholarships to engineering and geoscience students from the territories. The scholarships are intended to support students’ ability to access education with the hope they will return to northern communities and fill high-demand jobs.

    cabinradio.ca

  • Northwestel has completed its Canada North Fibre Loop, a 3,857 kms of fibre infrastructure running throughout the Yukon and Northwest Territories. The finished project, funded by Northwestel along with the territorial and federal governments, will help prevent Internet outages in the North.

    yukon-news.com

  • The Government of Yukon is conducting a 17-month feasibility study into the creation of a Canadian Institute for Arctic Security in the territory. With $370,000 in federal and territorial funding, it will help investigate how this Institute could be governed and who it could partner with in its work on northern security.

    canada.ca

  • Safe at Home Society is opening two supportive housing projects in Whitehorse, where tenants at risk of homelessness will receive life skills, employment training and other social supports. A 17-unit building opened on December 1, and a larger facility is under construction, scheduled to open in the spring of 2026.

    yukon-news.com

  • The governments of Canada and Yukon are spending a combined $4.1M to construct and upgrade facilities in two communities. In Dawson City, the funds will be used for planning and design of a new recreation centre. In Watson Lake, three municipal buildings will receive improved heating and ventilation systems.

    canada.ca

  • The Government of Yukon is providing up to $5M, along with a donation of land, to a housing project by the Northern Community Land Trust Society. Project 1096 consists of 32 affordable homes in Whitehorse’s Whistle Bend neighbourhood. It is a condominium development considered to be “permanently affordable” due to restrictions on the resale prices of units.

    yukon.ca

  • The City of Whitehorse is launching a curbside recycling program in December, collecting recyclables from residents’ homes. Participants will initially pay a fee for the service, but next year the City intends to transfer the program to private industry and expects the charge to be discontinued.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2024-11-18 to 2024-11-22

  • The Yukon government is providing $74,900 to 19 community projects for youth. The projects include various recreational, artistic, and cultural activities located in Carcross, Dawson, Teslin, Watson Lake, Whitehorse, Faro and Ross River.

    yukon.ca

  • Canada Post workers in the Yukon joined in the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) nation-wide strike on November 19, due to job cuts, extended work hours, and reduced benefits. CUPW is seeking a 24% wage increase over four years, while Canada Post has offered a 11.5% wage increase. Deliveries and operations are halted during the strike.

    yukon-news.com

  • The Conference Board of Canada forecasts a positive labour market outlook in the Yukon from 2024-2045. Over the next 20 years, the territory’s workforce is forecasted to grow by 10%, with 14% employment growth in non-commercial services and 11% in commercial services. Demand for workers is projected to be high in health, education, and service sectors.

    yukon.ca

  • The Yukon government reported increased access to health care services in French through its 2023-2025 Strategic framework for French-language services. The Yukon government is using $2.2M from the federal government to develop preferred language data collection and digital solutions strategies. To improve French service delivery, employees are offered French training and interpretation services.

    yukon.ca

  • The Yukon government and Safe at Home Society are partnering to provide a 17-unit supportive housing program as of November 14. Safe at Home Society will operate the program, offering stable housing and social services. Services include skills development and employment readiness. Staff will be in the foyer at all hours.

    yukon.ca

  • The Yukon government launched its live-in Managed Alcohol Program in Whitehorse on November 6. The program provides individual care, medical supervision, a safe environment, and health care and social services. The Yukon’s 2024-2025 budget included about $1.3M for the program.

    yukon.ca
• Week of 2024-11-11 to 2024-11-15

  • Sitka Gold Corp. closed a $5M private placement and intends to use the net proceed money for exploration and development at its RC Gold Project in the Yukon. To date, two gold deposits have been discovered at the RC Gold Project, located near Dawson City.

    sitkagoldcorp.com
• Week of 2024-11-04 to 2024-11-08

  • Universities Canada approved Yukon University’s membership on October 29, joining 96 approved Canadian universities. Yukon University can now develop programs independently and offer accreditation programs like nursing and social work, as well as continue offering trades diplomas.

    yukon-news.com

  • The Yukon government updated the Registered Nurses Profession Regulation, allowing nurses, nurse practitioners, new graduates, and internationally trained nurses to directly apply for licenses in the Yukon, effective November 3, 2024. Previously, nurses needed to register in another Canadian jurisdiction before the Yukon.

    yukon.ca

  • The Yukon government and University of New Brunswick are partnering to provide a virtual Bachelor of Nursing degree program to licensed practical nurses (LPNs) working in the Yukon. The September 2024 cohort has 17 Yukon LPNs, and the fall 2025 cohort has space for up to 20. The Yukon government is covering one third of the cost of tuition for this program for all Yukon participants.

    yukon.ca

  • The Yukon government is implementing jury recommendations from a coroner’s inquest into four Indigenous women’s deaths at the Whitehorse Emergency Shelter in April 2024. The recommendations include prioritizing hiring experienced Indigenous individuals to create culturally safe environments, supports and services.

    yukon.ca

  • The City of Whitehorse is struggling to hire two building inspectors to help meet demand for building permits. There is no specific education program for building inspectors, leading the City to turn to Red Seal contractors like carpenters. Salaries and benefits have been updated to attract workers.

    yukon-news.com

  • The federal government is contributing $3.7M for EntrepreNorth to expand programming, training, and start an online market over five years as part of its Northern Indigenous Entrepreneur Growth and Ecosystem Development Project. EntrepreNorth aims to create new jobs and expand opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs in the territories.

    canada.ca

  • The Yukon government is reopening the public community space for the winter at the Jim Smith Building in Whitehorse on November 4. A social worker and other staff will be onsite to help provide support services such as warming areas and harm reduction supplies.

    yukon.ca
• Week of 2024-10-28 to 2024-11-01

  • ColdAcre Food Systems closed on October 2 because of financial challenges brought on by the landslide at Victoria Gold’s Eagle mine in June. Since 2019, ColdAcre developed and manufactured food system technology to grow food in cold climates. ColdAcre had work in Whitehorse, Dawson, Mayo in the Yukon and Inuvik, NWT.

    yukon-news.com

  • The City of Yellowknife’s street outreach program pays its workers half the amount that shelter workers are paid, according to a review by consulting firm Triage Metrix. The Yellowknife Women’s Society operates the outreach program with funding from the city, transporting vulnerable individuals to shelters 12 hours per day.

    cbc.ca

  • The Yukon government has temporarily closed Takhini Haven, the only women’s halfway house program, due to low admission rates and to evaluate the program. In 2023, the Yukon government provided $1.2M for non-profit Connective to operate the program, housing up to eight women transitioning out of the criminal justice system. The evaluation is expected to be completed in May 2025

    aptnnews.ca

  • The Yukon government is helping the construction of a new 45-unit residence in downtown Whitehorse to address housing needs. Ketza Construction Corporation has been awarded a $27.3M contract to build the residence, which was granted in July 2024. The building will be energy efficient and is expected to be completed by summer 2026.

    yukon.ca

  • The Yukon government is allocating $343,000 in an agreement with the Council of Yukon First Nations to co-develop a framework for monitoring ecological and species effects in the territory until 2026. This agreement is part of the Yukon government’s Conservation Capacity Fund, which supports seven Indigenous-led projects with a total of $2.1M.

    yukon.ca

  • The City of Whitehorse hired 12 workers to its snow and ice control team, reaching a total of over 50 staff. Day and night shifts will be covered. The city also added 12 new pieces of equipment and established new contractor agreements to respond to major events.

    whitehorse.ca
• Week of 2024-10-21 to 2024-10-25

  • The Yukon government completed its five-year review of the Cannabis Control and Regulation Act and found that wholesale-to-retail cannabis sales grew from $2.03M in 2018-2019 to $9.2M in 2023-2024. The Yukon has a higher legal cannabis use (41%) than the national average (35%). Most Yukon residents purchase cannabis from licensed retailers. Some regulatory concerns persist.

    yukon.ca

  • Fireweed Metals completed its 2024 exploration program, including critical metals germanium and gallium by-products in its resource estimates for the Macpass project in the Yukon. These critical minerals, alongside zinc and tungsten, increase the economic opportunity at Macpass, positioning the project as a prominent critical mineral district in the world.

    canadianminingjournal.com

  • The Klondike Outreach employment services office in Dawson, Yukon, closed on October 1 due to a reduction in federal transfers for labor market development in the territory. The funding agreement between the non-profit organization and the Yukon government was set to expire in mid-October, with no successor agreement in place

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2024-10-14 to 2024-10-18

  • The Yukon government has published a report and operational plan addressing barriers to Indigenous recruitment in the territorial government. These barriers include biases and stereotypes, a lack of flexibility for family or community responsibilities, and challenges with the online recruitment system. The Yukon government is implementing a plan over 2023-2026 to address these barriers.

    yukon.ca

  • Sitka Gold Corp. discovered visible gold in the first diamond drill holes at its RC Gold project in the Yukon. The visible gold mineralization is a positive indication of significant potential, though assay and analytical results are pending.

    sitkagoldcorp.com

  • The Yukon government increased the honorarium for volunteer firefighters from $22 per hour to $30.74 per hour on October 1. The honorarium will be provided for training and fire calls and may address the retention issues some fire departments are facing. This increase will apply to nine fire departments and six communities without fire departments in the territory.

    cbc.ca

  • Fireweed Metals Corp. reported zinc and silver mineralization at a new target on the Macpass Project in the Yukon. The mineralization was identified near the surface and provides a positive prospect for further exploration.

    fireweedmetals.com

  • Employees temporarily laid off from Victoria Gold's Eagle Mine are facing delays in receiving compensation. Over 250 Yukon workers need information from the mine’s receiver, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, to apply for compensation through Service Canada’s Wage Earner Protection Program. Service Canada granted PwC an extension, allowing application extensions for employees until December 26.

    yukonfed.com
• Week of 2024-10-07 to 2024-10-11

  • The federal and Yukon governments renewed a 10-year Canada Community-Building Fund agreement which includes federal transfers of $94.5M over five years, and $200M in total over 10 years. The funding will go towards infrastructure projects that support land and housing development in the Yukon.

    canada.ca

  • The federal government and City of Whitehorse are jointly contributing $850K to upgrading the Chilkoot Way route in Whitehorse. Improvements include a two-way protected bicycle lane, pedestrian crossing, signage, crossing markings, lighting, and traffic lights.

    canada.ca
• Week of 2024-09-30 to 2024-10-04

  • The Yukon government and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada signed a letter of intent to issue two-year work permits to Yukon foreign nationals whose work permits expired after May 16, or will expire before Dec 31, 2024. Eligible foreign nationals must apply for the permit through the Yukon Nominee Program by October 15 and be nominated by their employer.

    yukon.ca
• Week of 2024-09-23 to 2024-09-27

  • The Government of Yukon announced close to 150 workers are at the Victoria Gold Eagle mine site building a containment berm to address the contaminated water following June's major heap leach slide. The work is expected to take four weeks to complete.

    cbc.ca

  • The Government of Canada has conditionally approved up to $40M to analyze a 765km transmission line network that would connect the Yukon electrical grid to the North American grid in British Columbia. The funding includes a pre-feasibility study completed by the Government of Yukon.

    cbc.ca

  • A new Health and Wellness Centre recently opened in Old Crow. The centre provides various health and social services such as primary health care, mental health and substance use counselling.

    yukon.ca

  • The Government of Yukon selected GenMec ACL to build a new school in Burwash Landing, which will replace the aging Kluane Lake School in Destruction Bay. The project is estimated to cost $32.5M, with $21.6M coming from the territorial government and $10.8M from the federal government. The school is anticipated to be ready in the fall 2026.

    yukon.ca
• Week of 2024-09-16 to 2024-09-20

  • The Yukon Water Board issued a request for proposals seeking technical support regarding its review of Victoria Gold’s water license for the Eagle mine. The technical support work could require 420 to 480 hours to complete and may include activities such as conducting investigations, audits, a public inquiry, and a public hearing.

    yukon-news.com
• Week of 2024-09-09 to 2024-09-13

  • An increase in drug overdoses has led the Kwanlin Dün First Nation to declare a substance use health emergency. The First Nation plans to improve access to services and treatment by expanding community outreach teams and cultural supports.

    yukon-news.com

  • The Yukon Supreme Court approved Selkirk First Nation’s (SFN) initial transaction in purchasing the abandoned Minto copper-gold mine. SFN seeks to prevent permanent closure of the mine. If successful, restarting the mine would create jobs, training opportunities, and business contracts in the region.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2024-09-02 to 2024-09-06

  • The Yukon government reported that around 94% of positions in Yukon schools were filled before the 2024-2025 school year. In addition, there is a 42% increase in on-call teacher recruitment when compared to the same period last year.

    yukon.ca

  • The Yukon Star newspaper closed after four months due to a lack of operating capital. Supported through a crowdfunding campaign, the newspaper began in May, after the previous newspaper, the Whitehorse Star, closed.

    cbc.ca

  • The federal government, in collaboration with National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporated, will be providing more than $34M towards four new housing projects. The projects, led by the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Government in Dawson City and the Ta'an Kwäch'än Council in Whitehorse, will create safe and affordable housing in Indigenous communities in the Yukon.

    canada.ca
• Week of 2024-08-26 to 2024-08-30

  • Alkan Air, Ross River Dena Council and Daylu Dena Council are collaborating to provide a flight school for First Nations in the Yukon and northern BC. Courses will be 14 months long and will be offered in several remote communities, starting in Faro, Yukon.

    cbc.ca

  • Two local entrepreneurs have subcontracted a government-subsidized mobile slaughterhouse to operate in Dawson City. The operation will move from its current location in Whitehorse in September.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2024-08-19 to 2024-08-23

  • The federal government and First Kaska GP Ltd. are providing over $3.3M for a new transit service to connect Dawson City and Watson Lake to Whitehorse. The funding will support two new stops, two transit garages, and the purchase of seven transit vehicles.

    canada.ca

  • Victoria Gold Corp. was placed into receivership on August 14, 2024, following the failure of the heap leach pad at Eagle mine on June 24, 2024. As a result of the company being placed in receivership, the board of Victoria Gold has resigned.

    cbc.ca

  • The Yukon Medical Association has expressed concerns about the territory’s health care system citing labour shortages, inadequate infrastructure, and high service demand. The Government of Yukon has acknowledged the challenges and stated health care is a top priority.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2024-08-12 to 2024-08-16

  • The Yukon Literacy Coalition has started a new social enterprise in downtown Whitehorse, the S.S. Culinary food truck. The program aims to help people improve their employability by learning skills in the food industry as well as in entrepreneurship.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2024-08-05 to 2024-08-09

  • The Government of Canada is providing $114K to the Northern Cultural Expressions Society to support artists in the Yukon. The Society provides a three-year Market and Export Readiness project that provides business-related training to artists in the Yukon. The goal of the training is to prepare artists to bring their works to new markets.

    newswire.ca

  • The Government of Yukon has halted consultation on mining licences within the Traditional Territory of the First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun for two months. The First Nation requested a halt to all mining activity following the June 24 landslide at Victoria Gold Eagle Gold Mine. The Government has also agreed to not license heap leach facilities in the Yukon until an independent review is conducted.

    yukon.ca

  • The Government of Yukon and Yukon Hospital Corporation have announced the opening of 12 new long-term care rooms at Whistle Bend Place and five new hospital beds at Thomson Centre. Recruitment is ongoing to fill new positions created to provide services to the new rooms.

    yukon.ca
• Week of 2024-07-29 to 2024-08-01

  • The Kwanlin Dün First Nation, federal government and Ta'an Kwäch'än Council reached agreements under the Housing Accelerator Fund to expedite construction for 107 housing units over the next three years. The agreements will provide more than $7.2M and remove some of the barriers that slow the building of homes.

    newswire.ca

  • The Yukon government is working to implement a Regional Waste Service model across the territory. Transfer stations in Braeburn, Johnson`s Crossing and Silver City will close effective October 1, 2024, and supplemental services and equipment will be provided. In addition, the government is upgrading operation and maintenance contracts to 12 unincorporated regional solid waste facilities to ensure consistent operating standards.

    yukon.ca

  • Cantex Mine Development Corp. has temporarily shut down exploration at its North Rackla project at the request of the First Nation of Na-cho Nyäk Dun in the Yukon. In the wake of Victoria Gold Corp’s Eagle Mine heap leach collapse, the First Nation has requested a halt to all mining activities on its territory while the heap leach incident is investigated.

    secureserver.net

  • The City of Whitehorse department responsible for building permits is experiencing a staffing shortage, resulting in permit approval delays. In the first half of 2024, total permits issued were down 38.7%, while residential permits were down 35.1%, when compared to last year. Construction firms are concerned about potential layoffs as skilled shortages already complicate hiring.

    cbc.ca

  • Victoria Gold Corp.’s CEO confirmed layoffs at the Eagle Gold mine where about 40% of the workforce were Yukoners. Some local contractors are also awaiting payment from Victoria Gold. On June 24, an ore collapse released up to 300K cubic metres of toxic sodium cyanide solution from containment.

    cbc.ca

  • Gladiator has restarted its copper drilling project in the Whitehorse Copper Belt. The company seeks to continue drilling resources at its Cowley Park and Chiefs trend sites and conduct exploration at its Arctic Chief, Best Change, Cowley Park and Cub trend sites.

    gladiatormetals.com
• Week of 2024-07-22 to 2024-07-26

  • The federal government is providing a repayable contribution of $6M for Air North to procure a more fuel-efficient airplane, tools and spare parts for maintenance, and to construct a larger hangar. The airline is essential for boosting tourism and connecting people across the territory.

    canada.ca

  • BMC Minerals Ltd started a drilling program at its Kudz Ze Kayah silver-zinc project in the Yukon. The exploration program hired contractors from the local Kaska, Yukon, and northern BC. The program seeks silver-zinc and copper-gold mineralization.

    kudzzekayah.com

  • The Government of Yukon is providing over $895K to 22 community-based projects working to create economic opportunities. The funding will go towards various initiatives such various building and renovation projects, training programs, and various programs to support different demographics.

    yukon.ca
• Week of 2024-07-15 to 2024-07-19

  • On-call ambulance service in Eagle Plains, Yukon has stopped due to staffing shortages. The services was provided by a worker at the Yukon government highway maintenance camp, but the trained emergency responder has left Eagle Plains and no one has filled their place.

    cbc.ca

  • The Whitehorse General Hospital is experiencing a high volume of patients with limited space. On July 10 there were 19 patients without beds and office and hallways spaces were being used for patient care. Non-emergency visitors are being referred to the walk-in clinic and the hospital is looking to EMS to help with staffing shortages.

    cbc.ca

  • The Yukon government is committing $80K in its renewed agreement with Mitacs to help companies find and onboard workers to grow Yukon businesses. The renewed agreement connects government, industry and researchers to place post-secondary interns with Northern companies.

    yukon.ca

  • The Yukon government, Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the City of Whitehorse are conducting physical, cultural and economic feasibility studies for a new residential development. The studies include a Traditional Land Use study, a geophysical study, transportation and service assessments, and other wildlife and habitat studies.

    yukon.ca

  • In the Yukon, production operations remain suspended at Victoria Gold’s Eagle mine while environmental mitigation is underway, after a landslide occurred on June 24. The collapse at the mine’s heap leach facility (HLF) resulted in about 4M tonnes of ore moving and cyanide fluid leaching into the surrounding environment. A restart can only occur with permission from the Yukon government and adequate financial resources.

    vgcx.com
• Week of 2024-07-01 to 2024-07-05

  • The federal government is providing five $50K fellowships for post-doctoral candidates to do research in post-secondary institutions across the territories. Through the Polar Knowledge Canada Fellowship Program, the funding aims to improve understanding of northern ecosystems, connections between community health and environmental health, and advance sustainability in the North.

    canada.ca

  • The federal government is providing more than $13M to repair or build 274 affordable homes in the Yukon. Funded through the Affordable Housing Fund, the housing will help First Nations members as well as women and children who are fleeing violence.

    newswire.ca

  • The federal government is providing $800K to seven Yukon tourism projects to boost the territory’s tourism sector. The money will go towards expanding infrastructure to accommodate overnight guests, transitioning to clean energy, and improving accessibility.

    canada.ca
• Week of 2024-06-24 to 2024-06-28

  • The Yukon Housing Corporation plans to build a new 45-unit building in downtown Whitehorse and is seeking a contractor. Construction is slated to start this summer with a completion goal of spring 2026. The new units will be rent-geared-to-income, providing more affordable housing options.

    yukon-news.com
• Week of 2024-06-17 to 2024-06-21

  • The Yukon government and Blood Ties Four Directions Centre are providing an expanded Healthy Meals program to help address food insecurity in downtown Whitehorse. Phases of facility upgrades will allow for expanded services in June and Fall 2024. Employment opportunities will be available for those accessing services.

    yukon.ca
• Week of 2024-06-10 to 2024-06-14

  • The Yukon government has paused foreign worker intake for Whitehorse-based businesses after surpassing the 430-nominee intake cap. The Yukon government has a backlog of applications that are still in processing. As of May, 590 applications had been submitted. Rural businesses may still apply for foreign worker nominees to meet their short-term labour needs.

    yukon-news.com

  • The Yukon government issued a request for proposal for construction of a new 45-unit multi-family building in Whitehorse. The project is expected to be completed by spring 2026.

    yukon.ca

  • The federal and Yukon governments are providing $7.5M and $2.5M respectively to upgrade water and sanitary sewer pipes in Haines Junction, Yukon. Over one kilometer of aging pipes and roads will be replaced over four kilometres of roads and alleys.

    canada.ca

  • The federal and Yukon governments are providing over $5.1M for a new sewage lift station in Watson, Yukon. The sewage lift station will support residential development for Watson Lake and the Liard First Nation.

    canada.ca
• Week of 2024-05-27 to 2024-05-31

  • The Yukon is facing a veterinarian shortage, leading animal owners to overcome challenges without veterinary help. The closest veterinary to Haines Junction is in Whitehorse.

    cbc.ca
• Week of 2024-05-13 to 2024-05-17

  • The federal government is providing $10.5M over four years to build more child-care spaces across the Yukon. Of the funding, $7.7M is allocated for 2025-2026. The Yukon government aims to build 110 new childcare spaces by 2026.

    canada.ca
• Week of 2024-05-06 to 2024-05-10

  • The Government of Canada is providing over $45M to mitigate landslides on the Whitehorse Escarpment and Robert Service Way. Robert Service Way and the Millenium Trail will be moved further from the base of the escarpment and the slope will undergo enhanced stability measures such as regrading and removal of rocks and dirt.

    canada.ca

  • According to preliminary estimates from Statistics Canada, Yukon’s real GDP grew by 1.6% in 2023 – among the highest growth in the country. The estimate cites rising contribution from services, such as the public administration and healthcare sectors, as contributing to the increase while goods-producing industries, such as mining, saw a slight drop.

    yukon-news.com

  • The Governments of Canada and Yukon announced joint funding of $3.5M to support further advancements in flood hazard mapping in Yukon over the next four years. The territorial government is planning to work on flood mapping for Old Crow, Dawson City and the Klondike Valley in 2024 and 2025.

    yahoo.com

  • The Government of Canada is providing over $341K to the Yukon Wood Products Association through CanNor. The funding will strengthen capacity, technical expertise and public awareness of the Yukon’s forest sector under the Yukon Forest Resources Capacity Support Initiative.

    canada.ca
• Week of 2024-04-29 to 2024-05-03

  • The City of Whitehorse is building a 75-metre concrete wall along Robert Service Way to protect against possible landslides. The city has been closely monitoring the slope after landslides in 2022 and 2023 caused prolonged road closures. Work on the wall was expected to start on April 30, 2024.

    cbc.ca

  • The Government of Yukon and the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation have finished the construction of a new 10-unit housing complex in Old Crow. Three units are allocated to Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation staff and Citizens. The other seven units are allocated to Government of Yukon staff who work in the community.

    yukon.ca

  • The Little Gold Creek border crossing between the Yukon and Alaska will remain open for four extra weeks this summer, allowing for crossing during the May and September long weekends. The extended season will apply for future years as well.

    canada.ca

  • The Yukon government is providing $6.22M towards 78 affordable homes in Carcross, Carmacks, Dawson, Ibex Valley and Whitehorse. The Yukon government is also providing $20K to develop affordable housing concepts to meet housing needs in the territory.

    yukon.ca
• Week of 2024-04-22 to 2024-04-26

  • The federal government, Yukon government, Gwich’in Tribal Council and First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun are together exploring the feasibility of forming a new national park in the Peel Watershed. The new park would protect 3K square kilometers, co-developed and co-managed with the Gwich’in Tribal Council, First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun and Parks Canada.

    canada.ca

  • The Yukon government is providing over $1.6M through the Community Development Fund towards 21 Yukon-based projects to promote tourism and local entertainment in communities across the territory. The Fund is particularly aimed at projects which focus on Indigenous programs, communities, and organizations.

    yukon.ca

  • Casino Mining Corp. plans to allocate proceeds from a recent $40M financing towards permitting and engineering to advance the mining project in the Yukon. The financing came through issuing over 21B common shares. The Casino project is undergoing environmental assessment.

    whitehorsestar.com
• Week of 2024-04-15 to 2024-04-19

  • Sixty-seven Parsons Inc. employees joined the United Steelworkers union. Parsons Inc. is the contractor for remediating the Faro Mine site, formerly a lead-zinc mine in the Yukon.

    microsoft.com

  • The Yukon Hospital Corporation ratified a new collective agreement with the Yukon Employees’ Union and the Public Service Alliance of Canada Local Y025. The agreement impacts a few hundred members of the unions including licensed practical nurses, administrative, custodial, food services, imaging, and lab staff.

    yukon-news.com

  • The Yukon government, Yukon Hospital Corp., and Canadian Forces Health Services (CFHS) are developing a memorandum of understanding to train and support healthcare workers. The memorandum will send CFHS workers to the Yukon for training and to boost Yukon’s healthcare workforce in April.

    yukon.ca

  • Doctors at the Whitehorse General Hospital have stopped taking patients for semi-urgent orthopedic surgery until further notice. As of January, 284 people were waitlisted and last year wait times were 18-24 months for elective surgeries. The aging population and lack of funding are reasons cited for the backlog.

    cbc.ca

  • The Yukon government is providing $14,605 to three community projects providing Yukon Francophonie Day events on May 14 and 15. The money is going to École Émilie-Tremblay, the Société d’histoire francophone du Yukon and Healthy Families, Healthy Babies. Yukon Francophonie Day events will take place in Whitehorse and Dawson City.

    yukon.ca

  • The Yukon government has committed $75K of its capital budget and proposed an additional $120K transfer to the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation’s Gindèhchik House and Zheh Gwatsàl House. This year, $24K is slated for a bridge construction feasibility study and $13.5K towards designing a kitchen and dining facility.

    whitehorsestar.com
• Week of 2024-04-08 to 2024-04-12

  • Na Cho Nyak Dun First Nation, the First Nation's development corporation, and Yukon University partnered to open a new community centre in Mayo, Yukon. The centre, Ihdzí', has space to host programs such as a sewing program, gatherings, local artist’s work, and meals.

    cbc.ca

  • The Whitehorse Star newspaper will cease publication on May 17 after 124 years. The owner of Whitehorse Star stated that the company is facing financial difficulties as clients have increasingly shifted advertising to social media outlets, making it more difficult to continue to operate. About 12 staff will be affected due to the closure.

    citynews.ca

  • The federal government and State of Alaska signed an agreement to stop commercial and recreational fishing of chinook salmon to support the Yukon River chinook salmon run recovery. The number of chinook salmon returning to the Yukon River to spawn has dropped significantly over the last few years. Up to 95% of the migrating species are caught by commercial fisheries.

    cbc.ca