Latest news with #Yukon-based
CBC
29-03-2025
- Business
- CBC
New Arctic security institute encourages diplomacy with the U.S. on northern defence
Social Sharing The public launch of the Canadian Institute for Arctic Security on Thursday provided some baseline information on northern defence — and highlighted the need for continued relations with the U.S. military amid current political tensions. The Yukon-based institute, which received $300,000 from Ottawa last November, hosted "Conference Zero" at the Gold Rush Inn in Whitehorse. Speakers represented the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and other federal agencies, as well as the U.S. Consulate. The institute is a Yukon government project, although its mandate is to eventually separate from government and establish itself as an independent think-tank. It's steered by the premier and a development board representing the federal government, Council of Yukon First Nations and Yukon University. Premier Ranj Pillai said the institute will bring decisions about Arctic security — and related infrastructure investments — to the local level. During his remarks to the conference, Pillai conceded that Arctic security discussions run parallel with heightening political tensions between Canada and the U.S. He recalled a "chilling" recent meeting between Canadian premiers and the U.S. deputy chief of staff in Washington, D.C. "The first comment was, 'Your problems will go away if you become the 51st state,'" Pillai said — arresting all hope for a congenial conversation about new trade opportunities. Despite this, the Canadian North still has a working relationship with the U.S. on defense, Pillai said. The institute itself is modelled after the Ted Stevens Centre for Arctic Security Studies in Anchorage, Alaska. Andrew Smith, intergovernmental relations officer with the Yukon government, is the project lead and sole coordinator for the Canadian Institute for Arctic Security. He said they have maintained a positive relationship with their counterparts in Alaska despite political tensions. "They [at the Stevens Centre] know that having these conversations, getting people together, building leadership together, is going to benefit us on both sides," Smith said. "Regardless of external factors — things have to outlast that." U.S. Consul General spoke on strengthening cross-boundary relationships U.S. Consul General Jim Dehart, whose consular district includes B.C. and the Yukon, spoke at the conference. Dehart declined to speak at length about the Trump administration, but offered one piece of advice: "Take [the president] at face value. Take what he says seriously, even take it literally, and go from there." The U.S.'s national strategy for the Arctic, which was introduced in 2022 and drafted plans for defence and environmental protections, went out with the previous administration, Dehart said. The Trump administration will eventually write its own plan. Dehart said his office still wants to strengthen cross-border relationships, like the one between the Yukon and Alaska, and to continue to approach defence diplomatically. "I think to be most effective, we need the utmost collaboration with Canada," Dehart said. "Personally, I want that to be seamless. It's pretty important." Dehart also criticized Canada's spending on NATO. "It's trending in the right direction, but quite honestly, Canada has a ways to go," he said. Arctic facing 'unprecedented number of threats': CSIS Nicole Giles addressed the conference on behalf of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). Giles said the Arctic is facing an unprecedented number of threats. "Quite frankly, they are beginning to overwhelm our capacities to confront alone," Giles said. Giles said there's a broad range of threats, from foreign interference to violent extremism and cyber attacks. He added that those threats are targeting all levels of government, from the territorial level to First Nations governments and even school councils. "The bottom line, from our perspective, is that national security is no longer the sole domain of the federal government," Giles said. "Those attending this conference may be targets of national security threats, but you're also part of the solution."
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
IUD insertions can be extremely painful, and in Yukon there's no standard to deal with it
Brenna Symanski vividly remembers the pain of having her intrauterine device (IUD) changed. "For a split second, it felt like every cell in my body was on fire," she recalled. An IUD insertion is a procedure involving a tiny T-shaped device being inserted through the vagina and cervix and into the uterus to provide years of highly effective contraception. But the experience of the procedure, and how painful it is, can vary widely between women — highlighting the fact that there is no standard approach to pain management when it comes to IUD insertions. Symanski grew up in the Yukon and lives in Whitehorse. The first time she had an IUD inserted she was 16. She says that time the experience was fine. She was given lidocaine, a topical gel anesthesia used to numb the uterus. She assumed getting the IUD changed would be a similar experience. It wasn't. "I screamed so loud," recalled Symanski. She says the nurse did not seem sympathetic, and told her "to imagine how much worse having a baby would be." "And meanwhile, I'm trying not to pass out," Symanski said. After the procedure, she says she couldn't walk on her own and her partner had to help her to her car. She feels that there was a dismissive approach to her pain during the procedure. "It's just really sad that women's pain is just written off… I felt like I was annoying the nurses, by being in pain." Megan Manion, also in Whitehorse, says she was nervous about getting her IUD because she'd had painful experiences in the past. She asked at the clinic if there was anything they could give her ahead of time for the pain and says the nurse told her it would only be a little pinch. She says that was not her experience. "Like, I have a pretty high pain tolerance, but I was in tears I was in so much pain," said Manion. Megan Manion of Whitehorse said she 'was in tears I was in so much pain,' when she had her IUD inserted. (Submitted by Megan Manion) She says the female doctor told her not to be such a baby about it. Experiences can vary based on provider There are several places in Whitehorse that provide IUD insertions, and experiences can vary depending where people go. Only one place — the Yukon Sexual Health Clinic — offers Penthrox, an inhaled anesthetic that patients breath in and out during insertion. Michelle McCulloch, a nurse practitioner who helps run the clinic, says Penthrox "essentially blocks the sensation of pain." Penthrox has only been available at the clinic since November, and patients who opt to have it are charged around $100. The clinic has been donated some funds to cover the cost for people who can't afford it. CBC News spoke to several other women in Yukon who had IUDs inserted at other clinics. They said they were offered lidocaine, or were told to take ibuprofen or acetaminophen before or after. Some felt their pain and anxiety were not taken seriously. Justine Fair is a Yukon-based physician who specializes in women's health. She was instrumental in bringing Penthrox to Whitehorse. "I've thought for a long time there's no other procedure that we do as family physicians that has this amount of pain without putting people to sleep," said Fair. "I've been inserting IUDs for more than a decade, and I know that it causes pain, and it's always been frustrating that we didn't have anything better." Fair argues that women's experience of pain is "probably underappreciated and/or underreported." Inserting an intrauterine device (IUD) can be extremely painful for some women, and in Yukon the experience can vary depending on where it's done and what sort of pain-management options are available. (Ben Nelms/CBC) At the Yukon Sexual Health Clinic, patients seeking an IUD have a consultation so the health care provider can understand their past experiences with IUD insertions. "Whether or not they've had pregnancies and deliveries, past traumas, anxiety levels, and whether or not they've been sexually active," said McCulloch. Those conversations help determine what pain or anxiety medications are recommended for the patient. In rare cases, women are offered the option of being sedated at the hospital. Alethea Stobbe, is the territory's director of integrated health which oversees the Whitehorse walk-in clinic, the Dawson City Medical Clinic, and the Yukon midwifery program. She says there is no policy dictating a pain-management regiment for IUD insertions, but says it's standard to consult with the patient before a procedure about the options. She cites ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and lidocaine as options. "I think the majority of us are working to provide evidence-based care. But I also know there is some variation depending on where you're accessing," said Stobbe. Research indicates mixed results According to Fair, part of the issue is that there is no proven best option for managing women's pain. She says some studies indicate success with certain medications, while others recommend alternatives. "In my experience, different physicians use what they either research themselves or what they have found works the best for the patient population that they're serving," said Fair. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada also says the research into what works best is so far inconclusive. It has a list of medication recommendations for IUD procedures, including lidocaine, ketoprofen, ketorolac, naproxen (Aleve), and tramadol. The society also says Penthrox, or methoxyflurane, is an effective option though there is no data specifically on using it during IUD insertions. There is also no national standard for pain management with IUDs. Health Canada says provinces and territories are better suited to mandate any such guidelines. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada says the health-care provider and patient should work together to develop an appropriate pain management plan. That can leave people who are looking to access an IUD in the somewhat vulnerable position of having to advocate for themselves. McCulloch says it's important for people to know what their options are. "If they are talking to a provider and they don't feel like they're being offered pain control, or management of anxiety, they should advocate for themselves to look for other options," said McCulloch. McCulloch also says she's been getting good feedback recently from patients at the Yukon Sexual Health Clinic, who are reporting "the best experience they've had with a painful procedure." "[That's] because of the knowledge they have and the medications that are offered," she said.
CBC
26-03-2025
- Health
- CBC
IUD insertions can be extremely painful, and in Yukon there's no standard to deal with it
Brenna Symanski vividly remembers the pain of having her intrauterine device (IUD) changed. "For a split second, it felt like every cell in my body was on fire," she recalled. An IUD insertion is a procedure involving a tiny T-shaped device being inserted through the vagina and cervix and into the uterus to provide years of highly effective contraception. But the experience of the procedure, and how painful it is, can vary widely between women — highlighting the fact that there is no standard approach to pain management when it comes to IUD insertions. Symanski grew up in the Yukon and lives in Whitehorse. The first time she had an IUD inserted she was 16. She says that time the experience was fine. She was given lidocaine, a topical gel anesthesia used to numb the uterus. She assumed getting the IUD changed would be a similar experience. It wasn't. "I screamed so loud," recalled Symanski. She says the nurse did not seem sympathetic, and told her "to imagine how much worse having a baby would be." "And meanwhile, I'm trying not to pass out," Symanski said. After the procedure, she says she couldn't walk on her own and her partner had to help her to her car. She feels that there was a dismissive approach to her pain during the procedure. "It's just really sad that women's pain is just written off… I felt like I was annoying the nurses, by being in pain." Megan Manion, also in Whitehorse, says she was nervous about getting her IUD because she'd had painful experiences in the past. She asked at the clinic if there was anything they could give her ahead of time for the pain and says the nurse told her it would only be a little pinch. She says that was not her experience. "Like, I have a pretty high pain tolerance, but I was in tears I was in so much pain," said Manion. She says the female doctor told her not to be such a baby about it. Experiences can vary based on provider There are several places in Whitehorse that provide IUD insertions, and experiences can vary depending where people go. Only one place — the Yukon Sexual Health Clinic — offers Penthrox, an inhaled anesthetic that patients breath in and out during insertion. Michelle McCulloch, a nurse practitioner who helps run the clinic, says Penthrox "essentially blocks the sensation of pain." Penthrox has only been available at the clinic since November, and patients who opt to have it are charged around $100. The clinic has been donated some funds to cover the cost for people who can't afford it. CBC News spoke to several other women in Yukon who had IUDs inserted at other clinics. They said they were offered lidocaine, or were told to take ibuprofen or acetaminophen before or after. Some felt their pain and anxiety were not taken seriously. Justine Fair is a Yukon-based physician who specializes in women's health. She was instrumental in bringing Penthrox to Whitehorse. "I've thought for a long time there's no other procedure that we do as family physicians that has this amount of pain without putting people to sleep," said Fair. "I've been inserting IUDs for more than a decade, and I know that it causes pain, and it's always been frustrating that we didn't have anything better." Fair argues that women's experience of pain is "probably underappreciated and/or underreported." At the Yukon Sexual Health Clinic, patients seeking an IUD have a consultation so the health care provider can understand their past experiences with IUD insertions. "Whether or not they've had pregnancies and deliveries, past traumas, anxiety levels, and whether or not they've been sexually active," said McCulloch. Those conversations help determine what pain or anxiety medications are recommended for the patient. In rare cases, women are offered the option of being sedated at the hospital. Alethea Stobbe, is the territory's director of integrated health which oversees the Whitehorse walk-in clinic, the Dawson City Medical Clinic, and the Yukon midwifery program. She says there is no policy dictating a pain-management regiment for IUD insertions, but says it's standard to consult with the patient before a procedure about the options. She cites ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and lidocaine as options. "I think the majority of us are working to provide evidence-based care. But I also know there is some variation depending on where you're accessing," said Stobbe. Research indicates mixed results According to Fair, part of the issue is that there is no proven best option for managing women's pain. She says some studies indicate success with certain medications, while others recommend alternatives. "In my experience, different physicians use what they either research themselves or what they have found works the best for the patient population that they're serving," said Fair. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada also says the research into what works best is so far inconclusive. It has a list of medication recommendations for IUD procedures, including lidocaine, ketoprofen, ketorolac, naproxen (Aleve), and tramadol. The society also says Penthrox, or methoxyflurane, is an effective option though there is no data specifically on using it during IUD insertions. There is also no national standard for pain management with IUDs. Health Canada says provinces and territories are better suited to mandate any such guidelines. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada says the health-care provider and patient should work together to develop an appropriate pain management plan. That can leave people who are looking to access an IUD in the somewhat vulnerable position of having to advocate for themselves. McCulloch says it's important for people to know what their options are. "If they are talking to a provider and they don't feel like they're being offered pain control, or management of anxiety, they should advocate for themselves to look for other options," said McCulloch. McCulloch also says she's been getting good feedback recently from patients at the Yukon Sexual Health Clinic, who are reporting "the best experience they've had with a painful procedure."
Globe and Mail
10-03-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
CEO Clips - Sitka Gold: Expanding Yukon's Gold Potential
Aggressive Exploration Plans Drive Growth in 2025 Sitka Gold is set for a transformative 2025 exploration season, focusing on its Yukon-based gold project, where the company has already discovered two gold deposits. With 30,000 meters of drilling planned—more than doubling the total drilling completed to date —Sitka aims to further define and expand its resource. Current estimates place the project's gold resources at 1.291 million ounces at 1.01 g/t gold in the indicated category and 1.044 million ounces at 0.94 g/t gold inferred, with no confirmed limits yet. In addition to its flagship Yukon project, Sitka Gold maintains a diversified portfolio of precious and base metal projects across Canada and the U.S.. The company continues to position itself for long-term success with an ambitious drilling program and a commitment to unlocking new opportunities in mineral exploration. For more information on Sitka Gold Corp. (TSX.V: SIG, OTCQB: SITKF, FSE: 1RF) please click the request investor info button.
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
How a Yukon entomologist's fascination with beetle genitalia inspired an art project
A retired Yukon-based entomologist is finding artistic inspiration in the tiniest and most private of places: beetle genitalia. Benoit Godin has been studying aleocharine rove beetles for 18 years. The insects spend most of their time in the litter layer of soil and can be found all across North America, including in the Yukon. In the sub-arctic region alone, there are 238 different aleocharine sub-families. "They're really abundant — but nobody knows them," Godin said. It's a testy situation for entomologists. The lack of knowledge is due to the fact that the insects are one of the most difficult-to-identify groups of beetles in the world. Most aleocharine beetles are roughly the same colours, same shape and same length (around half a centimetre). However, there is one way to accurately identify these insects: by examining their genitals. That's what inspired Godin's idea of depicting some of these beetle bits as large glass sculptures. An exhibition of his collaborative artworks opens in Whitehorse this coming week. The different sub-families of aleocharine beetles have unique genitalia. Godin compares the private parts to neon art. "To me, looking at them all these years, it always looked like neon signs and glasses ... so that's why I thought the medium of glass would be just the perfect one," he said. 'To me, looking at them all these years, it always looked like neon signs and glasses,' said Godin. (Mike Thomas/Yukon Arts Centre) To make the project possible, he enlisted the help of Luann Baker-Johnson who is the co-creator and artist behind Lumel Studios, a glass-blowing studio in downtown Whitehorse. Baker-Johnson said she had no hesitation about collaborating on the project. "When somebody comes to you with such an incredible dream and is so excited about it … there's no question about not saying, 'let's do it.'" 'What glass does not want to do' Although drawn to the medium of glass, Godin does not have the glass blowing skills required to fulfil his creative vision. So, for this collaboration, he has acts as the eyes, while Baker-Johnson and her team serve as the hands. Godin selects which aleocharine genitalia the team will attempt to replicate, and the artists at Lumel Studios then create it — with his careful supervision. A sculpture in progress at Lumel Studios. (Mike Thomas/Yukon Arts Centre) Baker-Johnson says the collaboration has pushed her to try new things with the medium. "We're making glass do what glass does not want to do," she said. A plan is made before they start. Godin creates a large plaster version of the genitals to help the Lumel team visualize how they will recreate it with glass. On one occasion, Godin brought in a microscope and slides of aleocharine genitalia for the artists to examine. The glass blowing team then sketches out the shape of each part in chalk on the concrete floor of the studio, to be referenced throughout the glass blowing process. Each sculpture usually involves multiple pieces of glass being made simultaneously and then fused into one. 'When somebody comes to you with such an incredible dream and is so excited about it … there's no question about not saying, 'let's do it,'' said Luann Baker-Johnson at Lumel Studios. (Mike Thomas/Yukon Arts Centre) Godin hopes to have 15 glass sculptures in total. Once completed, the glass genitalia will be displayed in an exhibit at the Yukon Arts Centre. Mary Bradshaw, director of visual arts for the Arts Centre, said it was Benoit's and Baker-Johnson's "sheer level of enthusiasm" that sold her. "I'm like, this show has to happen, this has to be shared with the public … it is such a cool way to bridge art and science." The exhibition will open on March 6.
