Latest news with #YukonParty
CBC
4 days ago
- Politics
- CBC
Yukon gov't hits pause on Nisutlin Bay Bridge project over soil concerns
Work on one of the Yukon's biggest infrastructure projects has been halted over concerns about soil conditions. The Nisutlin Bay Bridge, which crosses Teslin Lake, is a 483-metre replacement for an existing bridge that's more than 70 years old and nearing the end of its service life. Construction on the $160-million project began in 2021 and was supposed to be finished next year. But on Wednesday, Highways and Public Works Minister Nils Clarke said engineers found "concerns regarding soil conditions on the north side of the new bridge." "As a precaution, work in that area has been paused to allow for a thorough investigation," Clarke said in a statement. "Geotechnical experts have been brought in and are working closely with our engineering team to assess the issue and determine the best path forward." Clarke's statement did not specify what the problem is or how long it would take to fix, though he conceded "timelines might be impacted." Clarke was not immediately available for comment. The existing bridge remains open to traffic. Yukon Party MLA Scott Kent accused the Liberals of mishandling the project. "What we're looking for from the government is to provide some more detail for Yukoners on how much fixing this issue is going to cost, what the new timelines are, and then why it happened when we're so close to what was supposed to be the completion of the bridge," he said. It's not the first time the party has raised complaints about the new bridge. Kent said the government failed to obtain permits from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, leading to a $24-million change order.
Hamilton Spectator
5 days ago
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Former Filipino association president seeks Yukon Party bid in Riverdale
Aurora Viernes is seeking the nomination to run for the Yukon Party in Riverdale South ahead of this year's territorial elections, according to a Yukon Party news release. Viernes served as the vice-president and the president of the Canadian-Filipino Association of the Yukon from 2016 to 2024, per the release. Viernes was born in the Philippines and moved to the Yukon 30 years ago. She has worked as a nursing home attendant with the Yukon government for 25 years, and has also run a janitorial business on the side since 1998, as noted in the release. In her time in the Yukon, the release notes, Viernes helped establish the Yukon Filipino Fiesta, to mark Filipino culture each July, and she is also one of the founding directors of the Filipino Canadian National Congress, a non-profit representing Filipino communities across Canada. Given her experience helping the Filipino community, the release indicates she wants to expand her efforts to assist Riverdale residents and 'all Yukoners.' Riverdale South is currently represented in the Yukon legislature by Health Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee. She has represented the riding since 2016. The territorial election is slated to happen on or before Nov. 3, 2025. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Yukon gov't completed a third of health recommendations; critics say they should focus elsewhere
The Yukon government has completed 25 of 76 health-related recommendations from a 2020 report on improving the territory's health care, but critics say the government is failing to address the major issues. The Putting People First report, published in 2020, was the result of a territorial health care review conducted by an independent panel. That panel made recommendations to improve Yukon health care, including creating a distinct health authority, a Whitehorse walk-in clinic and land-based healing programming. On May 22, the territory said it had completed 25 with another 40 in progress. But Yukon Party health critic Brad Cathers says the territory should focus on items mostly excluded from the report like surgical infrastructure, the doctor shortage and continuing care. "We're seeing a lack of urgency on everything," Cathers said. Cathers said he wants to see more aggressive recruitment of physicians from outside the territory. He pointed to a waitlist for the long-term care facility in Whistle Bend with "no plan to address it." Yukon NDP Leader Kate White said she's also concerned about senior care and the lack of physicians specifically trained in geriatric care. She also pointed to the report's recommendation to reform social assistance. She said a review has happened, but there's no available information about next steps. Dr. Derek Bryant, president of the Yukon Medical Association, says the Yukon has made good progress but acknowledged there's still a lot of work ahead. "This was a really ambitious set of recommendations," he said. "We have to keep that in mind when we're looking at the progress." Opening the Whitehorse walk-in clinic, increasing the medical travel subsidy and launching a land-based healing program are among the recommendations already actioned. For Bryant, the number one outstanding recommendation is connecting every Yukoner with a primary care provider. "We can't think of a single more important priority," Bryant said. He said having proper access to care ultimately saves money and saves lives. He agrees there should be more progress on items not in the report, like surgical infrastructure needed to sterilize equipment and an electronic medical record system, so people can have continuity of care between physicians. Health authority in progress The territorial government is also in the process of creating a distinct health authority. Yukon is currently one of two jurisdictions in Canada without the authority, along with Nunavut. The territory passed the Health Authority Act, legislation that sets the framework for the new health authority, in 2024 and opened applications for the first board of directors May 20. The new organization will be called Shäw Kwä'ą and will replace the Yukon Hospital Corporation. Bryant said passing the legislation is a big step and said it's positive that it requires consultation with First Nations. White thinks the Shäw Kwä'ą board of directors is being appointed too soon, before there's an established timeline for creating the authority. She said hospital and government employees still have questions about how the chang will impact them. "We absolutely have to make sure that the people who are going to do the work are along for the ride, and that's not the case right now," White said.
Hamilton Spectator
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Ted Laking seeks nomination to run for Yukon Party in Porter Creek
Ted Laking has announced he'll be running for the Yukon Party nomination in Porter Creek Centre. The riding includes 'communities on the west side of the Alaska Highway north of Sumanik Drive' per the electoral boundaries commission final report. The riding used to include Whistle Bend, which is set to be represented by its own two electoral ridings, in the upcoming election. The riding was previously represented by MLA Yvonne Clarke of the Yukon Party — who is now running in Whistle Bend North — and Paolo Gallina, formerly of the Yukon Liberal Party, who now sits on Whitehorse city council. Laking, a former Whitehorse city councillor himself, had initially planned to run in the federal election under the Conservative Party banner , but then pivoted to seeking a spot in territorial politics ahead of the territorial elections, which must occur on or by Nov. 3 of this year. Laking was joined at a press conference by former councillor Jocelyn Curteanu and current city Coun. Dan Boyd, both of whom voiced support for Laking's run. 'I can't think of a more qualified person to represent Porter Creek Centre,' Boyd said. Laking said he went to high school in the Porter Creek Centre riding, and the riding is one-minute away from where he currently lives. Laking is also the past president of the Association of Yukon Communities. He highlighted his experience in that role regarding the inaugural Mayors and Chiefs Forum, and said that First Nations and non-First Nations governments need to work together to address issues they are facing. He said he was encouraged by Yukon Party Leader Currie Dixon indicating he'd initiate a 'national conversation on the future of communities in the country.' Laking said there's been a lack of engagement across the board on the provincial and territorial level regarding funding for municipal infrastructure, operations and maintenance. Municipal governments need to be at the table for discussions regarding housing and economic growth, Laking said. Contact Talar Stockton at
CBC
07-05-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai announces resignation
In a surprise move Wednesday, Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai announced he's stepping down. Pillai told reporters he plans to stay on until a new leader is selected. He said he plans to focus on improvements to health care and the threat posed by U.S. tariffs for the rest of his term. The territory is headed for an election this fall. Under the Yukon's fixed election date law, the vote must take place no later than Nov. 3. Pillai has served as premier since January 2023. He ran unopposed for the Liberal leadership after former premier Sandy Silver resigned. He's also faced nonstop calls from the opposition Yukon Party to call an election since he took power. Pillai is also the minister responsible for housing, economic development, Indigenous and intergovernmental affairs. He was first elected to the Legislative Assembly in 2016 when the Liberals swept to power, ending 14 years of Yukon Party rule. Under Silver's premiership, Pillai served as the minister of economic development, energy mines and resources and tourism and culture.
