Yukon premier announces funding for people with disabilities, home caregivers

Yukon Premier Sandy Silver has announced funding for people with disabilities to assist them through the COVID-19 pandemic.

During a news conference Tuesday, Silver said disabilities service clients will be eligible for $400 per month while approved home caregivers will be eligible for $250 per month.

"This funding will help reduce the financial strain caused by the ongoing pandemic response," Silver said.

He made the announcement alongside Chief Medical Officer Dr. Brendan Hanley during a news conference on COVID-19 in the territory.

It's been more than a month than since the last confirmed cases of COVID-19 were announced in the territory. In all, Yukon has seen 11 confirmed cases and all of those people have recovered.

The territory has begun to ease some restrictions associated with the pandemic.

Last week, personal service establishments such as hair salons were allowed to reopen under new guidelines and with approval from health officials. Restaurants were also allowed to partially reopen their dining rooms under new guidelines and also subject to approval and inspection.

Officials also said last week that the territory was on track to begin "phase two" of its reopening plan next month. That would allow outdoor gatherings of up to 50 people, and also permit free flow of people between B.C. and Yukon.

Silver said he spoke with Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy on Monday. He said he does not see the border opening back up in the immediate future, adding that decision would have to be made on a national level and does not believe the federal government would allow for exceptions.

Hanley said he has heard from residents who were concerned the territory was moving too fast, while others were excited about gradually opening back up.

"I think it is likely that we'll see more cases but of course that is the risk we want to mitigate," Hanley said.

"The cold reality is that we cannot live in this false bubble for long. We simply cannot sustain the human, the health, the social and the economic costs."

'We must be anti-racist'

Silver also took a moment to address the ongoing rallies in the United States that have spread to Canada and around the world in response to the death of George Floyd, who died last week after a police officer pressed his knee into his neck for several minutes even after he stopped moving and pleaded for air.

"People are raising up to make their voices heard and their actions seen in response to … ongoing racist practices that continue to plague our society."

He called on Yukoners to join him in condemning racism and to stand up against it.

"It's not enough for white people to simply not be racist. We must be anti-racist," he said.

"The difference seems to be subtle. But the difference lies in action. We must move from personally not being racist to actively being opposed to discrimination of all kinds."

Missed the news conference? Watch it here: