On July 13, 1978, a severe storm in the Yukon communities of Mayo and Elsa led to the collapse of a TV tower, cutting off the CBC signal. The tower, located at the top of Galena Hill, was found to have been deliberately sabotaged. Ray Anderson, a CBC technician, led the efforts to restore the signal, which took 11 days. The incident was suspected to be the work of a disgruntled former mine worker. The restoration involved significant community effort and resourcefulness, ultimately reconnecting the isolated communities to the rest of Canada.

Five Yukon communities, including Whitehorse, Watson Lake, Carmacks, Faro, and Teslin, will elect their next mayor on Thursday. A total of 14 candidates are running for the positions. The article provides insights into the candidates' priorities, past council decisions they would change, and their favorite activities in their municipalities. Key issues discussed include strategic planning, economic development, communication, and community engagement. The Teslin Tlingit Council is highlighted for its positive working relationship with the municipality.

Thursday was election day for six municipalities across the Yukon, with CBC North providing comprehensive coverage through various platforms. Dave White hosted a live election night special on CBC Radio One, simulcast on Facebook and CBC North's website. Paul Tukker and John Last managed a live blog with real-time results and discussions. Juanita Taylor hosted a special edition of Northbeat on television, joined by Alexandra Byers and Jacqueline McKay for analysis. The following morning, James Miller interviewed winning candidates on CBC Radio One's A New Day. CBC North's team, including Jackie McKay, Alexandra Byers, Paul Tukker, and Dave White, tracked developments at Whitehorse City Hall.

The Yukon government reported a profit from its legal cannabis store, selling over $3.2 million worth of pot and ending $192,605 in the black. Minister John Streicker highlighted the success in displacing the illicit market and maintaining safety. Despite opposition claims of financial losses, Streicker refuted these as speculative. NDP Leader Kate White praised the government's efforts but suggested more localized surveys to better measure the impact on the black market. The government remains the territory's wholesaler, with ongoing efforts to reduce prices and improve product quality.

The Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation in Yukon has partnered with Alberta-based Eavor Technologies Inc. to implement a new geothermal system called Eavor-Loop. This innovative technology harnesses the Earth's natural heat without greenhouse gas emissions, fracking, or water use. The project, which is expected to cost $30 million, will generate 3 megawatts of electricity and has a minimal environmental footprint. The First Nation is a joint-equity partner, and construction could start early next year. The technology is described as a closed-loop process similar to a radiator and is particularly suited for the geological conditions in Yukon.

The Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation in Old Crow, Yukon, led by Chief Dana Tizya-Tramm, plans to declare a climate change emergency, emphasizing the urgency to act and the community's responsibility to the world. The declaration will be made during the Caribou Days celebration in May, with further plans to engage other First Nations and attend the Arctic Indigenous Climate Summit in Alaska. The community is witnessing firsthand the dramatic effects of climate change, including rising temperatures and thawing permafrost, which threaten their traditional way of life. Elder William Josie highlights the long-term survival stakes for Arctic people, while Tizya-Tramm stresses the importance of focusing on solutions to mitigate emissions.

Scott Buchanan initiated the creation of a special whisky to celebrate Keno, Yukon's centenary, aiming to encapsulate the community's spirit. Collaborating with Whitehorse's Two Brewers, Buchanan's vision was translated into a unique whisky using local water from Erickson Creek. The limited edition of 300 bottles is described as having a clean taste with a metallic note, symbolizing the rugged and inspiring nature of Keno.

Shirley Kakfwi, a dedicated beader from Old Crow, Yukon, has created a unique cottage industry by making beaded name tags for local RCMP officers. This initiative began when an officer requested a custom name tag, and it has since grown, with Kakfwi producing around 20 tags over the years. These tags, which adhere to RCMP colors and can be affixed to uniforms, symbolize a lasting connection between the officers and the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation community. Cpl. Pat Russell, the detachment commander, highlights the discreet yet meaningful nature of these tags, which serve as cherished keepsakes for the officers.

The Yukon government is planning to build a seasonal road to Old Crow in 2021 to facilitate the construction of a new health centre, replacing the nearly 50-year-old existing facility. The project, budgeted at $750,000 for the planning phase, is expected to be completed by spring 2023. The new centre will follow a collaborative care model, offering various health and social services under one roof. Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Chief Dana Tizya-Tramm and Health and Social Services Minister Pauline Frost have expressed strong support for the project, highlighting its importance for community health and wellness. The Yukon Housing Corporation is also planning new housing for health centre staff to attract healthcare workers to the remote community.

The Transportation Safety Board's investigation into a May plane crash in Whitehorse, which resulted in the deaths of two Alaskan men, found that sudden wind changes during takeoff made it difficult for the 1952 Cessna 170B to gain altitude. The plane never rose more than 50 feet above the runway, eventually stalling and crashing into a wooded area, where the wreckage caught fire. This fire destroyed much of the evidence, complicating the investigation. The pilots had previously aborted a takeoff in Minnesota due to controllability issues but continued their journey the following day after unloading some cargo.

Ann Gray, a former board member of Blue Water Bridge Canada (BWBC), a Crown corporation, incurred significant expenses during her term, which were approved by the company's chairman and in line with company policy. CBC's the fifth estate reviewed her spending, revealing that Gray and her husband enjoyed perks such as business class flights, sightseeing tours, and expensive meals while attending transportation conferences in San Diego, Berlin, and Vienna. The expenses included spousal travel and alcohol, which were more generous than federal norms for civil servants. Despite government scrutiny and directives to curb such benefits, the spending continued until Marcel Beaubien became chairman and implemented new rules. Transport Minister Lisa Raitt and Treasury Board President Tony Clement have since issued statements condemning the misuse of public funds and announced new restrictions on travel and hospitality expenses for Crown corporations.

The 25th anniversary of the implementation of modern treaties and self-government agreements among Yukon First Nations marks ongoing work and progress. The agreements, which began taking effect on February 14, 1995, for four First Nations and later others, define First Nations' rights within their territories. Key figures involved in the 1990s negotiations reflect on the journey, the emotional significance, and the challenges that remain, such as the interpretation of agreements by governments. The agreements are seen as beneficial not only for First Nations but for the entire Yukon community, fostering partnerships and cultural revitalization. However, there is a need for continued education on the agreements' potential and the involvement of original architects to convey their spirit and intent.

A year after Canada legalized recreational cannabis, the Yukon's government-run Cannabis Yukon store has closed, transitioning retail to the private sector with two stores in Whitehorse and one in Dawson City. The government remains the sole wholesaler, avoiding supply shortfalls. Retailers, however, are dissatisfied with the selection and supply. The government has sold 338 kilograms of cannabis, generating $4.6 million, with legal sales penetrating 25 to 30 percent of the market. The Yukon Party questions the financial efficiency of the government's store operations. Yukoners have the highest rate of legal pot sales per capita in Canada, and the market is expected to continue shifting from illegal to legal sales.

The Yukon government is set to close its Cannabis Yukon store in Whitehorse after a year of operation, coinciding with the anniversary of pot legalization in Canada. The closure follows the establishment of a private retail industry in the territory, with two private retailers already operating and more licenses issued. The government will continue to act as a wholesaler and maintain online sales to ensure territory-wide access to legal cannabis. John Streicker, minister responsible for the Yukon Liquor Corporation, notes that legal sales have been strong, with nearly $4 million in sales since legalization, and expects little change in retail prices post-closure.

Water and sewer upgrades in Dawson City, Yukon, have been halted after residents on Craig Street, including bed and breakfast owner Ben Shore, were surprised by excavation work that extended into their front yards, threatening numerous old-growth trees. The issue arises from discrepancies between old property surveys and the actual land use. The Yukon Government and the city are seeking a resolution, with the project paused and a review of the government's application to YESAB underway. Community services minister John Streicker acknowledges the situation's complexity and aims to find a solution that avoids disturbing trees while still upgrading the sewer line.

Southwestern Yukon has experienced wetter-than-normal conditions, but the increased rainfall has not been sufficient to raise water levels to average. Despite significant rainfall in Whitehorse and Burwash Landing, the territory is still grappling with the effects of a historically low snowpack from the past winter, resulting in significantly low water levels. Environment Canada meteorologist Bobby Sekhon notes that more than half of the normal monthly precipitation has already fallen in Whitehorse, with more rain expected. However, Yukon government hydrologist Benoit Turcotte highlights that many water stations are recording new historical lows, and the rain has only provided a minor boost. The situation underscores the impact of climate change, with 2019 exemplifying extreme weather patterns.

Shaun LaDue, a Kaska Dena trans man from Yukon, has significantly influenced the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) inquiry. His testimony and personal story are prominently featured in the inquiry's final report, highlighting the resilience of Indigenous communities against colonial violence. LaDue's advocacy contributed to changes in Yukon's Vital Statistics Act, and his experiences underscore the importance of inclusive gender perspectives in addressing violence against two-spirit and Indigenous LGBTQ people. The inquiry's final report honors LaDue's bravery and the broader efforts to combat gender marginalization within Indigenous communities.

Paul Thomas Deuling, a 69-year-old former Whitehorse teacher, has been charged with two counts of indecent assault and three counts of sexual assault against Desire Mitchell, occurring between 1981 and 1987. The allegations, which have not been proven in court, relate to incidents during the time Mitchell was a student and Deuling was her Grade 4 teacher at Jack Hulland Elementary School. Mitchell has also filed a civil lawsuit against Deuling and the Yukon government. Deuling has denied all allegations in his statement of defence, while the Yukon Government has not filed its defence. Both criminal and civil cases are set to continue in court in the coming weeks.

A Cessna 170B crashed in Whitehorse on its way to Anchorage, resulting in the deaths of both occupants. The crash occurred 600 metres from the runway and the plane caught fire. The Transportation Safety Board is investigating, with no black box on the small plane, relying on site evidence, witness accounts, and aircraft data. An investigation team from Edmonton is being sent to the site.

The case against Jibril Hosh Jibril, the first man charged with trafficking fentanyl in Yukon, was dismissed at the request of the Crown prosecution. Jibril faced charges of trafficking and possession after allegedly attempting to ship 535 fentanyl pills from Whitehorse to Lethbridge in 2017. The trial's key evidence, fingerprint identification, was challenged due to improper disclosure and missing critical information. Judge Michael Cozens denied the Crown's request to reopen the case, leading to its dismissal. Jibril's defense lawyer expressed satisfaction with the outcome.

Yukon's adult incarceration rate and number of admissions saw significant decreases between 2016 and 2018, with a 30% drop in the incarceration rate and a 13% drop in admissions. This trend is seen as positive by officials, including Jamil Malakieh from the Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics and Al Lucier, Yukon's assistant deputy minister of community justice and public safety. Contributing factors include a reduction in overall reported crime and efforts by government departments, First Nations, and non-profits to improve public safety and community wellness. However, challenges remain, such as the over-representation of First Nations in custody and the high number of inmates awaiting trial or sentencing.

The Yukon Human Rights Commission has introduced 'Spot', an AI-powered chatbot, to assist individuals in documenting harassment and discrimination. This initiative makes it the first human rights commission globally to adopt such a tool. Spot offers a confidential and neutral platform for creating detailed reports, which can be kept private or sent to the commission for follow-up. The tool, co-designed by Dr. Julia Shaw, adheres to Canadian privacy laws and is available on the commission's website.

Daniel MacKenzie, founder of the 'Magic Cool Bus' safe ride home program in Whitehorse, had his criminal harassment and uttering death threats charges stayed. He agreed to an eight-month common law peace bond, requiring him to keep the peace, behave well, and avoid contact with a protected woman. Violating the peace bond could lead to criminal charges and a $500 fine. MacKenzie's Free the Beat Foundation had been advocating for the 'Magic Cool Bus' initiative as an alternative to taxis.

A 48-year-old Whitehorse man, Mark McCluskey, has been sentenced to five and a half months in jail for drunk driving causing bodily harm. The crash, which occurred on January 20, 2017, resulted in significant injuries to Naomi Blindheim and another passenger. McCluskey, who has a history of substance abuse and previous driving convictions, expressed remorse and has been in regular counseling since the incident. Judge Michael Cozens acknowledged McCluskey's efforts to address his issues but emphasized the severe impact on the victims and the public risk posed by his actions.

Paleoclimatologist Trevor Porter and his team discovered that recent Yukon summer temperatures are the warmest in 13,600 years, based on permafrost core samples analyzed for water isotopes. This groundbreaking technique, previously used on glacier ice cores, offers a new method for climate study in non-glacial regions. The findings, published in Nature Communications, add to evidence that Canada's North is warming rapidly. Porter, an assistant professor at the University of Toronto Mississauga, emphasizes the urgency of preserving permafrost records before they are lost to thawing.

The Yukon village of Teslin has become a leading model in biomass heating, attracting over 900 global visitors to learn about its facilities. The Teslin Tlingit Council, which leads tours of the biomass boilers heating ten community buildings, has received significant grants from the territorial government and Natural Resources Canada's Indigenous Forestry Initiative. The system, which uses waste wood products for fuel, saves the community about 120,000 litres of fuel annually. The First Nation is also working on producing biomass electricity and aims to make their new cultural centre energy self-sufficient.

The Nisutlin Knights, an all-female team, are making history by competing in the adult divisions of the 42nd Yukon Native Hockey Tournament in Whitehorse. This marks the first time women will participate in the tournament's adult divisions without being on mixed teams. The team, consisting of 17 women from various parts of Yukon, aims not only to compete but also to inspire the creation of an all-women's division in the coming years. The initiative has garnered significant support and is seen as empowering for young First Nations women.

The Nisutlin Knights, an all-female team, are making history by competing in the adult division of the Yukon Native Hockey Tournament for the first time. The tournament, held in Whitehorse, is in its 42nd year and attracts participants from across the North, B.C., and Alberta. The team, consisting of 17 seasoned players from various parts of Yukon, aims to inspire future generations of Yukon girls and hopes to establish an all-women's division in the coming years. The players emphasize the empowering nature of their participation and the support they receive as young First Nations women in the sport.

Yukon College's president, Karen Barnes, announced a new $26-million science building as a key feature of the soon-to-be Yukon University, integrating Western science with Indigenous traditional knowledge. The federal budget revealed funding for the project, which aims to offer science education through both Indigenous and Western perspectives. The building will support studies in resource development, climate change, and Indigenous self-government. The design will be developed in consultation with First Nations to ensure it aligns with Indigenous values.

The RCMP has issued a warning about an online rental housing scam in Whitehorse, where scammers have posted ads for properties that are actually for sale, not for rent. The ads, which have appeared on Craigslist and Kijiji, misuse pictures and information from real estate agent Terence Tait's listings. The RCMP and Tait advise renters to never send money for a deposit without seeing the property in person or having someone they trust verify it.

The Yukon Rendezvous Society's board of directors, led by Darren Bartsch, has faced criticism for canceling the festival's long-running airshow, citing financial and volunteer constraints. The decision, made in the fall, was part of a sustainable budget plan for the 2019 festival. Long-time organizers Jack Kingscote and Rebecca Laforge plan to host a smaller, private version of the airshow, despite claiming insufficient notice from the festival organizers. The board disputes this claim and congratulates the organizers for continuing the tradition in some form.

The Yukon Government has been criticized by the territory's privacy watchdog, Diane McLeod-McKay, for improperly disclosing personal information of thousands of government and public sector employees across multiple departments. The investigation, triggered by a complaint in 2016, revealed that the government failed to secure employee information and allowed excessive access to it. McLeod-McKay issued 17 recommendations, including revoking access, hiring a third-party expert, and improving communication with employees. The Public Service Commission has accepted these recommendations and is working towards their implementation, with a progress report due by the end of April.

In Old Crow, Yukon, a new generation of Indigenous leaders is emerging, with Dana Tizya-Tramm becoming the youngest Vuntut Gwitchin chief in history. Alongside three new councillors under 40, they are taking on major roles in guiding the community's future, focusing on the survival of culture and tradition. Investments have been made in essential services, and there is a strong emphasis on cycles of leadership that connect children to elders. Tizya-Tramm, who overcame homelessness and became an advocate for environmental protection, emphasizes the importance of continuing the legacy of past generations. Other young adults, like Sophia Flather, are contributing by developing language programs to revitalize the endangered Gwich'in language. The transition is supported by elders and past leaders, who encourage the youth to take on the responsibility of self-governance.

Yukon conservation officers have noted increased bear activity during the winter season, with a recent case of a grizzly euthanized in the village of Mayo. Factors contributing to late bear activity include sufficient food availability, lack of fat stores for hibernation, and potential sickness or injury. Bear expert Lana Ciarniello believes that as climate change progresses, bears staying active later in the season will become the norm, leading to extended periods of human-bear conflict. Officials advise the public to stay vigilant and suggest carrying warm bear spray for protection.

Yukon's Department of Environment warns that relocating bears is not a viable solution to the increasing number of human-bear conflicts, which rose by 25% last year. Despite translocating 58 bears, many return quickly due to human-sourced food. Conservation officer Aaron Koss-Young emphasizes the importance of managing attractants rather than relying on relocation, citing a case where a relocated cub repeatedly returned to Whitehorse. The department calls for better management of bear attractants to prevent conflicts.

Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN) accuse Yukon Energy of not honouring a 2016 agreement to collaborate on the relicensing of the Aishihik hydroelectric dam. The dam's construction in the 1970s disrupted CAFN's traditional way of life and impacted fish and wildlife. After two years of consultation, CAFN concluded that waters should return to natural levels. However, Yukon Energy plans to maintain current operations, which CAFN finds unacceptable. Despite a letter sent in October, CAFN received no official response and is publicly calling for a return to the collaborative process. Yukon Energy's president, Andrew Hall, expressed disappointment and noted that while consensus was not required, the company had invested in joint studies and cannot afford the costs of returning the lake to pre-dam levels, citing no urgent environmental reasons for changes.

Residents in Carmacks, Yukon, are concerned about a proposed bylaw that would enforce property maintenance standards and impose fines for non-compliance. The bylaw, inspired by similar regulations in Whitehorse and Faro, addresses issues like garbage accumulation and unregistered vehicles. Critics argue it is overly intrusive and could disproportionately affect lower-income residents. Mayor Lee Bodie assures that the bylaw is open for public input and will not be rushed, aiming to address community complaints about property values without causing undue hardship.

Shelley Cuthbert, a former kennel owner in Yukon, must submit a $15,000 deposit to the courts to proceed with her defamation lawsuit against her former neighbors and others. The Yukon Supreme Court Justice Ron Veale ruled that if Cuthbert fails to pay, the case could be dismissed. Cuthbert, who is suing for $1 million in damages, claims the defendants' public statements destroyed her reputation and business. The court also noted Cuthbert's financial difficulties, including owing over $26,000 from previous cases. Cuthbert has until Dec. 31 to comply, while another court matter regarding her camping on Crown land will be addressed in January.

The Yukon government's decision to impose 21 conditions on Darrell Carey's mining claims in Dawson City, despite easing restrictions on five of them, is criticized by Carey's former agent Randy Clarkson as 'expropriation.' Clarkson argues that the conditions render most of the claims unprofitable, resulting in a significant financial loss for Carey. The government has made some concessions, such as reducing buffer zones and allowing certain transport routes, but Clarkson believes these changes are insufficient. Carey retains his claim titles and awaits potential compensation from the government.

Dawson City, Yukon, has introduced a 'bag library' initiative where residents can borrow and leave reusable bags in painted wooden boxes around town to reduce plastic waste. Despite an unsuccessful petition to ban plastic bags, the Conservation Klondike Society, with the help of local businesses and individuals like Dylan McDougall, Katie English, and Bill Donaldson, has set up the program. The initiative has been well received, with plans to expand if successful.

Lorenzo Gil Morales, a 48-year-old Spanish citizen, was found guilty of making child pornography but acquitted of sexual assault and sexual interference in Yukon Territorial Court. Judge Carol Snell determined that Morales did not take all reasonable steps to confirm the age of a 15-year-old girl involved in the incident. The court heard emotional testimony from the girl, who claimed Morales filmed their encounter at a motel. The defense argued Morales had made efforts to confirm her age, but the judge found the Crown's evidence sufficient for a conviction on the child pornography charge. Sentencing is pending.

Leonard Faber became the new mayor of Faro, Yukon, after winning an unusual tiebreaker in the mayoral race where his name was drawn from a box. Both Faber and the incumbent mayor, Jack Bowers, received 86 votes, leading to the tiebreaker as prescribed by the territory's Municipal Act. Faber, who has a history with Faro dating back to the 1980s, expressed his commitment to honesty and lack of a hidden agenda. The new council will face decisions on the landfill bylaw, the main commercial building, and RCMP detachment reorganization. Bowers, accepting the result, offered his support to Faber and advised the new council on the importance of teamwork.

CBC North provided comprehensive coverage of the Yukon municipal elections, featuring a live election night special on CBC Radio One and CBC Yukon's Facebook page, an online live blog with real-time results and discussions, and a special edition of Northbeat on television. Reporters from CBC North were present at Whitehorse City Hall to track developments, and the morning after the elections, interviews with winning candidates were scheduled on CBC Radio One's A New Day.

Tonje Blomseth, a Norwegian travel blogger, was fined $1,000 for hunting a ptarmigan out of season in Yukon. She was found guilty in an ex parte trial in Yukon Territorial Court. Conservation officers discovered the illegal hunting after seeing a photo on Blomseth's Facebook page. Despite initially denying the act, Blomseth confessed when confronted with evidence. Her rifle was confiscated, and she was charged with illegally hunting a game bird. The court emphasized her lack of respect for wildlife laws and her uncooperative behavior during the investigation.

The Carcross skate park, a long-awaited community project, officially opened with a grand celebration attended by nearly 100 people. The park, featuring various ramps, rails, and a bowl, was a collaborative effort involving the Carcross/Tagish First Nation, the Yukon government, and the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency. The project, costing just under $450,000, was primarily funded by CTFN and CanNor, with additional contributions from the territorial government and the Carcross Recreation Board. Local youth played a significant role in the park's design and construction, and the community is encouraged to personalize the space with art and graffiti.

Yonis Melew's attempts to obtain a new license plate and change his address at the Whitehorse Motor Vehicles Branch escalated into a significant dispute involving the Yukon government, RCMP, courts, and human rights bodies. Melew claims discrimination, alleging he was labeled as an 'aggressive black man,' while Motor Vehicles staff accuse him of aggressive behavior. The situation has led to legal actions, human rights complaints, and the involvement of the NDP, who criticize the government's response and advocate for Melew. The dispute raises questions about the appropriate use of RCMP resources and the necessity of a full-time private security guard at the branch.

The Yukon government has committed to establishing a forensic mental health care unit and implementing new policies on prisoner segregation at the Whitehorse Correctional Centre as part of a human rights settlement. The agreement, resulting from complaints about systemic discrimination, includes conditions for improved mental health care, better record-keeping, and human rights training for corrections staff. The settlement is seen as a significant step towards reforming the treatment of inmates, particularly those with mental disabilities and Indigenous prisoners. Key stakeholders express optimism about the potential for substantial change in the corrections system.

The article recounts the journey of Kyle and Sara Cameron, aircraft mechanics and aviation enthusiasts, who discovered the wreckage of a Grumman Albatross seaplane in Atlin Provincial Park. The plane, which crashed in 1967 during a search and rescue mission, had been largely untouched since the accident. The Camerons' discovery led them to contact the family of one of the crash victims, Robert Striff Jr. His sons, Robert and Randy Striff, were able to visit the crash site for the first time, finding closure and personal artifacts from their father. The experience was deeply emotional and transformative for the Striff brothers, as well as for the Camerons and their pilot friend, Jamie Tait.

Shelley Cuthbert, a Yukon kennel owner, has been ordered to remove over forty dogs from her property following a legal battle with her neighbors, who claimed the dogs were a nuisance. Despite previous court orders and an appeal dismissal, Cuthbert has not complied, arguing the dogs would be euthanized if surrendered. In a recent court hearing, Cuthbert stated she would relocate the dogs by Monday, avoiding the need for authorities to intervene. The court has adjourned until Tuesday to verify her compliance, with potential contempt of court and imprisonment if she fails to remove the dogs.

Shelley Cuthbert, a Yukon kennel owner, is suing nine neighbors and two other women for defamation, seeking $1 million in damages. Cuthbert claims the defendants made damaging public statements about her, causing emotional distress and property damage. She is also demanding a public apology. The lawsuit follows a court order for Cuthbert to surrender most of her dogs, which she has not fully complied with. Graham Lang, representing most defendants, describes the lawsuit as frivolous and retaliatory. He will seek to have Cuthbert found in contempt of the original injunction, which could result in fines or imprisonment.

Whitehorse City Council is considering new rules to enhance taxi passenger safety, following lobbying by local organizations after a taxi driver was charged with sexual assault. Proposed amendments include mandatory video cameras in taxis, a seven-day video retention policy, and mandatory training for drivers. Councillors expressed mixed views on the video retention period, with some suggesting it may be insufficient for reporting incidents. The bylaw will be reviewed again on June 11.

Shelley Cuthbert appealed a court decision to close her kennel in Tagish, Yukon, arguing that the original trial judge was biased and did not provide adequate assistance. The appeal hearing, presided over by a panel of three appellate judges, focused on whether the original judge erred in his rulings and whether Cuthbert received a fair trial. Cuthbert's neighbors, represented by lawyer Meagan Hannam, argued that the original judge had provided sufficient procedural assistance and showed no bias. The appellate judges have reserved their decision.

Peter Budge, a former chef at the Talbot Arm Motel in Destruction Bay, testified before a Yukon Human Rights Panel of Adjudicators that he was repeatedly harassed by co-owner Charles Eikland, who allegedly pulled down his pants nearly every day for five months in 2014. Budge filed a workplace sexual harassment complaint in July 2015. Eikland and co-owner Suzanne Tremblay deny the allegations. The tribunal, which began hearing evidence this week, will continue until Friday. If the tribunal finds in favor of Budge, it can issue an enforceable order through the Yukon Supreme Court.

A Yukon Territorial Court judge dismissed a peace bond application by Vern Janz, the registrar of the Yukon Department of Motor Vehicles, against Yonis Melew, who accused the department of racism. Janz claimed Melew threatened and acted aggressively towards him and his staff, but the judge found the evidence insufficient to issue a peace bond. The conflict began when Melew's wife failed a driver's license exam, leading to confrontations and accusations of systemic discrimination. Melew and his wife have filed complaints with the Yukon Human Rights Commission, which is investigating the claims.

Students in Mayo, Yukon, are learning bushcraft skills through workshops offered by J.V. Clark School in partnership with local expert Jose Martinez Amoedo. The workshops teach high school students how to live off the land and craft tools from local resources. Martinez Amoedo, who has extensive experience in primitive skills, emphasizes the importance of passing on knowledge and fostering a sense of accomplishment in the students. The program includes practical sessions and plans for a spring trip to practice the skills learned.

The Arctic Winter Games are ongoing, with day 2 of the competition covered in a live blog replay. CBC North provides comprehensive coverage, with a team on the ground in Hay River and Fort Smith, including reporters such as Joanne Stassen, Kirsten Murphy, and others.

A bylaw to increase salaries for the next Whitehorse city council passed its first and second readings amid a divided council. The proposed increases aim to adjust for new Canada Revenue Agency tax rules and align salaries with those of similar cities. Some councillors proposed amendments for smaller increases, while others argued the current salaries deter potential candidates. The final decision will be made on February 26, with new salaries potentially taking effect in October.

The Yukon government has halted its experiment to create an ice bridge over the Yukon River at Dawson City after spending $120,000. The project, which aimed to use spray technology to freeze the river, was hindered by uncooperative weather conditions. Highways and Public Works Minister Richard Mostyn stated that the experiment was an attempt to adapt to climate change and that they would try again next winter. Residents like Jesse Cooke expressed frustration over the failure, citing the impact on their daily lives and property values.

Yukon Supreme Court Justice Ron Veale granted Lena Josie a conditional discharge on her assault conviction appeal, ruling that the original sentence was unfit as it penalized her for her daily marijuana use. The sentencing judge had denied the discharge, linking it to public interest concerns over illegal drug trade participation. Veale disagreed, stating that Josie's marijuana use, which she disclosed for counseling purposes, should not result in a criminal record. The decision is seen as potentially influential for cases involving drug addiction unrelated to criminal behavior.

City of Whitehorse bylaw services, in collaboration with Humane Society Yukon, are developing clearer animal care guidelines following an incident where a severely injured dog named Saul was left without adequate pain management for 48 hours. Saul, who was hit by a car, underwent critical surgery at All Paws Veterinary Clinic and has since recovered. The incident highlighted procedural lapses, prompting the city to draft new guidelines and ensure better handling of injured animals in the future. The humane society and bylaw services are working to strengthen their relationship to prevent similar occurrences.

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has accused a wealthy family from Victoria, B.C., of participating in a tax evasion scheme orchestrated by KPMG Canada. The Cooper family allegedly paid minimal taxes over eight years while receiving nearly $6 million from an offshore company in the Isle of Man. The CRA is seeking to recover millions in unpaid taxes and penalties from the family. KPMG Canada, known for its tax and auditing services, is currently fighting a judicial order to disclose the names of all clients involved in the offshore tax structure. The scheme, which promised high net worth individuals they would pay 'no tax' on their investments, is being labeled a 'sham' by the CRA. The case has broader implications for tax fairness and the responsibilities of tax advisors.

Research on the phenotypic diversity of modern dog breeds has identified variants in three genes—RSPO2, FGF5, and KRT71—that govern the presence of furnishings, hair length, and curl in canine coats. Using genome-wide association studies and fine-mapping, the study found that these genetic variations explain the coat phenotypes of 95% of the dogs sampled, which include 108 of the approximately 160 American Kennel Club-recognized breeds. The findings offer a genetic understanding of complex coat variations in domestic dogs.