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1941: Yukon Territory

The mining industry of Yukon continued to enjoy unprecedented prosperity during the second year of the war. Many new mines were opened and production was speeded up throughout the territory despite the number of men who joined the armed forces. As an indirect result of the boom, Yukon had one of its first serious labor disputes in years late in July when employees of the Yukon Consolidated Gold Corporation, Ltd., near Dawson, struck in protest against the refusal of the company officials to meet their demands for a $1-a-day wage increase. The strike was settled when the company granted an increase.

The production of placer gold for the year up to Dec. 1 was approximately 86,000 ounces. The season was shorter than usual, owing to the strike and to an unusually dry season. Shipments of silver lead ore and concentrates to outside smelters during 1941 did not exceed $500,000 in gross values and were considerably less than in the previous year.

An election was held to select the three members of the territorial legislative body, known as the Yukon Council. A completely new slate of candidates was elected, none of the former members having been reelected. The Council held its annual session in April, but adopted no new legislation except the annual Supply Bill, making provision for the government services for the fiscal year 1941-1942.

Two new airports were constructed in the territory. These were located respectively at Whitehorse and Watson Lake. Airplane traffic increased considerably during the year.

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