<Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article's factual accuracy may be compromised due to out - of - date information . Please update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information . (May 2012) </Td> </Tr> <P> The 2011 National Household Survey reported that 49.9% of Yukoners reported having no religious affiliation, the highest percentage in Canada . The most frequently reported religious affiliation was Christianity, reported by 46.2% of residents . Of these, the most common denominations were the Catholic Church (39.6%), the Anglican Church of Canada (17.8%) and the United Church of Canada (9.6%). </P> <P> Yukon's historical major industry was mining (lead, zinc, silver, gold, asbestos and copper). The government acquired the land from the Hudson's Bay Company in 1870 and split it from the Northwest Territories in 1898 to fill the need for local government created by the population influx of the gold rush . </P> <P> Thousands of these prospectors flooded the territory, creating a colourful period recorded by authors such as Robert W. Service and Jack London . The memory of this period and the early days of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, as well as the territory's scenic wonders and outdoor recreation opportunities, makes tourism the second most important industry . </P>

When did the yukon become part of canada