This week saw the opening of Yukon’s first ever Housing First building, the launch of engagement on Our Clean Future: climate change, energy and green economy strategy, a new “Find a Doctor” app and several important community celebrations.
Housing First residence opens
Our Liberal Caucus is very excited to see the Housing First residence officially open in Whitehorse. This is the first project of its kind in Yukon history and it serves a critical need in our community. This residence will provide homeless and vulnerable Yukoners with immediate access to housing without any preconditions, such as sobriety or treatment. This marks a major shift in the way Yukon provides housing to the most vulnerable people in our community.
Pauline Frost, Minister responsible for the Yukon Housing Corporation, gave media a tour of the new Housing First residence at the corner of Wood Street and Fifth Avenue in Whitehorse this week. Residents will begin moving in to the building this month. With 16 units, vulnerable Yukoners will receive barrier-free housing and support through this initiative.
Our Liberal government is committed to a Housing First approach to address homelessness and ensure the most vulnerable in our community get the support they need. This unprecedented project will provide permanent housing to persons who are experiencing homelessness and marks a major shift in the way Yukon provides housing and supports to those in acute need.
Minister of Health and Social Services and Minister Responsible for the Yukon Housing Corporation Pauline Frost
Our Liberal Caucus strongly supports the government’s Housing First approach to address homelessness because it has proven to be effective. We also support the government’s efforts to increase access to housing across the entire housing spectrum in Yukon. By working with community partners, the government can increase the availability of housing for all Yukoners. Learn more about the Housing First residence.
Draft climate strategy released
Our Liberal Caucus is thrilled to see the Yukon government launch its draft climate change, energy and green economy strategy. This is a big step forward in addressing climate change in Yukon.
The draft strategy was developed in collaboration with Yukon First Nations, municipalities, and transboundary Indigenous groups. It proposes 26 objectives and 142 actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Yukon while meeting increasing energy demands and adapting to the impacts of climate change.
Our Clean Future outlines how we propose to create new economic opportunities and meet growing energy needs while addressing climate change and building a clean, resilient future for all Yukoners. I would like to thank everyone that has provided input so far and I encourage all Yukoners to provide their feedback on this draft strategy.
Minister of Economic Development and Energy, Mines and Resources Ranj Pillai
Yukoners are encouraged to provide their feedback on the strategy, which can be found here.
MLAs observe Remembrance Day
As always, Remembrance Day is an important time of the year to take a moment to solemnly reflect on and thank the people who have protected our country in the past and still do today.
We were glad to see the community once again fill the stands at the Canada Games Centre to commemorate this event, and several Liberal MLAs attended to lay wreaths and pay their tributes.
50 years for CKRW
Our Liberal Caucus extends a huge congratulations to CKRW for 50 years on the air.
The radio station quickly became a mainstay in Yukon life and embedded itself in the social fabric of our community.
Minister of Tourism and Culture Jeanie Dendys gave a tribute to the organization in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday.
My most distinct memory of CKRW was from August 16, 1977. It was the announcement that Elvis Presley had died. As a little girl at the time, that was a monumental moment. I could barely wrap my head around what death meant, and to hear that the most famous person of all time was dead just boggled my mind. It’s funny how certain memories stand out, but what stands out most to me about CKRW is its familiarity. I grew up with it, and in some ways, like with Elvis Presley, it helped me grow up too.
Minister of Tourism and Culture Jeanie Dendys
Technical Amendments Act and Liquor Act pass third reading
Both the Technical Amendments Act and Liquor Act passed third reading in the House this week. Our Liberal Caucus congratulates the House on passing these two important acts with unanimous consent.
For a refresher on both, find the full text of the Technical Amendments Act here and the Liquor Act here.
Tourism survey shows strong support
Minister of Tourism and Culture Jeanie Dendys announced the results of the 2019 Yukon Resident Perceptions of Tourism Survey, which showed that 94 per cent of respondents feel tourism is good for Yukon and 89 per cent feel tourism is good for their community.
The survey provides baseline data for the Yukon government and will be conducted every two years going forward to gauge resident perceptions on tourism, ensuring that the government is heading in a path that aligns with Yukoners’ desires.
This survey allows us to check-in with Yukoners to ensure that tourism management and development align with their core values and vision for Yukon. The results form a strong foundation for tourism to be a sustainable, vibrant component of Yukon’s economy and society for the benefit of future generations.
Minister of Tourism and Culture Jeanie Dendys
Read the 2019 Yukon Resident Perceptions of Tourism Survey.
Find a Family Doctor program launches
Health and Social Services Minister Pauline Frost announced the launch of the Find a Family Doctor program this week.
As a partnership between the Government of Yukon and Yukon Medical Association, the online program matches Yukoners with physicians who are registered in the program and accepting new patients.
We have been working hard to find the best system to match Yukoners in need of a doctor with available physicians. The Find a Family Doctor program will enable us to match individuals with physicians and inform us on the current demand for family doctors. This new service will complement our ongoing recruitment and retention efforts to better serve Yukoners.
Minister of Health and Social Services Pauline Frost
Rock Your Mocs Week
