Currently, the Yukon is one of the only jurisdictions in Canada without a health authority.
Today, the Yukon Liberal Caucus took huge steps towards modernizing our health care system, tabling legislation to create a Yukon health authority.
The role of a health authority is to govern, plan, and deliver health care services, identify population health needs, plan programs and services, and ensure that programs and services are properly funded and managed.
Here’s what Yukon leaders have to say about the creation of a health authority:
“In the 90s, when Yukon drafted legislation without us, the voices of our people were absent. We have seen the results of that in a health care system that is not inclusive of Yukon First Nation people, and a system that has resulted in lower health outcomes for our people. Now, through collaboration, we are creating a system that gives hope. This will be a system that has the potential to transform lives, ensuring good healthcare for all Yukoners. This initiative is not just for us, but an opportunity for the world to witness the power of a small yet mighty territory in the north.” – Doris Bill, member of the Health Transformation Advisory Committee and former Chief of Kwanlin Dün First Nation
“… having a Health Authority is a very good thing. We are evolving, and we really do need to separate who is providing funding and services, to ensure we’re doing this in a way that works to everybody’s strengths”. – Kristina Craig, Executive Director of the Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition
“As we embark on this collaborative journey to shape the future of health care in the Yukon, we are reminded of the strength and wisdom of our ancestors. This legislation is an opportunity to not only transform our health system but also honour our culture. Yukon First Nations stand committed to working alongside Yukon government partners to ensure that the new health authority reflects the values, interests and wellbeing of all Yukoners.” – Vuntut Gwitchin Chief Pauline Frost, Chair of the Chiefs’ Committee on Health
Despite this, the Yukon Party does not want to invest in long term health care solutions for Yukoners. On March 8, 2024, Yukon Party leader Currie Dixon called the health authority “a terrible misappropriation of resources.”
It’s clear that the Yukon Party wants to spend tax dollars on short term, band-aid solutions rather than addressing the challenges that date back to when Brad Cathers was health minister.
The Yukon Liberal Government is taking action to transform the health care system from the ground up, building a system that will fundamentally improve health care delivery for all Yukoners for generations to come.
