New pilot program promotes youth entrepreneurship
This week Economic Development Minister Ranj Pillai announced däna Näye Ventures will receive $94,545 for the Youth Entrepreneur in Residence pilot program. The new initiative will promote entrepreneurship and help youth develop business skills. Heather Dickson has been named the first Youth Entrepreneur in Residence and will coordinate the pilot program. Dickson will focus on educational initiatives and will create a training platform to deliver in Yukon communities. Learn more here.
“Entrepreneurs are the foundation of the private sector in our communities, creating jobs and contributing to the diversification of our economy. This program will help young Yukoners develop skills and encourage them to turn their business ideas into concrete plans.”
Minister Ranj Pillai
Programming at the Wood Street Centre
This week a letter to the editor of the Whitehorse Star included some misinformation about staffing and student enrolment at the Wood Street Centre. The Department of Education has confirmed there have been no changes to the programming being offered at the Wood Street Centre. The government continues to provide consistent funding and resources to Yukon schools, including the Wood Street Centre. Staffing allocation is based on actual student enrolment and class sizes to ensure that staff is allocated in a fair and equitable manner and to ensure consistent service levels in all schools. This process has not changed. Each student is counted once when looking at enrolment to ensure accurate enrolment reporting and to support program planning. Our Liberal Caucus believes schools, educators, and quality educational programs are essential to the success of our students and communities. The Wood Street Centre programs offer unique opportunities to students and we fully support experiential programming as a key part of Yukon’s new school curriculum.
Petition banning conversion therapy
This week Women’s Directorate Minister Jeanie Dendys responded to a petition to ban conversion therapy in Yukon. On behalf of government, Minister Dendys thanked the many passionate youth and other Yukoners who signed the petition for
speaking up for what they think is right and advocating for community well-being and safety. As a result of the petition, conversion therapy has been added to a survey being used as part of the government’s ongoing engagement with Yukon’s LGBTQ2S+ community. The government is also reaching out to Nova Scotia to learn more about its recent legislation banning conversion therapy in the province. Conversion therapy is not currently known to be occurring in the territory. Our Liberal Caucus condemns conversion therapy and is committed to engaging LGBTQ2S+ Yukoners to ensure their voices are heard as the government considers how to address the call for banning the practice.
“This Government does not support the practice of conversion therapy. I stand by that. I also stand by my commitment to the LGGBTQ2S+ community – nothing about you, without you.”
Minister Jeanie Dendys
Helping those struggling with obesity
A recent report found roughly 1 out of 3 Yukoners is obese. The Yukon government supports Yukoners struggling with obesity through the Weight Wise program. Since launching in 2010 it has helped Yukoners lose more than 12,000 pounds. This year the government increased funding to ensure access to a full-time dietitian who works exclusively for Weight Wise. It has also expanded the program to communities such as Dawson City and Watson Lake and decreased the amount of time people spend on the wait list. Our Liberal Caucus supports efforts to increase access to Weight Wise so that more Yukoners can overcome obesity. Contact your family physician to learn more about the Weight Wise program.
