The lack of Text-to-911 access disproportionately affects individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or unable to speak, denying them equal access to emergency services.
Yesterday, May 1st, the Yukon Employee Union organized a rally in front of the Yukon Legislative Assembly, demanding the implementation of Text-to-911 access in the territory. This life-saving service has been available in southern provinces for years, but remains inaccessible in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.
The lack of Text-to-911 access disproportionately affects individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or unable to speak, denying them equal access to emergency services.
Vice President Yukon Employees Union Lisa Vollans-Leduc emphasized that the lack of Text-to-911 access creates a significant barrier for individuals with hearing or speech challenges, hindering their ability to communicate easily and access emergency services.
"They can't just pick up the phone to call 911 right, so they need a way to get to emergency service that is accessible to them and right now that accessible service doesn’t existent in the territory," Vollans-Leduc added.
Yukon NDP Leader Kate White made a strong show of support by attending the rally in person. She underscored the urgent need for Text-to-911 access, emphasizing that Yukoners have waited far too long for this essential service.
"We've been working alongside the deaf community for a number of years and this is not the first time they've brought this forward. So we've been pushing for this and asking for it for at least a decade." White said.
Despite the chilly weather, a dedicated group of approximately 10 community members, advocates, and workers braved the elements to attend the rally, demonstrating their strong support for the implementation of Text-to-911 access in the Yukon.
CHON-FM welcomes a new General Manager
Yukon students showcase coding at 11th Annual Yukon Robotics Challenge (Duplicate)
Whitehorse General Hospital reduces laboratory test capacity due to equipment failure
Yukoners celebrate Earth Day 2025 with community event
CYFN and AFN Yukon Region host All-Candidates Forum on Yukon First Nations issues ahead of the federal election
Firefighters speak out for presumptive cancer care
Yukon government voices support for supervised consumption sites following Pierre Poilievre's plan to shut them down
Firearms charges laid in Dawson City after 3D printed handgun seizure
City of Whitehorse closes sections of East Airport Access Road Trail due to spring freshet
Yukon Government buys out Duffy's Pets amidst downtown insecurity concerns
Elon Musk's empire feels the pinch: Yukon Government's counter-measures
Six Yukon Artists selected as finalists for prestigious Visual Arts Prize
Kwanlin Dün First Nation celebrates 20th Anniversary of Final Agreement
Yukon RCMP issue arrest warrant
Whitehorse RCMP search for missing man
B.C. man, two Watson Lake residents arrested on warrants in Whitehorse
Ross River RCMP arrest two men in separate, unrelated investigations involving stolen rifles
Medical Staff Association president raise "significant concerns" surrounding acute care at Whitehorse General
Whitehorse count indicates 83 per cent of homeless in 2024 were Indigenous
Whitehorse RCMP seek public's help in locating missing 73-year-old man