On Air Now CHON Overnight Midnight - 7:00am

Now Playing Overnight schedule with hourly CP news-breaks CHON Overnight Programming

Listen Live

Yukon government passes Health Authority Act

Sunday, 5 May 2024 18:09

By Stuart Bonell

From left to right: Ta'an Kwach'an Council Chief Amanda Leas, HTAC Co-Chair Stephen Mills, and Vuntut Gwitchin Chief Pauline Frost were frustrated not to see the Health Authority pass on April 26 (Photo: S. Bonell)

Initial health authority board to be appointed by 2025.

The Yukon Government has passed Bill 38, or the Health Authority Act.

After a long spring sitting full of debate, amendments, and frustration on both sides of the assembly, the Health Authority Act became law on April 29 following a 10 to 8 vote at the Yukon Legislative Assembly.

The most recent frustrations came on April 25, when the final revised bill was tabled and the Yukon government asked for unanimous consent to move ahead with third reading without letting the document sit for one day. The Yukon Party voted against the unanimous consent, frustrating members of the Health Transformation Advisory Committee and the Chief’s Committee on Health who were in the gallery that day, and unable to attend the next sitting day due to previous commitments.

Now that the Health Authority Act has passed, the next step in transforming healthcare in the Yukon is to appoint the initial Shäw Kwä’ą board. According to information sessions by the Health Transformation Advisory Committee and the Department of Health and Social Services, this process should be complete by 2025 at the latest.

Once an initial board has been appointed, the long process of shifting the territory’s entire healthcare system to the new health authority will begin. Speaking with CHON-FM, Health and Social Services Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee says that several areas of her healthcare that will need to transition, and the full transition period sill take years. McPhee says that hospital operations and primary care will transition first, while community health centres will likely be some of the last to fall under Shäw Kwä’ą.

More from CHON-FM Northern News

Teslin RCMP arrest two following search warrant

Matthew Levi Hamilton, 39, is facing seven charges, including pointing a firearm and discharging a firearm with intent.
CYFN's Moccasin Mobile Outreach Program receives national recognition for harm reduction efforts

The award acknowledges the program's dedication to providing essential services, including warm clothing, meals, and cultural support, to those in need.
Winter Games Wednesday with Nancy Thompson - Wednesday 25th February (Audio)

Audio

Nancy Thompson brings a ringside look at the intense training happening in Whitehorse as wrestlers gear up for the 2026 Arctic Winter Games.
Winter Games Wednesday with Nancy Thompson - Wednesday 18th February (Audio)

Audio

Nancy Thompson here, catching up with some of the talented hockey players gearing up for the 2026 Arctic Winter Games.
Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in and Yukon Government partner on Dawson land planning initiative

The plan will cover Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Settlement Land parcels C-13B and C-87FS, and adjoining Government of Yukon-owned land.
Winter Games Wednesday with Nancy Thompson - Wednesday 11th February (Audio)

Audio

Nancy Thompson is catching up with some passionate athletes gearing up for the Dene Games
Yukon University strike averted as union reaches tentative agreement

The union announced the news, stating that workers deserve a fair and equitable contract.
Yukon Government seeks input on new École Whitehorse Elementary School location

The survey will be open until April 26, and in-person public information sessions will be held March 23-27 at various locations in Whitehorse.
Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games schedule unveiled

The Host Society has also completed contingency planning, relocating services from Yukon University
Jeremy Harper elected as Chief of Selkirk First Nation

As only one candidate submitted and upheld the required nomination forms for Chief.
Yukon government pauses implementation of Health Authority, considering repealing Health Authority Act

Yukon Premier Currie Dixon cites "outstanding concerns" regarding the impacts on health-care workers pensions and the structure of Shäw Kwä’a.
Yukon University withdraws from AWG

The decision was made following discussions about how any labour disruption would interrupt access to the entire campus.
$300,000 fund boosts student attendance initiatives in Yukon schools

Since 2012, the initiative has raised over $3 million, with $1.9 million invested in projects supporting student attendance.
Whitehorse to host 2026 Broomball World Championships

Up to 35 teams from around the world will compete in four divisions: mixed, men's, women's, and men's masters.
Harper to run for SFN chief

The former MLA for Mayo-Tatchun said that he made the decision following rest, reflection, and careful consideration.
Helicopters head to Alaska for exercise

The Griffons will operate at altitudes no lower than 500 feet above the highest obstacle on their route
First Nations warn of increased scrutiny at US border, citing ICE actions

Recent incidents have seen some First Nations members facing heightened checks, prompting the AFN to condemn these actions and reaffirm its commitment to protecting First Nations
Art brings hope to Whitehorse Shelter amidst challenging times

By including Yukon First Nations art in the shelter, we are helping to ensure it feels inclusive and connected to the community
Yukon Schools to benefit from national School food program

The funding will support a hot lunch pilot program, school kitchen improvements, and the development of territory-wide Healthy Food Guidelines.
Yukon Liberal Party shuffles leadership

Pemberton's departure follows the party's recent territorial election loss, where they failed to form government.