Earlier this week, Premier Pasloski and I joined members of the Yukon Women’s Transition Home Society in a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the official opening of Betty’s Haven, a 10-unit transitional, supportive and secure housing facility for women and children fleeing abuse.
Betty’s Haven has been an initiative in the making for some time and has involved the hearts and hands of many.
On behalf of the Government of Yukon I would like to thank the board and staff of the Yukon Women’s Transition Home Society for their commitment in seeing Betty’s Haven through to completion.
Thanks also to the women’s directorate as the project champion and the Department of Highways and Public Works, which provided technical assistance and project management support throughout these past two years.
In addition, a heartfelt thank you to NGC Builders and Kobayashi and Zedda Architects for their commitment to this project and for their contributions above and beyond what was required. Also, I would like to thank all the various leaders, past and present, officials, organizations, governments and businesses for supporting this incredibly important project.
And thank you to Betty Sjodin for whom this building is named. Betty is a respected elder whose lifelong courage and determination have supported women who have experienced violence and helped them to improve their lives. The opening of Betty’s Haven is a fitting tribute to someone who has contributed so much over the years, and who continues to inspire change.
As the minister responsible for the women’s directorate, I am proud that the Yukon government was able to support this project with $4.5 million in funding and that we were able to help bring the project to completion on time and on budget. It was a tremendous accomplishment that wouldn’t have been possible without the many community members, businesses and others who committed time, energy and funds. This truly was an example of a community working together toward a common worthwhile goal.
Elaine Taylor
Minister responsible for the women’s directorate