Contrary to recent reports, the Government of Yukon has not contemplated closing the soup kitchen and in fact continues to work with the soup kitchen and its volunteers and operators.
While food safety and human health are priorities for the Yukon government, it is paramount that we ensure that vulnerable people who require nutritional support have access to regular meals. The soup kitchen has successfully provided this service for many years. There have been no reported illnesses from the soup kitchen and it is a valuable program that serves a portion of the population.
Regulations are created to serve and protect Yukoners. As part of the work already ongoing, the Yukon government will research how other jurisdictions address home-cooked food served in public places as well as which parts of the Public Health and Safety Act or its regulations require amendment to accommodate soup kitchen operations and programs to support vulnerable people.
I would like to thank the volunteers and operators who continue to offer the countless hours necessary to provide such a beneficial service to our community.
Mike Nixon
Minister of Health
and Social Services