Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai said his government will be making a comment “very shortly” about the government’s relationship with Whitehorse emergency shelter operator Connective Support Society (also known as Connective).
In answering questions from reporters after the Yukon Forum, Pillai said the emergency shelter had been identified in the weeks prior as a key discussion to be had.
Connective has operated the shelter since October 2022, when the Yukon government handed shelter management to the non-profit, who is working in collaboration with the Council of Yukon First Nations. Since then, multiple deaths have occurred at the shelter, including the deaths of four Indigenous women, which triggered a coroner’s inquest. Two further deaths - that of a man and a young woman - occurred in December of last year.
The contract between YG and Connective for the operations of the Whitehorse emergency shelter expires on March 31, 2025.
“We wanted to come to the table today to be able to get advice from First Nations leaders and to understand where First Nations leaders wanted to play a role in working closely with us around the shelter,” said Pillai. “That was truly our goal today.”
Pillai went on to say First Nations leaders spoke to communication that they wanted to have around changes in operation.
He said the minister responsible will meet this spring with all First Nations governments to identify how the model can change inside the shelter.
He mentioned plans on making the long-term housing at the shelter - private units not under the responsibility of Connective - alcohol and drug-free spaces. Similar plans are being considered for units on Wood Street as well, he said.
Pillai also said that 33 people stayed at the Whitehorse emergency shelter the night previous, and that between November and February, 17 people were saved from overdosing.
“We're not in a position to shut the shelter down tomorrow. We know that that model has to improve, and that is the approach we came looking for today,” said Pillai.
“Right now, today, we're not firing Connective, and they're there,” said Pillai.
Regarding the two deaths that took place at the shelter in December, Pillai said the coroner’s decision is “still in motion,” as to whether there will be further investigation. The death of the 21-year-old woman occurred in a private unit, Pillai said, which is not overseen by Connective.
A statement on First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun letterhead was distributed to the media on Mar. 6, asking the Yukon government to fire Connective immediately.
Pillai said that there was no representation from Na-Cho Nyäk Dun during Yukon Forum meetings on March 7.
“I think it's important, though, as a government to government relationship, to be able to sit down and have a dialog about how you make things better,” said Pillai.
Other discussions were on the agenda at the quarterly meeting between Yukon First Nations governments and the territorial government. Current relations between Canada and the U.S. were also discussed.
Pillai said YG has been holding biweekly meetings with Yukon First Nations leadership on the topic.
He mentioned currently the federal government is not concerned that the Jay Treaty - which allows Indigenous people to travel freely over the border between the U.S. and Canada - would be affected.
Water is also a big concern, said Pillai, repeating a quote from U.S. President Donald Trump about water flowing from the American Pacific Northwest, and “beyond.” Pillai said he thinks beyond means Canada.
“From our insight, we haven't concluded the work around the Columbia River Treaty that was being done with the last administration,” said Pillai.
“So people are concerned about how far this can go. So it's not just about the tariff impacts on pricing, food security, cost of goods, cost to build. It's also what's the bigger conversation when it comes to sovereignty and security.”
—with files from Dana Hatherly
Contact Talar Stockton at talar.stockton@yukon-news.com
