The Government of Yukon has released the 2023 Putting People First annual report, which provides an update on progress made in carrying out the report's 76 recommendations.
Of the 76 recommendations, 89 per cent are either in progress, or operational, compared to 70 per cent from the previous year.
One of the key recommendations in Putting People First is to ensure that Yukon First Nations are represented at all levels of the health and social services system. This year, significant progress is marked by the partnerships that have been established through the Chiefs Committee on Health and the Health Transformation Advisory Committee. These partnerships bring together territorial and Yukon First Nations governments, health partners and senior officials to guide the territory’s health and social system transformation.
Recommendations in progress include partnering with Yukon First Nations in:
- long-term planning of health and social services at both the individual and community level;
- a comprehensive and coordinated approach to cultural safety and humility;
- on-the-land mental health and substance treatment; and
- community-based cultural healing.
Working with Yukon First Nations and health partners is an important step in laying the foundation for the territory’s new health authority, Shäw Kwä’a, Health and Wellness Yukon/Santé et mieux-être Yukon. A key recommendation of Putting People First, the creation of Health and Wellness Yukon will break down silos to deliver integrated, collaborative, culturally safe, anti-racist health care and social services that puts Yukoners first.
Government-to-government partnerships with Yukon First Nations are foundational to making real, meaningful changes to our health and social system. The progress outlined in the 2023 Putting People First annual report demonstrates our government’s continued commitment to building a solid foundation with Yukon First Nations governments to drive health system transformation forward and implement the changes Yukoners have asked for. Together, we will continue to shape a health system that is increasingly accessible, inclusive, responsive and person-centred.
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee
The Putting People First report provides 76 recommendations to improve the health and social system for Yukoners. These recommendations will guide our work to transform the current system.
As of December 2023:
- 68 recommendations are in progress or operational; and
- eight recommendations have yet to be started.
A foundational recommendation in the report is to establish a health authority for the Yukon, called Shäw Kwä’a/Health and Wellness Yukon/Santé et mieux-être Yukon, that will deliver most day-to-day health and social services.
The Chiefs Committee on Health provides direction, oversight and guidance over the territories health and social system transformation. This includes the implementation of the Putting People First report and the creation of Shäw Kwä’a, a health authority for the territory.
The Health Transformation Advisory Committee, represented by its three Yukon First Nation senior officials, the CEO of the Yukon Hospital Corporation and Deputy Ministers of Health and Social Services actively supports the development of the Yukon’s health authority and the ongoing implementation of Putting People First recommendations.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Kim Sheridan
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-334-8832
kim.sheridan@yukon.ca