The Government of Yukon and the Commission scolaire francophone du Yukon (CSFY) gathered today to celebrate the new French First Language Secondary School Community Centre, Centre scolaire secondaire communautaire Paul-Émile- Mercier (CSSC Mercier).
School staff and students joined dignitaries to honour the five-year collaboration, which made it possible for French First Language secondary students in Whitehorse to continue learning their language in an innovative and flexible learning space that also serves as a community centre.
Construction of the building was completed in September 2020 and the school opened its doors to welcome students on November 13, 2020. However, due to restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, an opening ceremony to celebrate the completion of the school was postponed. Students and staff are now beginning their first full school year at CSSC Mercier.
We are pleased to join the Commission scolaire francophone du Yukon in celebrating this wonderful addition to the city of Whitehorse. We would like to thank all partners for their engagement and dedication to this project. We look forward to seeing students and community groups benefit from the modern learning and community spaces for years to come.
Minister of Education Jeanie McLean
The official opening of CSSC Mercier represents a moment of pride. It is also a historic turning point that allows us to look to the future with optimism. We would like to thank all of the trustees and employees of the CSFY who, since 2009, have been resilient and visionary during the steps that led to the construction of the school. The official opening takes place with 122 students enrolled in a school that can accommodate 150. We see this as a sign of success and great promise for the future of our programs. We also hope that all of the communities of the Yukon will feel welcomed here.
Commission scolaire francophone du Yukon President Jean-Sébastien Blais
A total of 122 students are enrolled at CSSC Mercier for the beginning of the 2021–22 school year.
French First Language secondary students from Grades 7 to 12 have been attending the new school since November 13, 2020.
The name of the school and community centre was officially chosen on May 15, 2020. The name was proposed by Vincent Bélanger as part of a competition launched by the CSFY with the Francophone community.
Paul-Émile Mercier was born in 1877. Son of Virginie Saint-Denis and Honoré Mercier, former Premier of Quebec, Paul-Émile left his mark in the Yukon as an engineer. He helped develop the Yukon's transportation system in the early 20th century.
The Government of Yukon and the Commission scolaire francophone du Yukon have reached an agreement to ensure the three schools on the Riverdale Campus work collaboratively to optimize the use of facilities.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Maria Paré
Communications, Education
867-332-1506
maria.pare@yukon.ca
Maud Caron
Communications, CSFY
867- 667-8680
maud.caron@yukon.ca