Joint news release with the Government of Canada and Commission scolaire francophone du Yukon
A $29,357,080 contract for the new French First Language Secondary School and community spaces has been awarded to Whitehorse-based company Ketza Construction.
The project was tendered as a negotiated request for proposals, which considers Yukon First Nations’ participation and northern experience as part of the construction contract. Construction on the project is expected to begin in spring 2019 and be completed in winter 2020–2021.
The new school and community spaces will support the success of French First Language high school students and the territory’s Francophone community.
Education is critical to the vitality of our community. We are pleased to be working cooperatively with the Commission scolaire francophone du Yukon and the Government of Canada to advance this project and ensure Yukon’s francophone children continue to receive quality educational opportunities in French.
The Honourable Tracy-Anne McPhee, Minister of Education
This is a major construction project and we are happy to see the contract awarded to a local company. Our new value-driven procurement process ensures that northern knowledge and First Nations’ participation are factored into the tendering of contracts. The result is more opportunities for local business and more government spending staying in the territory.
The Honourable Richard Mostyn, Minister of Highways and Public Works
The heart of our Francophone communities in a minority situation lies with our children and their education. Now more than ever, we need to ensure that Francophone communities receive the services they are entitled to. The Whitehorse Francophone Secondary School is a model of a successful project that will ensure the vitality of your community by ensuring your children receive an education in French.
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie
The Commission scolaire francophone du Yukon is proud to have worked closely with the Government of Yukon on this major project. In addition to being a school, this Francophone community centre will be a place of exchange and sharing for the entire community. The durability of a language and culture is ensured, among other things, by the institutions devoted to them. We are grateful to the territorial and federal governments for their financial investments.
Commission scolaire francophone du Yukon President Jean-Sébastien Blais
The school will accommodate up to 150 students from grades 7 to 12. École Émilie-Tremblay students currently enrolled at these grade levels will move into the new school during the 2020–2021 school year.
The $29, 357,080 construction bid is higher than original government estimates due to a surge in material prices caused by new U.S. tariffs, the shortage of labour in the industry and the strong construction market. The design-build contract is only one part of the entire school project, which also includes design and construction contingency, project administration and associated costs.
Funding for the project includes $7.5 million from the Government of Canada’s Minority Language Education program for the school’s francophone community spaces.
Janine Workman
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7449
janine.workman@gov.yk.ca
Jason Mackey
Communications, Education
867-332-7008
jason.mackey@gov.yk.ca
Cat Campbell
Communications, Highways and Public Works
867-332-3950
cat.campbell@gov.yk.ca