Government of Yukon establishes a COVID-19 Business Advisory Council

The Government of Yukon has established a COVID-19 Business Advisory Council to ensure the needs of Yukon’s business community are heard as we address the economic impacts of COVID-19. This council includes stakeholders from a wide variety of sectors who will contribute their knowledge and experience representing diverse aspects of Yukon’s economy. Together they will inform the Department of Economic Development with local business intelligence, identify best practices and recommend mitigation strategies to address the economic impacts of COVID-19.

The membership of the council can be found in the backgrounder of this news release.

It is important during this public health emergency that we are responsive to the needs of Yukoners. Local businesses are the heart of the Yukon economy and we need to heed their advice and concerns to better support them through this difficult time.

Minister of Economic Development Ranj Pillai

These times require swift action and quick understanding. The Business Advisory Council will ensure it communicates the needs of business to survive these times, while working closely with government to ensure the Yukon is best positioned to emerge even stronger. Relief is critical and we will ensure that business concerns and needs are clearly communicated and well understood. I am honoured to serve in these very difficult times.

Northern Vision Development CEO, Rich Thompson

Quick facts
  • The business advisory council consists of approximately 20 Yukon business representatives and will be chaired by Thompson.

  • Meetings will be conducted weekly through teleconference to maintain social distancing during the public health emergency.

  • The Council is expected to operate for six months, extending beyond that as circumstances dictate.

Backgrounder

Business Advisory Council: 

 

Economic Sector

Representative

Organization

1

Mining

John McConnell

Victoria Gold

2

Mining Association Rep

Loralee Johnstone

YCM, YPA, KPMA, YWIM

3

Tourism

Denny Kobayashi

Tourism

4

Restaurant/Services

Doug Terry

Tim Hortons

5

Development Corporations

Chris Milner

 

Chu Niikwan

 

6

 

Stanley Noel

 

7

Communities (Tourism Focus)

Jackie Olson (Dawson)

Klondike Visitors Association

8

Communities

James Smith (Carcross)

CTFN – Director of Infrastructure

9

Hotels

Rich Thompson

(Chair)

Northern Vision Development

10

Outfitting

David Cosco

Cosco Outfitting

11

Transportation

Joe Sparling

Air North

12

Business Financial

Norm McIntyre

Crowe MacKay LLP

13

Business Legal

Graham Lang

Lamarche and Lang

14

Whitehorse Chamber

Mike Pemberton

Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce

15

Yukon Chamber

Tammy Beese

Yukon Chamber of Commerce

16

Art and Culture

Marilyn Jensen

Social Innovation Consulting

17

Construction

Peter Densmore

Ketza Construction

18

Technology/GIG Economy

Chris Lane

Tech Yukon

19

 

Carl Friesen

Underhill Geomatics

20

 

Paul Kishchuk

Vector Research

21

 

Craig Hougen

Taku Sports Group

 

Additional members may join the council at a later date.

Media contact

Sunny Patch
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7478
[email protected]

Damian Topps
Communications, Economic Development
867-667-5378
[email protected]

News release #:
20-070
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