Government of Yukon Main Administration Building renamed in honour of former Yukon Commissioner Jim Smith

Jim Smith’s daughter, Marilyn Smith, cuts the ribbon on the new sign for the Jim Smith Building. Photo credit: Yukon government

The Government of Yukon is recognizing the contributions of Jim Smith, the Yukon’s longest serving Commissioner, by renaming the Main Administration Building in his honour. Today, Deputy Premier Tracy-Anne McPhee, the Commissioner of Yukon Angélique Bernard, along with Jim Smith’s family members unveiled the building’s new outdoor signage and an interior plaque with Jim Smith’s biography located near the main entrance.   

Jim Smith established an executive council, a budget programming committee, brought most departments under the same roof in the Main Administration Building and oversaw the change of the Council of the Yukon Territory to its current name, the Yukon Legislative Assembly. His other accomplishments include establishing Kluane National Park, the Chilkoot Trail historic site, the Arctic Winter Games and serving as president of the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce.

Jim Smith was a visionary Yukoner and his lasting contributions to the territory continue to have an impact on everyone in the territory. His role in creating the modern-day Yukon government, moving the Yukon towards autonomy, as well as other outstanding initiatives to better the lives of all Yukoners is why his legacy should live on through this building. 

Premier Sandy Silver 

Media contact 

Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca

 

Eilidh Fraser
Communications, Executive Council Office
eilidh.fraser@yukon.ca

News release #: 
22-260