Joint Statement from Premier Pillai and Minister of the Public Service Commission Sandy Silver on Public Service Pride Week

Premier Ranj Pillai and Minister of the Public Service Commission Sandy Silver have issued the following statement:

“August 21 to 25 marks the fifth anniversary of Public Service Pride Week, a celebration of 2SLGBTQIA+ public servants, as well as diversity, pride and authenticity more broadly.

“Created by the Public Service Pride Network, an employee-led organization, Public Service Pride Week continues to raise awareness, educate employees and employers and advocate for equality and acceptance in the public service. It provides us with a platform to celebrate and recognize the efforts of our employees and departments who are taking action to ensure 2SLGBTQIA+ public servants feel safe, respected and celebrated in our communities.

“This year’s theme for Public Service Pride Week is ‘Taking Action to Create a More Inclusive Public Service’ – a sentiment that is close to our hearts at the Government of Yukon.

“We are taking steps to make our workplaces more inclusive, including asking for and using preferred pronouns, using gender-neutral language and creating gender-neutral facilities. Additionally, the Yukon government Pride Employee Resource Group helps us to create and foster a safe and welcoming space for our 2SLGBTQIA+ employees and allies to come together, share their experiences and support one another.

“Our government is dedicated to ensuring the Yukon’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community feels acknowledged and supported, and we are so appreciative of everything our employees do to embrace diversity and inclusion within our workplaces.”