Premier Sandy Silver has appointed Jeff Ford as acting Deputy Minister for the Department of Justice.
The previous Deputy Minister, John Phelps, has left the Yukon government public service following his appointment as a Judge of the Territorial Court of Yukon.
I would like to thank John Phelps for the important leadership role that he has played as Deputy Minister of the Department of Justice and Deputy Attorney General of the Yukon. I wish him all the best as he continues to serve the community in his new role as a Judge of the Territorial Court of Yukon. Jeff Ford has extensive experience with justice initiatives and a strong track record as a thoughtful and inclusive leader. I look forward to continuing to work with him in his new role.
Premier Sandy Silver
Deputy ministers, including presidents of government corporations, are the most senior public servants in the Government of Yukon. They are responsible for the department or corporation’s budget, day-to-day operations and program development.
Deputy ministers serve at the pleasure of the Premier.
See backgrounder for biography.
Biography – Jeff Ford
Jeff Ford brought his young family to the Yukon in 2006. Before moving to the Yukon, Jeff served for three years with an international organization in Bosnia-Herzegovina tasked with aiding refugee return, criminal justice reform and human rights investigations. Jeff has worked for the Government of Yukon for nearly sixteen years, including over nine years as the Director of public safety and investigations with the Department of Justice. In 2017, Jeff worked in the Department of Health and Social Services as the acting Assistant Deputy Minister of social services and the acting Director of Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services. Jeff moved into the role of Assistant Deputy Minister in the Executive Council Office in February 2019. Jeff holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and political science from Royal Roads Military College and a Master of Arts degree in war studies from the Royal Military College.
Jacob Wilson
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
jacob.wilson@yukon.ca