Premier Ranj Pillai has made senior leadership appointments in the Department of Economic Development, the Yukon Housing Corporation and the Department of Community Services.
Samantha Paterson moves from her role as deputy minister of the Department of Economic Development to be the president of the Yukon Housing Corporation.
Justin Ferbey moves from his position as president of the Yukon Housing Corporation to be the deputy minister of the Department of Economic Development. He will also retain his role as deputy minister of the Executive Council Office.
Damien Burns, who has been acting deputy minister of the Department of Community Services, has now been permanently appointed to this role.
All appointments are effective March 13, 2025.
I am grateful for the continued leadership of Samantha Paterson, Justin Ferbey and Damien Burns as they assume these critical positions in our public service. I look forward to working with all three of these department leaders in their new and continuing roles as we serve Yukoners and build a strong territory.
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Deputy Ministers, including presidents of government corporations, are the most senior public servants in the Government of Yukon. They are responsible for the department’s or corporation’s budget, day-to-day operations and program development.
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Deputy Ministers serve at the pleasure of the Premier.
Samantha Paterson
Samantha Paterson has been the deputy minister of the Department of Economic Development since July 2024. Samantha’s 32-year career with the Yukon government has been marked by leadership in various senior and executive roles, with expertise in policy development, strategic planning, communications and intergovernmental relations. A born-and-raised Yukoner, Samantha holds a master’s degree in professional communication and an Executive Certificate in Intergovernmental Negotiation.
Justin Ferbey
Justin Ferbey is the former senior leader of a self-governing First Nation, CEO of a First Nation development corporation and served as a fiscal advisor in the federal treaty negotiation office. He has held president and deputy minister roles in the Yukon government since 2015. He has been the president of the Yukon Housing Corporation since January 2023 and deputy minister for the Executive Council Office since May 2023. Ferbey holds a Bachelor of Arts and Science, specializing in neuroscience, a master of business and has obtained certifications in dispute resolution and negotiations, and commerce.
Damien Burns
Damien Burns began his public service as a fire crewmember in Ross River and has since held various positions over the past 20 years. He has been the acting deputy minister of the Department of Community Services since September 2024. He has previously held the roles of assistant deputy minister of Community Development, assistant deputy minister of Protective Services, director of Community Affairs and director of Wildland Fire Management. He holds degrees in Forest Resource Management and a Master of Business Administration in Community Economic Development. Outside of work, Damien enjoys spending time with his wife, Betty and their three daughters.
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
[email protected]
Sasha Gronsdahl
Public Service Commission
867-667-9093
[email protected]