Statement from the Health Human Resources Steering Committee co-chairs regarding the union’s decision to withdraw from the committee

Deputy Minister of the Department of Health and Social Services Matt King and CEO of the Yukon Hospital Corporation Jason Bilsky have issued the following statement:

“Today, leaders from the Yukon Employees' Union and the Professional Institute of Public Service of Canada informed Yukon’s Health Human Resources Steering Committee that they would be withdrawing from the committee.

“As co-chairs, we are disappointed by their decision to step away as we view these unions as essential in shaping solutions for the health care workforce. We believe our health workforce challenges will be best addressed from a broad diversity of participants.

“From the outset, our goal has been to include a range of representation including the Yukon Medical Association, the Yukon Medical Council, the Yukon Registered Nurses Association, Yukon University, Kwanlin Dün First Nation, unions and others to develop integrated solutions to meet the territory’s health human resource challenges.

“Committee members confirmed today that they remain united and committed to moving forward to achieve the goals of the Health Human Resource Strategy. We also confirmed that the door remains open for continued dialogue with union leaders and plan to meet with them again in the near future to discuss their committee-related concerns.

“We firmly believe we are stronger when we bring together diverse voices and experiences from across the health care system. The steering committee remains dedicated to finding long-term, effective and sustainable solutions for the Yukon's health care system and all who provide and receive these essential services.”

Quick facts 
  • The Yukon Employee’s Union and the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) issued a press release on October 7 announcing their withdrawal from the Health Human Resources Steering Committee.

  • The Health Human Resources Steering Committee comprises representatives from Yukon Medical Association, Yukon Registered Nurses Association, the Yukon Employees Union, the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada, Yukon University, First Nations, L’Afy, Yukon Hospital Corporation and several government departments.

  • The Committee is looking at all aspects of Health Human Resources including retention, recruitment, planning, learning and innovation. They provide overall direction and oversight to the implementation work stemming from the strategy.

Backgrounder 
  • The Yukon Health Human Resources Strategy was released in December 2023.  
  • The strategy provides a systemic, coordinated and informed roadmap towards a health and social services system that will meet Yukoners’ current and future needs.  
  • The strategy builds on existing progress in the Yukon’s health and social service sectors and includes key metrics to track progress and success, which will be reported publicly. 
  • The strategy is built on five key pillars: retain, recruit, plan, innovate and learn. These pillars aim to enhance the delivery of quality care and services while attracting more health professionals to live and work in the Yukon.
  • Within these pillars are 25 actions to be implemented jointly over the next three years by the Government of Yukon, the Yukon Hospital Corporation and our partners on the Health Human Resources Steering Committee. 
Media contact 

Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
[email protected]

 

Nigel Allan
Health and Social Services
867-332-9576
[email protected]

 

Jessica Apollini
Yukon Hospital Corporation
867-335-7700
[email protected]

News release #: 
24-434