Statement from Minister Streicker on renewal of partnership with Government of Canada to continue increasing access to French-language services in the Yukon

Minister responsible for French Language Services Directorate John Streicker has issued the following statement:

“As Minister responsible for the French Language Services Directorate, I’m pleased to share that our government has renewed its partnership with the Government of Canada to continue increasing access to bilingual services across the Yukon.

“Through the renewed Canada-Yukon Agreement on minority-language services, we will receive $18.3 million over the next three years – an increase of over $1 million compared to the last three years. This continued federal support enables us to build on the progress we’ve made in enhancing access to French-language services and information for Yukoners.

“Over the last few years, our government has made significant strides to improve and modernize our approach to increasing access to public French-language services and information. This has led to an increase in services and information in French for the public, from long-term care, crime prevention and victim services, to more resources for Yukon families and caregivers. Opening the Centre de santé Constellation Health Centre and creating more online services, such as the campground reservation system, are great examples of our collaborative work.

“We’ll continue to build on our achievements and find new ways to increase access to timely services in French. To do this we can count on the Government of Canada, our long-standing partner. Since 1988, when the Yukon adopted its Languages Act, Canada has supported the planning and delivery of French-language services and information in the Yukon.

“This renewed support will help us to continue strengthening our resources and carrying on with building bilingual capacities within government. Of course, this funding will also be used to continue increasing public access to bilingual services and information. The Yukon public service is key to our success, as employees in designated bilingual positions provide services in French. When bilingual employees are not available, we rely on remote interpretation services.  We’ll keep leveraging technology, such as remote interpretation and online services, to achieve this goal.

“Lastly, we’ll engage with the public and stakeholders about French-language services and information to keep current with the evolving priorities of the growing Yukon Francophone community.

“Right now, Yukoners can fill out a survey at Yukon.ca/engagements to share their thoughts about access to French-language services, so our actions and investments can continue to be informed by the public.

“From the Government of Canada, the Francophone community, to the Yukon public service and all Yukoners, thank you for helping to create a welcoming and inclusive territory where everyone can thrive – now and for generations to come.”