This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and Yukon Hospitals.
The Government of Yukon is increasing capital funding for early work required for the expansion of Whitehorse General Hospital, subject to legislative approval.
Through the 2027–28 Fall Capital Estimates, the Yukon government is including a proposed $14.4 million advanced appropriation for early work related to the Whitehorse General Hospital expansion. Advancing this funding now would allow the work to proceed as scheduled while planning and preparation continues to help address rising pressures.
Strong northern communities require reliable essential infrastructure and health care capacity is fundamental to sustaining a stable workforce and local resilience.
The Yukon government has indicated to the federal government that it considers the Whitehorse General Hospital expansion to be a project of national importance due to the need for Canadian military personnel and family to be supported by acute care services, and that it could contribute to Canada's Arctic sovereignty goals and to the medical needs of Yukon and northern-based armed forces.
The proposed $14.4 million capital investment will allow early work on Whitehorse General Hospital expansion to proceed. This expansion is a high-priority project, which is long overdue. The previous government chose not to move forward with a 2019 proposed expansion, which has resulted in Whitehorse General Hospital being over 100 per cent capacity on a regular basis.
We appreciate the Yukon government’s partnership in continuing to advance this important project. As health care demand in the territory continues to grow and evolve, our goal is to ensure our hospitals are resilient, responsive and ready for the future. This funding for early work for the Whitehorse General Hospital expansion allows important site preparation work to proceed, while further planning for the expansion project continues.
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Whitehorse General Hospital continues to experience sustained capacity pressures, with occupancy regularly exceeding 100 per cent.
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In June, Whitehorse General Hospital was at 146 per cent capacity.
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The full $14.4 million advance appropriation would be provided as a transfer to Yukon Hospital Corporation.
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Funding included in the 2027–28 Fall Capital Estimates is subject to legislative approval.
Tim Kucharuk
Press secretary, Cabinet Communications
867-335-2419
[email protected]
Thibaut Rondel
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-332-7058
[email protected]
Dylan MacNeil
Communications, Yukon Hospitals
867-393-8698
[email protected]