Statement from Minister Cathers on the passing of Bill No. 5, Act to amend the Health Authority Act

Press Release

April 1, 2026

Minister of Health and Social Services Brad Cathers has issued the following statement:

“Bill No. 5, entitled Act to amend the Health Authority Act, reflects our commitments to Yukoners in the 2025 election. We committed to focusing on strengthening frontline health care and improving health outcomes.

“This Act passing in the Yukon Legislative Assembly provides the time needed to work with partners, including Yukon First Nations, to determine the best path forward.

“We remain committed to working with Yukon First Nations to advance shared priorities and ensure our health system is culturally safe, patient-centred and focused on improving the health and wellbeing of all Yukoners. We do not believe that establishing a new administrative structure is necessary to achieving these goals.

“While these discussions are underway, our government will direct limited human and financial resources to where they are urgently needed: strengthening frontline care, supporting our hospitals and health facilities and improving health outcomes for all Yukoners.

“There are many shared priorities we want to continue to work on together including cultural safety and humility, system integration, community wellness planning and implementing electronic medical record systems to ensure health information travels with patients throughout the territory.

“Our government is committed to improving health care for all Yukoners, including Yukoners who are First Nation Citizens, improving access to health care in rural communities, and investing in Yukoners who want to pursue health careers and help them train to meet the needs of Yukoners in the future.”

Media contact

Tim Kucharuk
Press secretary, Cabinet Communications
867-335-2419
tim.kucharuk@yukon.ca

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