Press Release
Aug. 23, 2023
This is a joint news release between the Council of Yukon First Nations and the Government of Yukon.
Today, the Government of Yukon, in partnership with First Nations governments, the Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) and in conversations with the Yukon Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), launched the Substance Use Health Emergency Strategy.
The Substance Use Health Emergency Strategy marks the next step in the Yukon’s approach to addressing the Substance Use Health Emergency declared in January 2022. It reflects a shared commitment by the Government of Yukon, Yukon First Nations governments and partner organizations to address substance use and organized crime in the territory.
The strategy envisions a Yukon where everyone leads a safe and healthy life, contributing to the wellbeing of their families, cultures and communities.
Grounded in four areas for growth, the Substance Use Health Emergency Strategy focuses on: prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery support, and community safety and wellbeing.
Designed as a living document, the Substance Use Health Emergency Strategy recognizes the value of continuous collaboration with partners and stakeholders. A tailored approach – understanding each community’s unique needs, desires and cultural contexts – is central to the strategy’s design. This allows for the development of targeted interventions that are more likely to be effective and accepted by the communities they serve.
Implementation of the strategy will involve a collaborative approach that includes Yukon First Nations governments, communities, service providers and other partner organizations. Regular updates, adaptations and a transparent reporting process will ensure that the strategy remains relevant and responsive to changing circumstances and emerging needs.
Today’s launch of the Substance Use Health Emergency Strategy is a significant step forward in our coordinated and collaborative response to the Substance Use Health Emergency. Developed in collaboration with our partners, the strategy respects the unique cultural contexts and needs of each community. It illustrates our commitment to compassionate, evidence-based, adaptive solutions, crafted in dialogue with our partners. As we move forward, we remain focused on reducing substance use-related harms, supporting Yukoners who are struggling with mental health and addictions, and promoting safety and health across the Yukon.
Minister of Health and Social Services and Minister of Justice Tracy-Anne McPhee
The Council of Yukon First Nations is pleased to jointly launch the Substance Use Health Emergency Strategy, created in partnership and collaboration with the Government of Yukon, the Chief Medical Officer of Health and the RCMP. While the precedent conditions are as complex as the individuals touched by this crisis, one thing is clear – we have lost too many too soon and the time for coordinated, specific action is now. For our territory, loss of life due to substance use represents a new epidemic that does not discriminate and has taken people from all walks of life and has disproportionately affected Yukon First Nations.
Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston
Using substances, especially addictive ones, poses significant health challenges for our community. The launch of this strategy is a step towards a comprehensive, cross-sectoral approach to substance use in the Yukon. A key component of this strategy is prevention. Although the outcomes of prevention may take time to become evident, it is critical to address the factors behind substance initiation, just as it’s critical to help those presently grappling with misuse.
Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Sudit Ranade
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Media contact
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Thibaut Rondel
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-332-7088
thibaut.rondel@yukon.ca
Fiona Azizaj
Communications, Justice
867-332-1978
jus.comms@yukon.ca
Lael Lund
Communications, Council of Yukon First Nations
867-335-3227
communications@cyfn.net
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