Yukon to take prominent role in Council of the Federation

Whitehorse—Premier Darrell Pasloski will co-chair the Health Care Innovation Working Group with the premiers of Alberta and Ontario, as announced today at the Council of the Federation (CoF) meeting.

The Health Care Innovation Working Group focuses on innovation to enhance capacity to better meet existing and future challenges in the health care system.

“I am pleased to accept the role of co-chair with Ontario and Alberta,” Pasloski said. “Since this group was formed 18 months ago it has had several successes including bulk purchasing efforts and work to develop clinical best practice guidelines.

Over the last two days we had good discussions on a variety of national issues of relevance to Yukon, including jobs and the economy, skills and training, and investing in infrastructure. We also discussed issues that affect all of us and our families, such as health care, care for seniors, dementia, and mental health and bullying.”

For the first time since CoF was established in 2003, the territories will be included in the chair rotation.

“I am pleased that Canada’s premiers support the territories’ role as CoF chairs. This recognizes the leadership we have played in CoF discussions dealing with issues of importance to all Canadians,” Pasloski added. “Although further discussions will occur about which territory will host in 2016, Yukon is certainly prepared and willing. Chairing CoF would recognize our expanding role in the federation and showcase our beautiful territory to Canadians.”

Progress made by premiers during the meetings ranged from endorsing a report laying out the vision for the Canadian Energy Strategy to calling for a new image distribution offence to be created under the Criminal Code to help address bullying.

Premier Pasloski led discussions on foreign direct investment and Canada–US relations.

All premiers stressed the importance of strategic investments in infrastructure to create jobs and generate economic growth. Premier Pasloski highlighted plans for a new hydro-electric dam as a cornerstone of Yukon’s energy future.

“A new dam will increase the availability of clean, affordable and renewable power and will provide a legacy for economic growth and prosperity,” Pasloski said.

Provinces and territories are working hard to position Canada as a great place to do business, resulting in good jobs for Canadians and strong, vibrant communities across our country. Yukon’s resource industry requires partners beyond its borders and attracting foreign investment is critical for Yukon as well as for Canada as a whole. Premiers agreed that the federal government needs to engage provinces and territories in the foreign investment review process.

“I co-led, with Premier Selinger, discussions on Canada–US relations and was able to let premiers know about our successful partnership with Alaska, as an example of how US and Canadian regions can work together for mutual benefit,” Pasloski added.

Before the CoF meeting, premiers held productive talks with national Aboriginal leaders on the theme of Building Pathways to the Future, such as skills, labour market readiness and education for Aboriginal peoples. The premiers agreed to support the national Aboriginal leaders in their call for a public inquiry into missing and murdered women.

For more information about the federation and to see the communiqués outlining the premiers’ discussions and decisions, visit www.councilofthefederation.ca.

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Contact:

Matthew Grant
Cabinet Communications
867-393-6470
[email protected]

Bonnie King
Communications, Executive Council Office
867-667-5270
867-334-3101 (cell)
[email protected]

NT4