WHITEHORSE - The Yukon government has expanded its employee volunteer policy, ensuring that the 2007 Whitehorse Canada Winter Games will be able to rely on increased volunteer support from government employees.
"The Yukon government recognizes that the games will bring tremendous economic, social and cultural benefits," Elaine Taylor, minister responsible for the Public Service Commission said. "We are in full support of the games and are doing our part to ensure both a successful event and an enduring legacy for the Yukon."
"The commitment made by the Yukon government to expand their volunteer policy is another example of the significant support the government is giving to the games," Piers MacDonald, president of the Whitehorse 2007 Canada Winter Games host society said. "This will be a great opportunity for Yukon government employees to put their personal touch on these games and also to gain valuable experience."
While the government has a policy in place for events like the Arctic Winter Games, the increased demands of hosting the Canada Winter Games required a broader, more flexible policy.
Under the new policy, employees will be able to request paid leave for a wider variety of tasks, for example working on planning committees. The time frame has also been expanded to include work in the two years leading up to the games and follow-up work after the games.
Employees will also be able to make incidental use of government facilities such as meeting rooms or office equipment in the course of their work on the games. The government is also seconding four full-time employees to work on behalf of the host society.
All public government services will remain open while the games are underway.
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Contact:
Peter Carr
Cabinet Communications Advisor
(867) 667-8688