Government of Yukon

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FOR RELEASE     #07-222
October 16, 2007

Education Reform Project Update

WHITEHORSE – Education Minister Patrick Rouble and Chief Joe Linklater met briefly today to discuss the status of the Education Reform Project.  Linklater and Rouble sit on the Executive Committee of the Education Reform Project, which is charged with overseeing the education reform initiative.  Chief Liard McMillan represents the Kaska First Nations in the process.

Linklater and Rouble remain committed to the process agreed to by the Yukon Government Cabinet and the Council for Yukon First Nations' (CYFN) leadership at the beginning of the education reform initiative.

"A work plan, including a consultation process, was developed after lengthy discussions between CYFN and the Yukon government," Rouble said. "We are committed to seeing that process through to completion.  What we have before us at this stage is a draft report, which is undergoing review by a technical review committee."

"We have an obligation to our respective jurisdictions," Linklater said. "Once the technical review of the report is complete, we will meet to discuss next steps. At this stage, we do not have a final report ready to be submitted to the principals for their consideration".

Both Linklater and Rouble agreed it is important to follow the process laid out by First Nation and Yukon governments to ensure that this important initiative has the best chance of success.  They also agreed they would not deviate from this process, despite a draft report being leaked to the media.

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Albert Petersen
Cabinet Communications
(867) 633-7961
albert.petersen@gov.yk.ca