Government of Yukon

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FOR RELEASE     #08-282
November 13, 2008

Government to Consult Yukoners on Future of Health Care

WHITEHORSE – A report on the current and long-term sustainability of the public health care system in Yukon has been tabled by Health and Social Services Minister Glenn Hart.

In April, the ministers established a Yukon Health Care Review Committee (YHCRC) to examine the sustainability of the Yukon’s health care system over the next decade and today’s announcement follows the submission of the committee’s finding.

“It’s of utmost importance that Yukoners continue to have access to quality health care and that any recommendations made continue to respect the five principles outlined in the Canada Health Act, which provides the legal framework for the Canadian health care system,” Dennis Fentie, Minister of Finance, said.

“This review will provide Yukon with a foundation and a business case for the renewal of special project federal funding which is important for the long-term sustainability of the health care system that Yukoners currently enjoy” Fentie added.

The review examined demographic and economic projections, predictable trends in the Yukon as well as recruitment and retention of medical professionals, risk management, education programs and the cost of prescription drugs.

The next step is to take the report out to Yukoners.

“We will establish a steering committee to consult with Yukoners on the report. The committee will be comprised of health care, medical, finance and First Nation representatives who will report to an oversight committee. An invitation will be extended for one representative from the Official Opposition, the Third Party and Yukon First Nations to participate,” Hart said. “A report on “What They Heard” will be prepared for presentation to the Yukon Legislative Assembly in the spring sitting of 2009.”

To review the report, please visit www.hss.gov.yk.ca.

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Contact:  
Roxanne Vallevand
Cabinet Communications
867-633-7949
roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca
Pat Living
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-667-3673
patricia.living@gov.yk.ca