FOR RELEASE     #08-310
December 9, 2008

WHITEHORSE – A new safe travel initiative encouraging Yukoners to travel carefully while in the wilderness has been launched, Health and Social Services Minister Glenn Hart and Community Services Minister Archie Lang today announced.

The Yukon Smart Travel Plan is a document that individuals can use before venturing outdoors. The Travel Plan, which is funded through the Territorial Health Access Fund, takes only a few minutes to answer the most pertinent questions such as, where are individuals going, who are they going with, what they will be taking with them and when they will be returning. The plan can then be left with a responsible individual who can contact the RCMP if the traveller does not return at their indicated time.

“With Yukon’s extreme weather conditions and vast wilderness areas, it is important for everyone who ventures into it to bring the proper gear and inform people of where they are going,” Hart said. “We support this initiative as it can help ensure the safe return of our outdoor enthusiasts.”

Dave Layzell, a local Whitehorse resident who was stuck on an abandoned mining road for 21 days this summer, encourages people to use the Yukon Smart Travel Plan.

“I think it is a great idea to fill out one of these plans and leave it with someone – it could save your life,” Layzell said.

“We are pleased to partner with Health and Social Services in this initiative,” Lang added. “It only takes a few minutes to fill out the travel plan, but it could help tremendously should the unexpected happen and an individual or group does not return home on time.”

Smart Travel Plans are available at many outdoor recreation outlets in Whitehorse, territorial agents in communities, Environment Yukon, the Emergency Measures office and Parks Canada offices or at www.hss.gov.yk.ca/travelsmart.

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