Yukon Party putting students at the centre of the education system

WHITEHORSE – The Yukon’s education system plays a critical role in learner success, strong communities and preparing students of all ages for a productive, fulfilling future. Since being elected, the Yukon Party government has acted swiftly to put students at the centre of the education system and support the long-term well-being of Yukon learners, families and educators. 

“One year ago, Yukoners voted for change and asked our government to strengthen and improve the education system,” said Minister of Education Scott Kent. “Since taking office, we have listened to Yukoners, launched a review to put students at the centre of the education system, introduced new supports for students and educators, and made investments to strengthen education across the Yukon.”

The Yukon Party government is supporting the work of a four-member Independent Panel to lead a comprehensive review of the Department of Education to look at how the department supports learners, families and educators across the Yukon’s three school authorities, as well as those accessing post-secondary and adult learning supports.

“This review is an important opportunity to hear directly from Yukon students, educators and Education staff about how well the education system is working,” said MLA for Porter Creek North Doris Anderson. “We want to understand what is working, where changes are needed, and how we can better support learners at every stage, from kindergarten to adult education and skills training. I look forward to reviewing the panel’s recommendations.”

Since the election, in addition to the review underway, we have taken concrete steps to improve the education system, invest in important school infrastructure, and better align educational opportunities with the needs of the labour market, including:

•    Improving supports for students with complex medical needs by increasing Child Development Centre funding to $5.3 million and supporting 330 Education Assistants, including two registered nurses and a new autism itinerant teacher;
•    Delivering for Dawson City early learners and families by funding the construction of Big Blue Daycare with support from the Government of Canada;  
•    Fostering healthy learning environments for students and teachers by limiting personal device use in schools; 
•    Improving supports for rural learners and educators by launching a review of the rural staffing allocation, funding a Rural Educator Recruitment Program, and investing in school improvements in Old Crow, Teslin and Mayo;  
•    Enhancing school safety and communication infrastructure by investing $950,000 in public announcement service upgrades;
•    Supporting skilled trades students and local employers by launching a new Student Training and Employment Program for trades, STEP into the Trades, which pairs 12 Yukon-based businesses with 12 secondary school students;
•    Strengthening school food programs and student nutrition across the Yukon by launching a hot lunch pilot program, school kitchen improvements, the development of territory-wide Healthy Food Guidelines and continued support for school food programs, with support from the Government of Canada, and the mining and exploration industry;
•    Improving communication with students and families by launching MyBusStop, an online app that allows students and families to track school buses in real time. 

“Education in the Yukon is shaped by our strong communities and the dedication of the people who support student success every day,” said MLA for Southern Lakes Tyler Porter. “Together, these initiatives put students front and centre in our education system and empower educators, families and communities to prepare students of all ages for the future.”

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