Yukon Premier Currie Dixon announces a pause on developing a new territory-wide health authority, with potential to abandon the initiative entirely. The primary issue centers on transferring employee pensions, which could cost as much as $70 million.
Background on the Proposed Authority
The previous Liberal administration initiated plans for the authority, named Shäw Kwä’ą, in 2024, backed by First Nations leaders. This stemmed from recommendations in the 2020 Putting People First report, which examined Yukon’s health-care system. Currently, Yukon and Nunavut remain the only Canadian jurisdictions without such an organization.
Proponents argued the authority would address systemic racism in health care and enhance outcomes for Indigenous patients. Shäw Kwä’ą already features an established board and chair. However, unions criticized the setup process, claiming exclusion from key discussions.
Premier Dixon’s Rationale
Following a recent Yukon Forum meeting with First Nations governments, Dixon explained the decision. “There’s a significant amount of administrative overhaul involved, and that money would be better invested in the front lines of our health-care system rather than reorganizing the Department of Health and Social Services into a new authority,” he stated.
Dixon indicated the financial burden may outweigh the benefits of the reorganization.
First Nations Response
Grand Chief Math’ieya Alatini of the Council of Yukon First Nations expressed strong dissatisfaction. “Disappointment was an understatement,” Alatini said. “When the premier shared views on repealing the legislation for the health authority, chiefs made it clear they support it. They believe health transformation requires the authority.”
Dixon recognized the chiefs’ concerns and noted opportunities to preserve certain elements. “The cultural safety and humility strategy, a potential office of First Nations health, and rural health-care recruitment and retention—all these can still advance in partnership with First Nations,” he added.
Next Steps
The government contemplates legislation to repeal the enabling act for Shäw Kwä’ą, though no introduction is planned until the fall session of the Legislative Assembly. Discussions on health-care reform will revert to the Health System Transformation Advisory Committee, which preceded the authority plans.
