NationTalk: The families, friends and communities of Cassandra Warville, Myranda Aleisha Dawn Tizya-Charlie, Josephine Elizabeth Vanessa Hager and Darla Skookum experienced losses that highlight the impacts of the Substance Use Health Emergency and the need for systemic changes to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all individuals accessing the services and supports offered at 405 Alexander.

Since the conclusion of the recent coroner’s inquest, the Government of Yukon has carefully reviewed, accepted and begun work on an implementation plan to address each recommendation. The goal is to have all recommendations implemented by the end of October 2024.

This work is being done in close collaboration with community partners and other affected parties, including Connective, the Council of Yukon First Nations, Yukon First Nations governments, non-governmental organizations – including Indigenous women’s organizations – and individuals with lived experience.

The Government of Yukon’s approach aims to ensure a safe, supportive and responsive environment for all clients of 405 Alexander, honouring the memory of those who have been lost and upholding the government’s commitment to community wellbeing.

These efforts are one piece of the broader plan to improve the Yukon’s shelter system. This broader plan also includes comprehensive policy reviews, enhanced training for staff, prioritizing the hiring of Indigenous employees and individuals with lived experience, and creating safe spaces for all shelter guests.

The Government of Yukon is dedicated to making meaningful change that protects and uplifts the Whitehorse community and all Yukoners.

The loss of these community members has deeply impacted all of us and our hearts go out to their families and loved ones. Our government is committed to continuing to prioritize the health and well-being of Yukoners. The coroner’s inquest has highlighted crucial areas of improvement to help prevent such tragedies in the future. We are fully committed to implementing the recommendations and working collaboratively with our partners to create a safer and more supportive environment at 405 Alexander.

Premier Ranj Pillai

Our community has faced a tremendous loss, and we must turn our grief into action. The recommendations from the coroner’s inquest provide a vital pathway to help ensure the safety and dignity of everyone at 405 Alexander. We are committed to working with all our partners and affected parties to implement these changes swiftly and effectively to help make meaningful change for all Yukoners. Implementing these recommendations marks just the beginning of our ongoing work to build a future where everyone feels safe, secure, and has the opportunity to thrive.

Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee

My thoughts remain with the families, friends and communities of these four First Nations women, who continue to mourn their loved ones. The systemic issues that have led to missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit+ people across this country continue to impact our territory. Our government is committed to change. Implementing the coroner’s recommendations – while staying steadfast in our commitment to Yukon’s MMIWG2S+ Strategy can help us realize a future where all Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit+ people are treated equitably, with dignity and justice.

Minister responsible for the Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean

Quick facts

• The implementation plan will primarily be funded within the current budget allocations. The Government of Yukon is committed to using existing resources to ensure the swift and effective execution of the recommendations.
• The Government of Yukon plans to have all recommendations from the coroner’s inquest implemented by the end of October 2024.
• All recommendations are being addressed concurrently, reflecting the need for comprehensive systemic changes to ensure the safety and wellbeing of individuals at 405 Alexander.

Media contact

Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
Laura.Seeley@yukon.ca

Thibaut Rondel
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-332-7058
thibaut.rondel@yukon.ca