Government of Yukon hosts Sustainable Communities Forum

Press Release

February 13, 2026

The Government of Yukon met with staff from municipal and First Nation governments for two days of learning and planning at the Sustainable Communities Forum (SCF) on February 11 and 12 in Whitehorse.

The Sustainable Communities Forum supports integrated community planning, infrastructure asset management and professional development for municipal and First Nation governments, with a focus on sustainable local service delivery. The theme of this forum was wildfires, and attendees heard presentations and discussions from several experts in the field.

The Sustainable Communities Forum is made possible by funding from the Natural Resources Canada’s Climate Change Adaptation Program.

The contributions of Yukon First Nation, local and municipal governments to the territory are enormous, and the Sustainable Communities Forum allows staff to learn about and share best practices for sustainable service delivery in Yukon communities. This is a valuable exchange where we can develop and share the tools and resources that will help us meet the challenges of the future. I thank the Government of Canada for support in helping bring together all communities to discuss common issues and shared opportunities.

Minister of Community Services Cory Bellmore

Communities across the North are on the front lines of climate change, and building resilience starts with sharing knowledge, strengthening local capacity and planning for real-world risks like wildfires. Through Natural Resources Canada’s Climate Change Adaptation Program, the Government of Canada is proud to support the Sustainable Communities Forum and our partners in the Yukon as the equip municipal and First Nations staff with the tools they need to protect critical infrastructure, manage community assets and deliver essential services in a changing climate.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Member of Parliament for the Yukon Brendan Hanley

Quick facts

• The Sustainable Communities Forum is held twice a year. The last forum was held in October with a focus on flooding.
• Funding from the Natural Resources Canada supports six Sustainable Communities Forums, including costs for hosting and a staff position to organize the event.
• The February forum was the fourth hosted by the Government of Yukon. The first was in 2023.
• The Government of Yukon also provides in‑kind resources and a modest amount of funding to support the planning and delivery of each forum.

Media contact

Tim Kucharuk
Press Secretary, Cabinet Communications
867-335-2419
tim.kucharuk@yukon.ca

John Tonin
Communications, Community Services
867-334-5816
john.tonin@yukon.ca

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