Government of Yukon pauses Health Authority implementation

Press Release

February 9, 2026

The Government of Yukon has shared with Yukon First Nations Chiefs at the Yukon Forum that it intends to pause implementation of the Health Authority and consider repealing the legislation in fall 2026.

Chiefs at the Yukon Forum expressed disappointment with this proposed approach. The Government of Yukon appreciates the positive work that has been advanced with Yukon First Nations over recent years and recognizes that many challenges exist within the current health care system. The government agrees on the importance of advancing shared priorities related to health system transformation and recognizes the need to make the system culturally safe, patient-centred and focused on improving the health and wellbeing of Yukoners. The Yukon government believes this work can be advanced without changing the governance model.

To continue this work, the Yukon government has proposed to advance shared priorities through the Health System Transformation Advisory Committee model. In the months ahead, the Yukon government is committed to partnering with First Nations governments and engaging unions, the Yukon Hospital Corporation and health care professionals to identify practical actions to address and improve cultural safety, health system integration and access to primary care now and in the future.

The new government must also manage serious inherited financial pressures. The anticipated cost of moving government employees’ pensions to a new plan, along with the significant concerns raised by health care workers, has influenced the government’s decision-making around the health authority.

The Yukon government recognizes the meaningful role of Yukon First Nations in shaping and strengthening the health care system, the Yukon’s obligations as a Treaty partner and remains committed to that relationship, guided by the work of the leadership across the system.

Premier Dixon and Minister Cathers acknowledged the work of Yukon First Nations, the Council of Yukon First Nations, the Yukon Hospital Corporation and Yukon government officials to advance shared priorities to date and emphasized the government’s interest in continuing to work together to improve health outcomes for all Yukoners.

We recognize that our proposed approach is disappointing to Yukon First Nations leaders. We want to continue working with Yukon First Nations, the Council of Yukon First Nations, the Yukon Hospital Corporation and health care providers to ensure our health system meets the needs of all Yukoners in a culturally appropriate and inclusive manner. However, we cannot afford to divert tens of millions of dollars away from frontline health care improvements to cover employee pension solvency.

Premier Currie Dixon

The Yukon’s health care system faces significant challenges and we recognize the need to focus on improving frontline services and access to care for people in every Yukon community. This is an opportunity for continued work together, to make the health care system more responsive to the needs of Yukoners now and in the future. Our planned approach includes concentrating efforts on improving how services work together, supporting the health care workforce and advancing cultural safety in partnership with Yukon First Nations.

Minister of Health and Social Services Brad Cathers

Backgrounder

• Bill 38, Health Authority Act, was passed in the spring 2024 sitting of the Yukon Legislative Assembly.
• The initial board for Shäw Kwä’ą / Health and Wellness Yukon / Santé et mieux-être Yukon was appointed in August 2025.
• The most likely scenario for moving government employees’ pensions from the public sector pension plan to a pension plan under a health authority show large additional pension solvency liabilities.
• The most likely scenario estimates this would require more than $70 million to address the solvency requirements.

Media contact

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

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