Statement from Minister McPhee and Minister Streicker on leveraging technologies to increase access to Yukon health care services in French

Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee and Minister responsible for French Language Services Directorate John Streicker have issued the following statement:

"Last week, the Government of Canada announced a new funding partnership with the Government of Yukon to enhance access to French-language health care services in the Yukon through leveraging technologies.

“The Government of Canada is providing the Government of Yukon with just over $2.2 million over five years from 2023–24 to 2027–28 to explore innovative strategies for delivering high-quality and timely health care services. This includes $1.5 million from Canadian Heritage and over $746,000 from Health Canada. Within this partnership, our government is proud to provide $250,000 over the next five years as part of this important work.

“This project marks another significant step in our government’s commitment to supporting the Yukon’s growing Francophone community and enhancing health care services for all Yukoners.

“Specifically, this project will result in the creation of two strategies:

• A data collection strategy to identify patients' preferred language for services, which will help plan for the future.

• A digital solutions strategy that recommends ways to expand access to French-language health care.

“We extend our sincere thanks to Minister of Employment, Labour Development and Official Languages Randy Boissonnault and Minister of Health Mark Holland, for their support and collaboration in exploring innovative ways to use technology to expand French-language health care services.

“This project supports the recommendations of the Putting People First report to make Yukon health care more accessible, responsive and person-centred and the priorities of the 2023–25 strategic framework for French-language services.

“By developing our new health authority, Shäw Kwä’ą / Health and Wellness Yukon / Santé et mieux-être Yukon, we look forward to seeing firsthand how these innovative, accessible solutions will strengthen our efforts to provide high-quality health care to all Yukoners.”