The Yukon government says it will act on the results of April’s inquest into four women’s deaths at the Whitehorse Emergency Shelter.

“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 government said in a statement today. 

The goal is to have all eight recommendations implemented by the end of October.

“These efforts are one piece of the broader plan to improve the Yukon’s shelter system,” the government said.

The women’s deaths occurred in 2022 and 2023.

“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 well-being of all individuals accessing the services and supports offered at 405 Alexander,” the statement added.

This work is being done “in close collaboration with community partners and other affected parties,” the government indicated.

Those  include Connective (formerly the John Howard Society), which manages the facility, the Council of Yukon First Nations, Yukon First Nations governments, non-governmental organizations – including Indigenous women’s groups – and individuals with lived experience.

The inquest jury’s recommendations included a full review of the shelter’s policies within six months.

There was also a call for a review of the training provided to the Connective staff working at the shelter, and an examination of the staffing priorities.

“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 added.

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

Premier Ranj Pillai added, “The loss of these community members has deeply impacted all of us, and our hearts go out to their families and loved ones.

“The coroner’s inquest has highlighted crucial areas of improvement to help prevent such tragedies in the future,” the premier said. 

“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 (the shelter’s address).”

Tracy-Anne McPhee, the minister of Health and Social Services, said the 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,” McPhee said.

“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.”

The implementation plan will primarily be funded within the current budget allocations.

“All recommendations are being addressed concurrently, reflecting the need for comprehensive systemic changes to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals at 405 Alexander,” the government said.

Several other recommendations were also made.