Joint Statement from Minister of Health and Social Services and Minister of Community Services on the Office of the Auditor General of Canada's Report on Yukon's COVID-19 Response

Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee and Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn have issued the following statement:

“Our thanks go to the Office of the Auditor General of Canada (OAG) for their examination and constructive feedback on the Yukon’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Their analysis serves as a resource to steer our future initiatives and enhance our public health preparedness. The recommendations put forth are accepted and with a commitment to swift and effective action.

“We are proud that the OAG has acknowledged our government’s efforts in managing the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines in a quick, fair and effective manner. We believe that our united response played a significant role in protecting the lives of Yukoners, and this reinforces our confidence in the effectiveness of our response to the pandemic.

“Through the daunting landscape of the pandemic, the spirit and resilience of Yukoners have proven an inspirational beacon. Every member of our community played an instrumental role in the collective safeguarding of people and communities throughout the pandemic response.

“The tenacity and commitment displayed by our health care workers is truly awe-inspiring. Their relentless efforts were crucial in maintaining the health and safety of Yukon communities. They deserve – and we offer – our profound gratitude and admiration.

“As we navigated the challenges posed by the pandemic, we gained invaluable knowledge and experiences. We are committed to incorporating the OAG's recommendations into our work, with a particular focus on improving emergency plans and vaccine distribution protocols. The need to prioritize frontline workers and essential service providers in our vaccination program is recognized and will be executed in an accessible and fair manner.

“The Yukon government’s goal throughout the pandemic was to remain in close communication with First Nations, municipal governments, and all Yukoners. We will continue to work with First Nations governments and municipalities to implement the lessons learned from the pandemic and outline clear roles, responsibilities and communication strategies during future such emergencies. In addressing the diverse needs of Yukon communities, we understand the importance of working towards cultural safety in frontline immunization services, particularly concerning First Nations communities.

“The development of efficient data-sharing protocols with First Nations governments is also well underway to meet their specific needs more effectively. To further enhance our operations, we are nearing the completion of a comprehensive electronic inventory management system to optimize tracking of vaccine inventory, wastage and expected coverage.

“The health and wellbeing of Yukoners remains our primary concern. We are steadfast in our mission to continuously learn, improve and serve Yukoners better.”