Statement from Premier Silver on his future

Premier Sandy Silver has issued the following statement:

“Today, my Caucus met to discuss the priorities we need to focus on to meet the needs of Yukoners.

“Making life more affordable, increasing housing options, improving health care and tackling climate change continue to guide our decisions as a government.

“Since forming government in 2016, we have worked to improve the lives of Yukoners and move the territory forward.

“We have shown that the economy and the environment can both be prioritized. With our partners, we have developed a comprehensive plan to address climate change while building a green economy to meet the needs of future generations. We have advanced land use planning, restored investor confidence in the territory and created the conditions for the economy to thrive.

“When we formed government, the Yukon was in a recession. Now it is the fastest growing economy in the country with the lowest unemployment rate, leading Canada in GDP growth and population growth. Under our leadership, the territory has prospered.

“We have built strong government-to-government relationships with Yukon First Nations to advance reconciliation. From revitalizing the Yukon Forum and strengthening tri-lateral relationships with the Government of Canada, to developing the country’s first strategy in response to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People. From working with partners to establish the Yukon First Nation School Board, to co-developing legislation to improve outcomes for children, youth and families who are involved with the child welfare system and address the over-representation of Indigenous children and youth in care. With these actions and more we have demonstrated the effectiveness of working collaboratively and respectfully with our First Nations partners. The Yukon’s future prosperity will be built on the foundation of strong partnerships with First Nations.

“We have improved access to mental health services in rural communities and taken the most progressive steps in Yukon history to advance harm reduction and address the complexities of substance use. By working with partners and embracing a housing first approach, we have taken dramatic steps to address homelessness and better support the most vulnerable Yukoners.

“Faced with a global pandemic, we worked together to protect Yukoners and avoid the worst health and economic outcomes of COVID-19. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, we have continued our work to improve the territory’s health and social services systems, and the Yukon’s economy has continued to grow over the past two years.

“Leading the country in both population and economic growth presents considerable challenges. In particular, we need to continue to work with our partners to increase housing options, improve our healthcare system and enhance mental health supports throughout the territory. Nevertheless, the territory is in a much stronger place than when we formed government in 2016 and I believe we continue to move in the right direction.

“I also believe fresh energy and bold ideas are needed to continue to move the territory forward. As such, I have decided I will not seek a fourth term as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Klondike in the next territorial election. I will continue to serve as the MLA for Klondike until the next general election, and will stay on as Premier until the Yukon Liberal Party selects a new leader. I look forward to continuing the important work with my colleagues to make life better for Yukoners.

“It has been a profound honour to serve as Premier of the Yukon. I want to thank all of the talented and dedicated public servants of the Yukon government for their hard work, professionalism and commitment to serving Yukoners. I look forward to continuing to serve the great people of Dawson City for the remainder of my term as well as reconnecting with the Klondike community on a daily basis.”