Redevelopment of Whitehorse Correctional Centre

Premier Dennis Fentie and Kwanlin Dun First Nation Chief Rick O'Brien have signed a memorandum of understanding potentially influencing the correctional system in the territory.

"The Yukon government is committed to working with all Yukon First Nations on a government-to- government basis to make them full partners in the life of the territory," Fentie said. "This memo of understanding is a concrete example of our commitment, in this case, to working with the Kwanlin Dun with the view of reducing barriers to social and economic development and providing more cost-effective government to all Yukon citizens."

This agreement follows the earlier understanding between the Yukon, Kwanlin Dun and Canada that guarantees the First Nation benefits from any Yukon government project, with a capital cost in excess of $3 million dollars.

As one part of this memorandum of understanding with the First Nation, the Yukon government has agreed to work with the First Nation and other First Nations to review, design and develop programs for use in the Whitehorse Correctional Centre.

"The vast majority of inmates are of First Nations ancestry. It is our goal, in working with other First Nations and the Yukon government, to provide programming that is relevant and will help reduce the number of repeat offenders in the system," Chief O'Brien said.

The memorandum of understanding also states that the Yukon has agreed to consult with Kwanlin Dun regarding the design and development of a replacement corrections facility. As well, and subject to future negotiations, the Government of Yukon and the First Nation have agreed to consider a range of options concerning the future ownership and use of the facility. These include the First Nation (and other possible partners it may wish to involve) constructing and owning the replacement facility and the First Nation leasing the facility back to the Government of Yukon, with the management of the facility remaining in YTG hands.

As part of the memorandum of understanding, Kwanlin Dun has agreed to make use of Yukon contractors and sub-contractors to the greatest extent possible.

"This is potentially a very large capital project that will benefit many Yukoners, as well as members of the Kwanlin Dun First Nation," Fentie said.

Fentie added that the memorandum is in no way meant to interfere in the collective bargaining process or to impact on staffing levels at the facility.

The Yukon government shall provide the First Nation with the financial resources to enable it to engage in the consultations and negotiations, in accordance with a budget and work plan to be negotiated and agreed to by all concerned.

While the memorandum is an expression of the willingness of both sides to work together in the future, it is not intended to create binding legal obligations between the parties.

Contact Us:

Redevelopment of WCC
Community and Correctional Services
Department of Justice
Government of Yukon
Box 2703
Whitehorse, Yukon
Canada Y1A 2C6

Phone: (867) 393-7077
Toll free (In Yukon): 1-800-661-0408, local 7077
Fax: (867) 393-6326
justice@gov.yk.ca