Yukon MLAs Vote to ReviewConnective Support SocietyAfter Shelter Deaths

Yukon MLAs have unanimously passed a motion to review the programs and services of Connective Support Society, a non-profit organization that operates the Whitehorse emergency shelter. The motion, tabled by Yukon NDP MLA Annie Blake, comes in the wake of a coroner's inquest into the deaths of four Indigenous women at the shelter between 2022 and 2023, two of whom died under Connective's watch since it took over operations in October 2022.

Why this matters: The review of Connective Support Society's programs highlights the need for accountability and improvement in social services, particularly those serving vulnerable populations. It also underscores the importance of addressing systemic issues that contribute to the marginalization and harm of Indigenous women.

The three-week inquest highlighted concerns over policy, staff training, and safety at the shelter. It found a lack of training for frontline Connective staff and inconsistent policies and procedures. MLA Blake cited these issues in her motion, stating, "First Nations women are the backbone of our families, our communities, and of our society, and Connective's leadership has treated them like they're disposable." Yukon's Minister of Health and Social Services, Tracy-Anne McPhee, has committed to conducting a thorough review of Connective's programs, acknowledging the government's legal obligation to review non-governmental organizations with transfer payment agreements. "I'm very concerned about the allegations... all of what is occurring with respect to the care and services we provide for Yukoners that are being provided at this time by Connective," McPhee stated.

The review will focus on Connective's four programs in the Yukon: the emergency shelter, Supervised Housing and Reintegration Program (SHARP), Housing First, and a program supporting people navigating the criminal justice system. MLA Blake also brought forward new allegations against Connective, including concerns over substance use and dealing at SHARP, anddeaths at the Housing First facility.

Two anonymous Connective employees said a review of the organization's protocols and services at the emergency shelter is long overdue. They highlighted concerns over safety, with some individuals choosing to sleep in tents, vehicles, or couches instead of the shelter. Connective's limited experience running emergency shelters, spanning only three years or less, has also been called into question.

In response to the unanimous vote, a spokesperson for Connective stated that the organization is "deeply committed to taking action to improve our programs and services" and welcomes the opportunity to work with funders and partners to gain additional insight into how to best deliver programs and services. Connective will receive close to $6 million this year for programming, and its transfer payment agreement with the government is set to expire in 2025.

The coroner's inquest jury issued eight recommendations, including a comprehensive policy review by Connective within six months. As the review gets underway, Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating,"It's really important that we do this fast. "The unanimous vote by Yukon MLAs reflects the severity of the concerns raised and the need for swift action to ensure the safety and well-being of those accessing Connective's services.

Key Takeaways

• Yukon MLAs unanimously pass motion to review Connective Support Society's programs and services.
• Review prompted by coroner's inquest into deaths of 4 Indigenous women at Whitehorse emergency shelter.
• Inquest highlights concerns over policy, staff training, and safety at the shelter.
• Review will focus on Connective's 4 programs, including emergency shelter and housing services.
• Government commits to thorough review, citing legal obligation to review non-governmental organizations.