News Release: Additional funding for prenatal and infant supports in the Yukon

By November 18, 2021News Release

This is a joint release with Yukon government

The Government of Yukon is matching existing federal funding of $677,000 to support the existing Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP) in the Yukon. Funding will be matched on an ongoing basis, and will support the eight CPNP programs currently operating in the territory.

In addition, the Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) will receive funding of $262,000 each year for the next two fiscal years. This funding will be used to research and identify Yukon First Nations prenatal and infant support needs in rural communities. Funding will also be used to fill a position to assist with Yukon First Nations prenatal and infant supports.

The Yukon government has formed a Prenatal Advisory Group to identify needs and best practices related to providing prenatal and infant supports for expectant people and families.

The group includes representatives from the Government of Yukon, Crown-Indigenous Relations Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Council of Yukon First Nations.

The Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program helps support the health of vulnerable expectant people, new parents and their babies. We are pleased to offer this ongoing funding commitment to Canada Prenatal Nutrition Programs operating in the Yukon, and to support the Council of Yukon First Nations, to offer prenatal and infant supports in communities throughout the territory. This funding will help communities address specific needs and develop culturally appropriate prenatal services. – Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Ann McPhee

This funding will support CYFN to develop culturally-relevant prenatal and infant programming and supports that are tailored toward Yukon First Nations with the overall goal of improving outcomes for Yukon First Nations families and children. – Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston

Quick facts 

  • Federal funding of $677,000 is provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada.
  • Canada Prenatal Nutrition Programs in the Yukon have not received an increase in funding in approximately 20 years.
  • Canada Prenatal Nutrition Programs operate in the following communities
    • Carcross: Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies
    • Dawson City: Healthy Families, Healthy Babies
    • Teslin: Teslin Prenatal Program
    • Watson Lake: Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies
    • Whitehorse:
      • Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre -Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies
      • Teen Parent Centre Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program
      • Skookum Jim Friendship Centre Prenatal Nutrition Program
      • Les EssentiElles
  • This funding commitment is consistent with recommendation 3.1 in the Putting People First Report.

Contact 

Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@nullyukon.ca

Michelle Boleen
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-456-6145
michelle.boleen@nullyukon.ca

Lael Lund
Communications, Council of Yukon First Nations
867-393-9200
Lael.lund@nullcyfn.net

News release #: 21-454