Yukon Legislature supports an elementary school in downtown Whitehorse, but Liberals vote against

May 9, 2023

WHITEHORSE, YT — Today, the Legislative Assembly adopted a Yukon NDP motion to ensure there continues to be an elementary school downtown. The Liberals chose to vote against the motion and voted against an elementary school in downtown Whitehorse.

“Since I introduced this motion in favour of an elementary school downtown, I have been flooded by emails and letters from residents who told me why an elementary school is essential to keep our downtown core alive,” Lane Tredger, MLA for Whitehorse Centre, said.

“The support from residents is there.”

The Liberals announced last summer, with no notice to parents and staff, and without consulting with the community, that they would be closing the École Whitehorse Elementary School (EWES) and moving the French immersion program to a new school in Takhini.

Despite an outcry from downtown residents, the government has refused to commit to replacing ÉWES with a new elementary school for downtown families.

“It is disappointing that the Liberals refuse to even acknowledge the need for an elementary school in downtown Whitehorse. Schools are the heart of a community. They make a community vibrant, inclusive and diverse,” Tredger added.

The Yukon NDP’s motion passed, and is now the will of the Legislature, despite the Liberals’ opposition.

“It’s time for this government to listen to the downtown community and commit to keeping Whitehorse’s downtown a place where people want to live,” Tredger said.

-30-