Legislative Assembly unanimously supports Yukon NDP motion to create a public health lodge in Whitehorse.

March 29, 2023

Whitehorse, March 29, 2023 – Today, the Legislative Assembly unanimously supported the Yukon NDP motion to create a public health lodge in Whitehorse, for people travelling for medical reasons.

“The subsidy for medical travel doesn’t come close to covering the full cost of accommodation and transportation. We have heard from people who had to pay hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars out of pockets to access healthcare,” said Kate White, leader of the Yukon NDP. “Some Yukoners told us that they’ve had to delay medical appointments or procedures because they simply couldn’t afford a hotel stay in Whitehorse.”

Thousands of Yukoners travel every year from their home communities to access the healthcare services that are only offered in Whitehorse, such as birthing, medical specialists, or procedures and or doctors’ appointments.

“Many people have told us how much a lodge would have helped them make their experience less stressful when they had to travel to Whitehorse for medical care,” added White.

A public medical lodge would allow folks to stay in a comfortable, safe and inclusive place while waiting to give birth, preparing or recovering from surgery, or travelling for other medical needs.

It is now up to the government to make this lodge a reality.

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