Residents in Watson Lake are invited to share their thoughts on the future of local health services at a public meeting hosted by the Yukon Employees’ Union. The session will take place on May 27, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM in the Curling Lounge at the Watson Lake Recreation Centre.
The meeting focuses on the union’s proposal for a health authority, a topic that has seen significant change over the past few months. The territorial government originally moved to create a health authority called Shäw Kwä’ą, which was designed to better connect hospitals, clinics, and government services under one organization. However, the government paused that initiative in February 2026, leading to the resignation of the project’s entire seven-member board.
Following a recent meeting between government and First Nations leaders, Premier Currie Dixon committed to keeping the Health Authority Act in place rather than repealing it. This decision allows for a period of reassessment. For workers at the Watson Lake Community Hospital and other facilities across the territory, these shifts have created uncertainty regarding their roles and job protections.
The union, which represents several hundred hospital workers in Watson Lake, Whitehorse, and Dawson City, has expressed frustration over the planning process. Union representatives have criticized the government for limited consultation, describing the level of communication with staff as insufficient. This upcoming event serves as an opportunity for community members and employees to discuss the union’s perspective on how a health authority should function.
