The Association of Yukon Communities (AYC) tried unsuccessfully to get Health and Social Services Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee to visit their member communities.

Meanwhile, McPhee made her trip to Scotland to investigate the country’s health and justice systems (see p. 2).

In a letter dated July 18, 2023 provided Tuesday by the Yukon Party, AYC president Ted Laking wrote to McPhee, “There has been a growing interest among the Association of Yukon Communities’ membership regarding the opioid crisis, and the delivery and impacts of health care in rural Yukon.

“As such, I would like to formally invite you to attend and speak to the Association of Yukon Communities’ board at our next quarterly meeting. The date for this meeting has been set for September 9th in Carmacks, Yukon.”

McPhee responded to Laking’s invitation on Aug. 10: “I am unable to at this time as I will be out of the Territory for work.

“As they did in May, Health and Social Services officials are happy to attend on my behalf to share details about the work the Government of Yukon is doing to address the opioid crisis, improve the delivery of health care in Yukon communities and the implementation of Putting People First.”

Laking had previously invited McPhee to the communities in a letter dated Jan. 26, 2023: “I would like to formally invite you to attend and speak to the Association of Yukon Communities’ board at our next quarterly meeting. The date for this meeting has been set for March 4th and will be a virtual event.”

According to Laking, the AYC received an email from YG staff on Feb. 22, 2023 declining the invitation.

In another letter to McPhee dated Feb. 23, 2022 (intended to say 2023), Laking said, “I would like to cordially extend an invitation to you to attend our 48th annual general meeting and conference taking place in Watson Lake from May 11, 2023, until May 14, 2023.”

Laking said the AYC’s records show “no acknowledgement or response to the invite.”

Meanwhile, the government has responded to reporters’ queries about McPhee’s trip.

Cabinet communications staff stated, “We know it’s crucial to talk with communities about important issues like long-term care. And we also see the value in learning from other places facing similar challenges.

“When we meet with other areas, it helps us bring fresh ideas back home. And when we discuss with our communities, it helps us explore how we can apply those ideas here at home.”

Since becoming the minister of Health in 2021, the statement added, McPhee has participated in 18 in-person meetings and events in various Yukon communities.

“Minister McPhee was invited by Yukon Party MLA McLeod twice over the past 2 1/2 years – with very short notice – to Watson Lake. On both occasions, minister McPhee communicated promptly that she was unable to attend, given the short turnaround between the invite and the meeting.

“Our relationships with all Yukon communities are important to us. Minister McPhee recently engaged with Watson Lake community officials virtually as recently as February 28th, 2024.

“With travel gradually resuming post-COVID-19, minister McPhee, alongside all cabinet members, will continue to visit rural communities, prioritizing those not yet visited.”

As for the timing of the Scotland trip, the statement added, “It’s essential to note that such engagements are planned in advance and are part of broader efforts to gather insights and best practices from global health care systems, particularly those that are similar to the Yukon.

“Minister McPhee and her ministerial advisor travelled to Edinburgh, Scotland to discuss shared experiences and challenges in health care, rural workforce, mental health, and access to services, as well as to address social justice issues, drug policy, and explore tourism opportunities between Scotland and the Yukon.

“We look forward to an upcoming announcement regarding prenatal support for Yukoners, a direct result of these meetings.”

This travel was posted on Dec. 21, 2023, communications staff added.

“It’s good to see the Yukon Party using the information we share on the Yukon government’s travel expense website. When our Liberal government came into office in 2017, we made sure to provide more details and present the costs in a way that’s easier to see the full picture. It’s a level of openness that we don’t expect the Yukon Party to understand.”

Laura Seeley of cabinet communications also responded to the Star’s query of whether McPhee took personal vacation time on the Scotland trip, as McLeod had suggested in the legislature Tuesday:

“I can confirm that minister McPhee added personal leave during her time in Scotland once official business concluded.

“Costs incurred during personal leave were covered by minister, as per standard protocol when personal time is added to business travel, and were not included on the travel disclosure as they were not covered by government.”