The Yukon government has appointed a four-member Independent Panel to lead a comprehensive review of the Department of Education.
The aim of the review is to support the long-term wellbeing of Yukoners by continuing to put learners at the centre of the education system.
The review, a part of the government's mandate, will look at how the department supports learners, families and educators across the Yukon's three school authorities, as well as those accessing post-secondary and adult learning supports.
By examining these core services, the panel will identify what is working well and where improvements can be made. The goal of the review is to ensure the Yukon's education system from kindergarten to Grade 12 and beyond is fair, responsive and that it meets the territory's needs.
Panel members have been selected for the breadth of experience and perspectives they bring from across the education system and Yukon communities. The members are:
- Judith Arnold;
- Gillian Staveley;
- Greg Storey; and
- Lorraine Taillefer.
The panel will begin work immediately and will gather feedback to help shape its recommendations. The review is expected to take approximately 12 months, with public engagement taking place from April to November 2026.
The panel will submit its final report in 2027 and provide recommendations for how the Department of Education can improve its support for learners. The department will develop and deliver an implementation plan in response, with the aim of making concrete improvements in the following years.
The Yukon's education system plays a vital role in learner success, strong communities and preparing students of all ages for their future. This independent review is an opportunity to listen to Yukoners and take a clear, honest look at how well the Department of Education is meeting the needs of learners, families and educators. An independent panel with diverse expertise will lead this work, helping to identify what is working well, where improvements are needed and how we can better support learners across all stages of learning - from early years through to adult education and future skills training.
- Minister of Education Scott Kent
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Previous reports from the Office of the Auditor General of Canada (in 2009 and 2019) identified challenges in the Yukon's kindergarten to Grade 12 education system. This review builds on that work and will focus on:
- improving outcomes for First Nations students, rural students and students with inclusive education needs; and
- strengthening the inclusion of Yukon First Nations histories, languages and cultures in the education system.
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The review will not examine or make recommendations related to school or Yukon University capital planning, Yukon University governance or Early Learning and Child Care.
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The review is a priority identified in the Premier's mandate letter to the Minister of Education.
