Statement from Premier Pillai on the crime prevention programming available with the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce

This statement has been updated to correct the name and title of the representative from the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce.

Premier and Minister of Economic Development Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

“In December, the Government of Yukon and the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce announced joint efforts to address community safety in downtown Whitehorse. Today, I was pleased to be joined by Chair of the Safety Committee of the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce Joel Gaetz to formally announce the Safebiz: Whitehorse Community Safety Pilot Program, designed to support businesses and non-government organizations with practical tools to enhance safety and security.

“This program is funded by the Government of Yukon and administered by the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce. Based on program models in British Columbia, Manitoba and Alberta, as well as discussions with members of the Whitehorse business community, phase 1 of the Safebiz program will help provide businesses with funding for security assessments, safety and de-escalation training and resources to help businesses improve their security measures.

“Business owners and organizations can sign up for the program by visiting whitehorsechamber.ca/safebiz. Appointments for comprehensive security assessments are available now on a first-come, first-served basis. Business owners and organizations can also sign themselves and their employees up for training sessions designed to enhance security.

“I want to thank the chamber’s Executive Director Andrei Samson and their Executive Committee for all their hard work and continued partnership in supporting the Yukon’s entrepreneurs. The Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce is highly regarded by our business community and I am grateful that they are taking on this critical task that will make our capital city a safer place for people to work, live and visit.

“Our territory’s entrepreneurs are known for their community-centric practices and for giving back to those in need. My hope is that this program will empower local businesses to create safer spaces for their staff and customers so they can continue their important work with fortitude.

“This program is only one piece of a larger picture and we know there is more work to do. Improving security in our downtown area means addressing a multitude of social inequities in our community and supporting both prevention and policing. Our government remains committed to working on these issues alongside our partners. Together, we will continue work to foster a vibrant and safe downtown community.”