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Yukon Government, Connective Faces Lawsuits Over Deaths at Whitehorse Emergency Shelter

The lawsuits claim that the shelter's lack of proper policies and trained staff contributed to the women's deaths.

Yukon Government Faces Lawsuits Over Deaths at Whitehorse Emergency Shelter

Two lawsuits have been filed against the Yukon government over the deaths of two Indigenous women at the Whitehorse Emergency Shelter. The lawsuits allege systemic negligence and a failure to provide a safe environment for vulnerable guests.

Myranda Tizya-Charlie, 34, and Darla Skookum, 54, died in separate incidents at the shelter in 2022 and 2023. The lawsuits claim that the shelter's lack of proper policies and trained staff contributed to the women's deaths.

The Yukon government operated the shelter until October 2022, when Connective Support Society took over. Both the government and Connective are named as defendants in the lawsuits.

The Government of Yukon and Cnnective confirmed to CHON-FM News that it has received copies of two statements of claim filed with the Supreme Court of Yukon on December 23, 2024.

In a statement, the government indicated that it will carefully review the claims before responding through the court process. No further comment was provided.

The lawsuits seek compensation for damages, including grief and loss, funeral expenses, and more. The Yukon government and Connective have yet to respond to the allegations.

The lawsuits come after a coroner's inquest into the deaths of four Indigenous women at the shelter highlighted concerns about staff training and policies.
 

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