FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                November 30, 2023

WHITEHORSE – The Yukon Party Official Opposition is pleased the Yukon will include mandatory Holocaust education as part of the curriculum for all Yukon students.

The Minister of Education communicated the educational change in a letter to Copperbelt South MLA Scott Kent dated November 28. Kent wrote to the minister to request the minister commit to ensuring Holocaust education became mandatory in the Yukon following the Government of British Columbia’s announcement on October 30 that would make it mandatory for Grade 10 social studies beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. The Minister confirmed the Yukon system is based on the BC curriculum, which would incorporate Holocaust education into the Yukon’s curriculum as well.

“Unfortunately, we have seen a recent spike in anti-Semitism across the country,” said Kent. “While many teachers make a point of teaching their students about the horrors of the Holocaust, it has not been mandatory curriculum. Educating students will help ensure past atrocities are not repeated and reduce hate and discrimination in our society.”

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Contact:
Tim Kucharuk
Press Secretary
(867) 393-7026