FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                      March 28, 2022

WHITEHORSE – The Yukon Party used Question Period today to raise concerns brought forward by Autism Yukon earlier this year.

During the Public Accounts hearings on the Department of Education’s response to the 2019 Auditor General’s Report on Kindergarten Through Grade 12 Education in Yukon, Autism Yukon wrote to the Yukon Legislative Assembly to express concern about the lack of action.

Autism Yukon raised concerns about a lack of consultation on the development of a work plan for inclusive and special education. They also questioned the availability of support for teachers and EAs to implement Individualized Education Plans. Autism Yukon asked to be a part of any consultation on future changes.

Since the change to IEPs by the Liberals in December 2020, the number of plans has been unclear. The Yukon Teachers Association/Yukon Association of Education Professionals at the time said 138 students were moved off IEPs. However, during January’s hearings, the Deputy Minister of Education said only 39 had been reinstated. They said 22 families affirmed the desire for their child to remain on the student learning plan, and 10 plans were identified as students who have moved out of the territory or graduated.

This is 71 total IEPs addressed; since then, the Minister has been unable to explain the discrepancy in numbers.

It is clear the Liberals have bungled the changing of IEPs from the outset. Autism Yukon and the families of special needs students need answers sooner rather than later from this government, so students are not left in the lurch.

Link to January 3, 2022, Letter from Autism Yukon.

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