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# Government of Yukon establishes a COVID-19 Business Advisory Council

The Government of Yukon has established a COVID-19 Business Advisory Council to ensure the needs of Yukon’s business community are heard as we address the economic impacts of COVID-19. This council includes stakeholders from a wide variety of sectors who will contribute their knowledge and experience representing diverse aspects of Yukon’s economy. Together they will inform the Department of Economic Development with local business intelligence, identify best practices and recommend mitigation strategies to address the economic impacts of COVID-19.

The membership of the council can be found in the backgrounder of this news release.

> It is important during this public health emergency that we are responsive to the needs of Yukoners. Local businesses are the heart of the Yukon economy and we need to heed their advice and concerns to better support them through this difficult time.

> These times require swift action and quick understanding. The Business Advisory Council will ensure it communicates the needs of business to survive these times, while working closely with government to ensure the Yukon is best positioned to emerge even stronger. Relief is critical and we will ensure that business concerns and needs are clearly communicated and well understood. I am honoured to serve in these very difficult times.

Quick facts

- The business advisory council consists of approximately 20 Yukon business representatives and will be chaired by Thompson.

- Meetings will be conducted weekly through teleconference to maintain social distancing during the public health emergency.

- The Council is expected to operate for six months, extending beyond that as circumstances dictate.

Backgrounder

Business Advisory Council:

| Economic Sector | Representative | Organization
1 | Mining | John McConnell | Victoria Gold
2 | Mining Association Rep | Loralee Johnstone | YCM, YPA, KPMA, YWIM
3 | Tourism | Denny Kobayashi | Tourism
4 | Restaurant/Services | Doug Terry | Tim Hortons
5 | Development Corporations | Chris Milner | Chu Niikwan
6 |  | Stanley Noel |
7 | Communities (Tourism Focus) | Jackie Olson (Dawson) | Klondike Visitors Association
8 | Communities | James Smith (Carcross) | CTFN – Director of Infrastructure
9 | Hotels | Rich Thompson (Chair) | Northern Vision Development
10 | Outfitting | David Cosco | Cosco Outfitting
11 | Transportation | Joe Sparling | Air North
12 | Business Financial | Norm McIntyre | Crowe MacKay LLP
13 | Business Legal | Graham Lang | Lamarche and Lang
14 | Whitehorse Chamber | Mike Pemberton | Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce
15 | Yukon Chamber | Tammy Beese | Yukon Chamber of Commerce
16 | Art and Culture | Marilyn Jensen | Social Innovation Consulting
17 | Construction | Peter Densmore | Ketza Construction
18 | Technology/GIG Economy | Chris Lane | Tech Yukon
19 |  | Carl Friesen | Underhill Geomatics
20 |  | Paul Kishchuk | Vector Research
21 |  | Craig Hougen | Taku Sports Group

Additional members may join the council at a later date.

Media contact

Sunny Patch
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7478
sunny.patch@gov.yk.ca

Damian Topps
Communications, Economic Development
867-667-5378
damian.topps@gov.yk.ca

News release #:
20-070