OTTAWA – Universities Canada is pleased to announce Yukon University as its newest member, effective immediately. During its fall membership meeting in Ottawa today, Universities Canada’s members approved Yukon University’s application, making it the 97th member of the national association.
“We are thrilled to welcome Yukon University to our association,” said Gabriel Miller, President and CEO of Universities Canada. “Yukon University is a vital institution that changes lives and strengthens communities. It creates opportunity through education and creates essential knowledge through its research on topics from Indigenous governance to sustainable resource development. It contributes to the territory and our country by helping students, families, businesses and governments build a more prosperous and resilient future.”
Located in Whitehorse, Yukon University, which has an additional 12 campuses throughout the territory of Yukon, serves as the only university in Canada’s North and plays a critical role in the Yukon’s education, research, and community development. With about 1300 students and 741 employees including 97 faculty the university offers a mix of trades, college-level programs and university degrees designed to meet the unique needs of northern communities.
“This is an important milestone for Yukon University. Joining Universities Canada will allow us to be a part of transforming post-secondary education across Canada by ensuring education reflects the diversity of voices from the North and upholds a commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous people,” said Yukon University President and Vice-Chancellor Lesley Brown. “Beyond this, membership helps us better serve the Yukon as we develop new degree offerings.”
Yukon University traces its history to the founding in 1963 of the Whitehorse Vocational and Technical Training Centre. College status was granted in the spring of 1983. In spring of 2020 Yukon College was granted university status and was renamed Yukon University.
Founded in 1911, Universities Canada is the voice of Canada’s universities at home and abroad. Membership in the association requires universities to meet strict criteria and adhere to set principles of institutional quality assurance that must be reaffirmed every five years. This reinforces the recognition of a Canadian university degree around the world as a high-quality academic achievement.
About Universities Canada
Universities Canada is the voice of Canada’s universities at home and abroad, advancing higher education, research and innovation for the benefit of all Canadians.
Lisa Wallace
Assistant Director, Communications
Universities Canada
[email protected]