This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon, Yukon Registered Nurses Association and the Yukon Nurses Alliance.
The Yukon government is providing more funding for and expanding the Continuing Nurse Education Fund to include more nursing professionals and support transitioning its administration from the Yukon Registered Nurses Association to the Yukon Nurses Alliance. The fund provides financial support to Yukon nurses pursuing continuing education to advance professional knowledge and competencies.
This initiative builds on the Yukon government’s mandate commitment to increase support for nursing bursaries and health education opportunities for Yukon students. By expanding eligibility and increasing funding, the Yukon government is helping Yukon nurses with continuing education.
Eligibility for the fund will be expanded to include licensed practical nurses and registered psychiatric nurses, in addition to registered nurses and nurse practitioners. Following discussions between the Department of Health and Social Services, Yukon Registered Nurses Association and the Yukon Nurses Alliance, the government has increased funding for the program to $225,000 in the 2026–27 fiscal year, subject to legislative approval.
The Yukon Nurses Alliance will begin to administer the fund following a transition period. Under a one-year transfer payment agreement beginning April 1, 2026, the Yukon Registered Nurses Association will administer the fund while supporting the Yukon Nurses Alliance in developing policies and processes required to take on full administration.
This transition reflects the evolving mandates of both organizations. The Yukon Registered Nurses Association’s mandate focuses on patient safety, cultural safety and public protection, while the Yukon Nurses Alliance serves as the professional advocacy organization for all classes of licensed nurses in the territory.
By increasing funding and expanding eligibility, we are providing more Yukon nurses with access to the professional development opportunities to broaden their clinical expertise. This investment in health education opportunities for Yukon nurses helps them advance their careers and strengthen our health care system.
As professionals, nurses are committed to life-long learning and continuous improvement in their practice. We remain grateful to the Yukon government for providing substantial funding to support professional development for nurses in the Yukon. We are delighted to see this funding grow and for access to the funding to be broadened to all disciplines of nursing.
This transition represents an important step toward a more sustainable and supported nursing profession in Yukon through continuing education. The Yukon Nurses Alliance is committed to stewarding the Continuing Nurse Education Fund – CNEF – with transparency, accountability and an equitable focus once the transition is complete. Expanding the CNEF to include all licensed nurses reflects our commitment to professional excellence and a united nursing voice in the Yukon. We thank the Government of Yukon and the Yukon Registered Nurses Association for their collaboration and support, and we look forward to working closely to ensure a thoughtful transition.
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The Continuing Nurse Education Fund supports Yukon nurses pursuing continuing education and professional development.
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Eligibility for the fund is intended to expand from registered nurses and nurse practitioners to now include licensed practical nurses and registered psychiatric nurses.
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A transition period is planned to begin April 1, 2026, pending final agreements.
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During the transition period, the Yukon Registered Nurses Association would continue administering the fund while supporting the Yukon Nurses Alliance in preparing to assume full administration.
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Funding for the program will increase to $225,000 in the 2026–27 fiscal year to support expanded access.
Tim Kucharuk
Press secretary, Cabinet Communications
867-335-2419
[email protected]
Ayodeji Awobamise
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-332-8342
[email protected]
Amanda Leslie
Mosaic Communications for Yukon Registered Nurses Association
867-334-4770
[email protected]
Tia Albers
Vice chair, Yukon Nursing Alliance
[email protected]
[email protected]