Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel announced the $6.6 million during a Wednesday morning press conference at the BYTE — Empowering Youth Society building in Whitehorse.
The funds will go towards the territory's Integrated Youth Services project
Alexa MacKie · CBC News
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A hub and mobile unit for youth mental health services in Yukon has received millions in federal funding.
Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel announced $6.6-million in spending during a Wednesday morning news conference at the BYTE — Empowering Youth Society building in Whitehorse.
"Having met with many youth and young adults across the country and in Whitehorse, I am hearing your voices," Michel said. "I know you can access better care and early intervention in ways you need it the most."
Health Canada previously announced the money in a news release in March of this year.
Funds for Whitehorse hub, mobile unit
The funds will go toward the territory's integrated youth services project, which BYTE will operate.
A physical hub in Whitehorse will connect youth with services for mental health, housing, employment and education under one roof, Michel told reporters.
It is set to become the first integrated youth services hub established in Canada's territories.
"Those who are hesitant to seek help, who are navigating difficult times, will have a place to turn when they need it most," she added.
A mobile wellness unit staffed by mental health professionals will also deliver services to rural and remote communities across the territory.
BYTE is aiming to launch the two programs in the summer of 2027, according to wellness director Abbey Gartner, who also spoke at the news conference.
She added that the Yukon organization has toured other integrated youth service spaces across Canada, and is meeting with youth in the territory to learn what they want to see in the new hub.
The organization also hopes to have an Indigenous elder in residence to provide cultural services and medicine.
Youth mental health issues on the rise
Youth between 12 and 24 years old experience the highest rates of mental health and substance use challenges across the country, Gartner said.
The Kids Help Phone found that a record number of youth in Yukon are staying up at night and calling the non-profit for mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts.
The territory saw a 64 per cent increase during the first six months of this year compared to the same time last year.
"Without support, youth and their families can face unnecessary struggles, missed opportunities and long-term impacts to their well-being," Gartner said. "The last thing that you should have to do is face a complicated system on your own."
Corrections
A previous version of this story said the $6.6 million announced Wednesday was new. In fact, Health Canada announced the funding in March.
Aug 20, 2026 12:57 PM EDT
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alexa MacKie is a multimedia journalist and a recipient of the 2026 CBC summer scholarship. She is reporting and associate producing at CBC Yukon in Whitehorse. She previously worked at The Current. Alexa has also worked for The Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star, the Ottawa Citizen and others. She has an honours bachelor's degree in journalism and law from Carleton University.
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