Premier Darrell Pasloski is defending Community Services Minister Brad Cathers after Whitehorse city council’s call for his removal as minister of Community Services and the Yukon Housing Corp.

Pasloski issued the Yukon Party caucus release Wednesday afternoon.

It came nearly a full two days after council’s unanimous resolution had passed Monday evening, with the premier arguing the government works as a team.

“We presented ourselves as a team during the 2011 election campaign and that’s exactly what we continue to deliver to Yukoners,” he said. “Our team, including minister Brad Cathers, has worked together to accomplish great things to date, and there’s more to come.

“There may be disagreements from time to time, but it’s essential to keep the discussion professional and respectful and not to personalize debate.”

During discussion on the resolution Monday night, council members pointed to what they see as a clear lack of co-operation from the minister.

Mayor Dan Curtis argued for a new minister willing to work more effectively in partnership with municipalities than Cathers has proved able to do.

A major issue cited was the Yukon government’s June cancellation of three projects to build rental housing in Whitehorse that would have been subsidized under the Northern Housing Trust fund.

A number of organizations – including the Association of Yukon Communities – have spoken out against the cancellation of the projects arguing affordable housing is needed in the city.

“It is disappointing that the mayor and council have chosen to take this unusual approach, especially when our government has worked hard to ensure a co-operative and open relationship with the City of Whitehorse and other municipalities,” Cathers said in Wednesday’s statement.

“For example, a city representative attended a meeting on Monday in regard to housing, and we have a meeting with the city on Friday to discuss a number of topics.

“I continue to be more than willing to work further with the city and other municipalities on the range of challenging issues that face Yukon people and communities, including housing.”

The release goes on to point out the territory has put more than $100 million into housing initiatives since 2008.

It cites such recent investments as Betty’s Haven second-stage housing for women and children fleeing domestic abuse, support for the Salvation Army’s shelter and transitional housing, a new expanded youth shelter and seniors’ residences throughout the territory.

“The government is also continuing to work with partners to determine the best ways to invest in Northern Housing Trust funds in order to meet the housing needs of Yukoners,” the statement reads.

A list of various housing initiatives dating back to 2007 makes note of such projects as:

• the athletes’ village for the 2007 Canada Winter Games built at Yukon College and now used as seniors’ housing and a student residence;

• single-parent housing in Riverdale;

• the donation of lots to Habitat For Humanity; and

• a children’s receiving home in the downtown area.