The COVID-19 Recovery Re-search Program concluded earlier this month with a public Research Results Summit held in Whitehorse.

The program was launched in November 2020 by the federal and Yukon governments.

The aim was to gather the information needed to support the Yukon’s strategic recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With $1 million in financial support from Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, the Yukon government has supported 10 project teams in successfully completing research that addresses Yukon-specific research questions.

The projects examined the impacts of the pandemic and pandemic response on Yukon First Nations, youth, businesses, teachers, health care professionals, and communities.

It also explored the implications of this research for pandemic recovery and future emergency response planning.

Much of the research was partnership-based and community-led, with nine of the 10 successful projects being led by or in partnership with Yukon-based governments, academics and organizations.

Three of the projects were led by or in partnership with Yukon First Nations governments and organizations – which, the government said, showcased the strength and value of Indigenous-led research and advancing reconciliation in research.

At the summit, researchers shared the results of their work in a public forum and discussed how to apply the learning to programs and decisions.

The projects were designed to increase understanding of the social, cultural, environmental, economic and health impacts of COVID-19, and of the response to the pandemic, and addressed gaps in research and data specific to the Yukon.

The research outcomes will support the territory’s recovery from the direct and indirect impacts of the pandemic.

It’s expected to help the Yukon and federal governments, First Nations and other sectors plan for future health-related emergencies.

“As we navigate the aftermath of the pandemic, it is crucial that we understand the influence of COVID-19 and our joint actions during this crisis on our personal lives, businesses and communities,” Premier Ranj Pillai said last Friday.

“This understanding plays a vital role in adopting an informed approach towards recovery and emergency preparedness.

“Thank you to the research teams for their dedicated efforts in providing the Yukon with valuable evidence and recommendations.

“These insights not only guide our government but also assist other governments and sectors in collaboratively addressing the lingering effects and devising strategies for upcoming challenges and opportunities.”

Dan Vandal, the federal minister of Northern Affairs and the Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and CanNor, added, “No matter where we found ourselves in Canada, the pandemic impacted us all, but it also exacerbated many existing challenges in communities across the North and Arctic.

“Now, with clear evidence and recommendations gathered through the COVID-19 Recovery Research Program, Yukon’s, and Canada’s, strategic recovery from the impacts of the pandemic will be better informed for future emergency response planning.

“We made sure Canadians had the immediate support they needed, and we’ve made new, long-term investments to improve the health care system, plan for future health emergencies and support research,” Vandal added.

“I want to thank both the research teams for their excellent work and the Government of Yukon for its continued leadership.”

As the territory’s former chief medical health officer, said Yukon MP Brendan Hanley, “it was an honour to serve Yukoners during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As we move forward, I am confident that the findings of the COVID-19 Research Recovery Program will help us prepare, as we must, not just for the next pandemic but for any other public health emergency that we could face in the future.”

Each project received up to approximately $91,050 in total funding.

The program development was guided by a leadership team comprised of a group of leaders from the Yukon government, First Nations organizations and academia.

The group identified thematic priorities, program objectives, guiding principles and evaluation criteria and guided funding decisions.

“I am deeply appreciative of the immense effort put forth by our researchers and community leaders in advancing our understanding of the complex impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Health and Social Services Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee.

“Their work goes beyond statistics and figures, diving into the profound social, economic, and health implications experienced by Yukoners.

“Moving forward, these research outcomes will help enable us to strategize and implement recovery plans that will be both informed and sensitive to the needs of the Yukon.

“I commend this initiative and all those who work hard every day to improve the health and well-being of every Yukoner.”

The program’s strong focus on Indigenous-led research, Indigenous methods and Indigenous knowledge, values and perspectives support the advancement of reconciliation in research.

The launch of the COVID-19 Recovery Research Program supported many of the goals and objectives identified in Canada’s Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, particularly those that support the inclusion of local knowledge and understanding in decision-making.

Launched in 2019 and co-developed with Indigenous representatives and six territorial and provincial governments, Canada’s Arctic and Northern Policy Framework is a long-term vision for the Arctic and the North which reflects the priorities and perspectives of Arctic and northern people.

The COVID-19 Recovery Research Program objectives were to:

provide evidence that informs decision-making and planning, and contributes to the broader COVID-19 recovery efforts in Yukon;

ensure Indigenous knowledge, values and perspectives, Indigenous knowledge keepers and Indigenous researchers are reflected in the governance of this program and in the funded research projects;

strengthen understanding of COVID-19 impacts and recovery pathways for individuals, businesses, governments and communities in Yukon;

enhance the capacity of the Yukon’s science community by providing opportunities for local researchers, emphasizing the role of Indigenous knowledge keepers and researchers, and attracting outside expertise to Yukon; and

increase co-ordination, networking and partnerships between researchers and decision-makers.

“The results look beyond the direct impacts of COVID-19 on our health, to reflect on the broader impacts of the pandemic, as well as of our collective response to the pandemic, on mental well-being, service provision, front-line workers, government relationships, businesses and more,” the Yukon government said.

People interested in learning more can contact the Office of the Science Advisor at osa@gov.yk.ca for more information.