The Yukon NDP is condemning the Liberal government’s decision to “quietly end” an essential public meal program that provided dinner service at the Family Hotel to Yukoners in need.

“The government first tried to shut down this meal program in 2020,” the NDP said in a statement late last week.

“After public backlash, the government was forced to reverse their decision and keep the program open.

“The Liberal government is abruptly ending this program again, without notifying clients or service providers.”

Due to the timing of this program closing, the NDP added, “holiday food programs were able to temporarily fill the gap. This means clients and service providers didn’t learn it had been cancelled until now.”

“There are many Yukoners who relied on this particular food program – and now they are left with one less resource for food security,” said Annie Blake, the NDP MLA for Vuntut Gwitchin.

“The government’s decision to suddenly end this food program is reckless and harmful to our community.”

Just weeks after ending the program, the NDP noted, the government reported a $55-million surplus.

“While people continue to struggle to put food on the table due to skyrocketing costs, the Liberals are turning their backs on those in need,” MLA Blake added.

The NDP is calling on the government to support Yukoners through the ongoing affordability crisis and to immediately restart the meal program.

In a statement the Star requested, cabinet commuications staff said Friday the government created an evening meal program during the COVID-19 pandemic to promote social distancing.

“The Yukon government is now integrating COVID-19 services into existing programs, as outlined in Charting the Course: Living with and managing COVID-19,” the statement said.

Prior to Oct. 1, 2022 and the transfer of operations at the 405 Alexander St. shelter for the homeless to the Connections organization, the government had been offering breakfast and lunch drop-in options at that location.

Dinner was available to guests and in emergency situations.

“We continue to support and have ongoing discussions about the needs and programs at 405 Alexander with Connective,” the statement said.

“To help with the rising cost of living in the Yukon, the government has provided additional funds to people receiving social assistance, the senior income supplement, and pioneer utility grants.

“We understand the importance of long-term food security. As part of our response to Putting People First and Our Clean Future, we have committed $100,000 to support community food networks in the Yukon and are looking at ways to provide food aid throughout the territory.”

The government is also reviewing social assistance rates as part of Putting People First, the statement noted.

As well, in late 2022, the government also announced a firewood rebate program and ensured that federal inflation benefits are not counted as income when determining eligibility for assistance.