Home / Crime and Justice / Yukon Govt Fights Human Rights Ruling on Midwifery
Yukon Govt Fights Human Rights Ruling on Midwifery
4 Mar
Summary
- Yukon government appeals human rights decision on midwifery access.
- Woman awarded over $36,000 for discrimination in midwifery services.
- Government claims board erred in law regarding discrimination.
The Yukon government is taking its case to the territory's Supreme Court, seeking to overturn a Human Rights Board of Adjudication decision. This ruling found the government discriminated against a Whitehorse woman by preventing her access to midwifery services through its policies.
In January, the board ordered the government to pay the woman more than $36,000 for general damages, a record amount for the territory. The government contends the board "erred in law" by determining their actions constituted discrimination.
The situation began in 2021 when new midwifery regulations were introduced without an established program, creating a service gap. The complainant alleged systemic discrimination on the basis of sex due to these policies.
The board found Marsha Cooke was discriminated against, stating she was "deprived of her inherent dignity and worth." While not making a formal finding of systemic discrimination, the board noted the Yukon Human Rights Act's definition is "not particularly helpful."
