Yukoners Demand Minister Mostyn Address Unfair Treatment as Raven Recentre’s Petition Gains Momentum
Ombudsman investigation officially launched as #RallyForRaven petition calling for government transparency surpasses 300 signatures
A petition calling on Community Services Minister Richard Mostyn to address the Yukon Government’s unfair treatment of Raven ReCentre has gained significant momentum, with over 300 Yukoners adding their signatures in the first days of circulation. The petition, which will be tabled in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday March 13 by Yukon NDP Leader Kate White, demands transparency regarding the government's decision to exclude Raven from processing community depot recycling materials.
“Yukoners have until 5pm on Wednesday March 12 to make their voices heard on this issue,” says Shannon Powell, Executive Director of Raven ReCentre. “The support we've received already demonstrates that people recognize the importance of maintaining a fair recycling system in the territory, rather than creating a government-sanctioned monopoly.”
The petition comes as the Yukon Ombudsman has opened an investigation into Raven’s complaint. In a March 7 letter, the Ombudsman’s office confirmed the Informal Case Resolution (ICR) investigation will examine whether Community Services followed proper processes and if there was “unfairness in respect of the Department of Community Services’ interactions with Raven Recycling regarding the processing of non-refundable materials.”
The petition specifically asks the Yukon Government to:
Publicly disclose the reasons behind removing Raven from the recycling transportation contract without notice
Amend Raven’s transfer payment agreement to include community depot recycling materials
Restore Raven to the transportation contract
Inform community depots they can once again send materials to Raven
“This arbitrary decision jeopardizes over $350,000 in annual funding that supports our 30 employees and numerous community programs,” Powell explains. “Despite having contracts to process recycling for over 70 Yukon businesses, including government departments, we were suddenly excluded from processing community materials without explanation.”
Powell also addressed media reports referencing a single email from a former employee. “The government’s selective use of one email is misleading and ignores months of subsequent communications,” Powell said. “Since that time, Raven has repeatedly and clearly expressed our interest in continuing to process community depot materials through numerous meetings, emails, and formal contract negotiations. To suggest we aren’t interested in this material based on one outdated email is disingenuous, bordering on bad faith, and contradicts the documented record of our consistent communications with the government.”
Raven has attempted more than 34 communications with Community Services since May 2024. While recent meetings with government representatives have occurred, Powell says there's been no indication they’re willing to address concerns about community depot material. Despite the increasing visibility and urgency of the issue, Minister Mostyn has so far made no comment.
WHERE TO SIGN:
100 Galena Road, 9am - 5pm, M-F
Yukoners can sign the petition at Raven ReCentre during regular business hours (9am to 5pm) until the Wednesday deadline. Organizations interested in hosting a petition sheet are encouraged to contact Raven directly, and Yukoners with mobility requirements are encouraged to reach out for the petition to be brought to them.
We need your support!
It’s time to #RallyForRaven.
About Raven ReCentre
Created in 1989 by a group of volunteers who wanted to see recycling happen in the Yukon, Raven now acts as a recycling and reuse hub for the entire Territory. Raven’s vision is prosperous sustainable communities within the regional and global ecosystems. Raven’s goal is to achieve Zero Waste in the Yukon. Raven is separate from all levels of government and does not receive core government funding.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Ben Charland
Communications and Media Relations
Raven ReCentre
403-462-0034 | communications@ravenrecentre.org
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