Raven Recentre Excluded from Community Recycling by Yukon Government Without Notice or Consultation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 18, 2025
Ben Charland, Communications
403-462-0034 communications@ravenrecentre.org
Ombudsman assessing formal complaint into government's actions as 35-year recycling partnership faces unprecedented disruption
The Yukon Ombudsman is assessing if it will investigate the Government of Yukon’s sudden and unilateral decision to exclude Raven ReCentre from processing recyclable materials from community depots. This decision, made without notice or consultation, threatens the organization’s operations and contradicts decades of successful partnership in the territory’s recycling system.
“After 35 years of serving Yukoners and building recycling infrastructure across the territory, we were shocked to discover through an Access to Information request that the government had quietly removed Raven mid-contract from its approved drop-off list,” says Shannon Powell, executive director of Raven ReCentre. “This action jeopardizes over $350,000 in annual funding that supports our 30 employees and non-profit community programs, and it eliminates choice for community depots that have worked with us since their inception.”
Despite Raven’s inclusion as an approved processor in the “Load and Transport Recyclable Materials” tender, Community Services staff have directed transport companies and community depots to use only one processor since September 2024. The government made this change through a contract modification on October 21, 2024, without informing Raven or providing an opportunity to respond.
“The government's actions may violate their own procurement policies,” Powell says. “But more concerning is the impact on Yukoners. We provide essential community services including school tours, educational presentations, student job shadowing, and workshops across the territory. The financial strain from this arbitrary decision puts these programs at risk.”
Raven continues to process recycling for over 70 Yukon businesses, including government departments and corporations. “To suggest we are somehow not processing material in the territory contradicts reality and the government's own statements,” Powell says. “During the October 2024 Budget Opposition Briefing, Community Services’ Deputy Minister confirmed that Yukon uses ‘two processors (Raven and P&M) as we do and always have.’”
Raven ReCentre has made multiple attempts since May 2024 to engage with Community Services, including directly with Minister Mostyn. Unfortunately, after over 34 emails with limited response and months of unclear or absent communication, Raven has been forced to seek external oversight into procedural fairness through the Ombudsman.
“We remain committed to working towards a resolution that serves all Yukoners,” Powell says. “But after months of being stonewalled, we need answers. Why is the government attempting to dismantle a recycling partnership that has served Yukoners well for over three decades?”
Executive Director Shannon Powell in front of Raven ReCentre’s processing equipment in operation. Feb 17, 2025.
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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