Education Minister Scott Kent responds to questions over late school bus cancellation notices in the Legislative Assembly on Dec. 10, 2025. Screenshot courtesy of Macklen Linke/Yukon Assembly.
Whitehorse, YT – Yukon’s education minister is apologizing after delayed school bus cancellation notices left some students waiting outside in –40 C temperatures yesterday.
NDP Leader Kate White pressed the government in the legislature, noting there have been nearly 200 cancellations so far this school year and warning that poor communication is putting students at risk.
Education Minister Scott Kent acknowledged the problem and said the department “created unnecessary stress and anxiety” by sharing inaccurate and late information about weather-related disruptions.
He says he has directed the department to improve communication immediately and to work with contractor Standard Bus on longer-term fixes after the holidays.
“Let me be clear: schools will remain open during cold weather, and school buses will continue to provide safe and reliable transportation for students,” said Kent in a statement.
White told reporters she’s glad the minister is pushing the department to act, but says the Yukon government remains responsible for keeping students safe.
“If a parent isn’t notified that a bus is being cancelled, how can a family or caregiver react? It goes back to the responsibility of the Yukon government,” said White. “They’ve contracted out the bus company, but they are ultimately responsible.”
