Former Yukon Premier Dennis Fentie Passes Away

Friday, 30 August 2019 13:55

Dennis Fentie has passed away at the age of 68 (photo courtesy of The Canadian Encyclopedia)

Former Yukon Premier Dennis Fentie has passed away at the age of 68.

Former Yukon Premier Dennis Fentie has passed away after a battle with cancer.

Fentie was first elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1996 for Watson Lake when he was a member of the NDP. He later switched sides to join the Yukon Party when he formed a majority government in 2002. He remained premier until 2011.

Reaction

In a statement, the city of Whitehorse has announced flags will be at half-mast at their facilities in honour of his memory.

Tributes also poured in this morning from Yukon politicians and leaders. A statement from the Yukon Party says:

“It is with great sadness the Yukon Party has learned of the passing of Dennis Fentie this morning. A hard working premier who always had the best interests of Yukon at heart, Dennis was, above all else, a great friend to all of us and he will be sincerely missed. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family."

Premier Sandy Silver also issued a statement on the passing, saying "Mr. Fentie was a respected leader who served as Yukon's Premier for nearly a decade... (he) had an immeasurable impact on the territory and all Yukoners."

Fentie was the territory's 7th premier.

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