Political round up March 31

Wednesday, 31 March 2021 15:35

By Dylan MacNeil

Yukon Party leader Currie Dixon Speaks to media to release his party's Action for a Change platform.

Here is everything you need to know about Yukon politics today.

The Yukon Party released their full platform this morning.

Leader Currie Dixon made a point to make the announcement at Woodcutter’s Blanket, a restaurant in downtown Whitehorse, because the hospitality industry has been so hard hit by COVID-19.

The platform is being called Action for a Change, and it focusses on three things, economic recovery, supporting Yukon families, and safe and growing communities.

The Yukon party says, if they form the next government, they will work with public health professionals to provide a plan for a safe re-opening of the territory, support businesses coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, and address climate change by investing in green energy, ending the practice of renting diesel generators for back up capacity, and building a new liquefied natural gas generator in Whitehorse.

Dixon says as the election draws closer, his focus is making sure Yukoners understand his party’s vision.

“Now that we have our platform out, our focus is communicating what our vision is to Yukoners. We believe that we have the best plan for the territory. We believe our plan is the only one that creates a truly universal support for child care. Our plan will cut or reduce energy costs, make life more affordable. We want to freeze power rates, we want to address our energy future, and we want to get through this pandemic. We need to sit down with the chief medical officer of health and create a clear path forward for the territory to chart a path forward to re-opening safely for Yukoners. So, between now and election day, myself and my team and all of our volunteers will be out connecting with Yukoners and presenting our vision for what the next four years is going to look like.” Says Dixon.

Later in the afternoon the party issued a press release saying if they form the next government, they will work with community health leaders in Watson Lake and Upper Liard and with Liard First Nation to examine the needs for community- based addictions treatment options and develop a path forward.

The Yukon Party’s full platform can be read on Yukonparty.ca

The Yukon Liberals say if they are re-elected, they will permanently protect MacIntyre Creek.

The party says they will work with the city of Whitehorse, Kwanlin Dün First Nation, the Ta'an Kwach'an Council, local residents, and Yukon University to set aside land for the creation of MacIntyre Creek Park.

“There are many reasons why preserving this area is important. Permanently protecting MacIntyre Creek helps slow biodiversity loss in the Yukon, protects wildlife areas, and ensures that animals stay connected across the Yukon. At the same time, having a natural space where people of all ages and abilities can get to by walking, cycling, public transportation, or other means connects people to nature.” Says Porter Creek South candidate Ranj Pillai,

The Party says they will focus on the area south of Fish Lake down to the Yukon River.

The NDP say if they form the next government, they will cover basic dentist visits and prescription medication for those without coverage.

Leader Kate White says universal healthcare shouldn’t stop at your mouth.

“Canada is the only country with a universal public healthcare plan that doesn’t also have universal drug coverage. Your medication is part of your health, and teeth are part of your health. To save people money and make sure no one goes without the medication or dental care that they need, we’re going to close those gaps.” Says White.

White made the announcement this morning along side Mount Lorne-Southern Lakes candidate Erik Pinkerton.

The territorial election will take place on April 12.

More from CHON-FM Northern News

Whitehorse Emergency Shelter Sees Another Tragic Death, Family Demands Answers

Bailey's biological father also died at the shelter in 2021, and she claims that the shelter's staff provided conflicting accounts of the circumstances surrounding the death of her Step father.
Yukon Risks Blackouts This Winter as Hydro Power Plant Undergoes Repairs

The Aishihik turbine was critically damaged in October, and repair work is not expected to be completed until spring.
Yukon government accused of budgeting interference

Letters from three independent officers of the assembly question Management Board for changing budgets after approval.
Liard First Nation chief has lost confidence, been suspended by his community

LFN citizens who attended a public meeting Tuesday in Watson Lake overwhelmingly sided with the Deputy Chief and Council members who drafted a resolution to have Chief Stephen Charlie suspended from his duties
Liard First Nation Employees Fired After Advocating for Change

Emeral Poppe and Diana Lee Jimmy have been vocal advocates for change within Liard First Nation, raising concerns over transparency.
YFNED kicks off fifth-annual winter hamper program

"We try to support local as much as we can." - YFNED Acting Director of First Nation Initiatives Kim Rumley
Broken generator at Aishihik Generating Station puts pressure on the Yukon's electricity grid

The 12-megawatt generator failed due to a part malfunction, according to the Yukon Energy Corporation
Intergovernmental Forum takes place in Ottawa - not Yukon - for second year running

Forum discussed collaborative approaches to funding the implementation of Final and Self-Government Agreements.
Suspected contamination at the abandoned Wolverine Mine: Yukon government

The Yukon government has been addressing water treatment issues at the site since the mine's abandonment in 2015
Food For Fines Campaign Returns to Whitehors

Eligible tickets include: Expired parking meter fines, and Two-hour zone fines.
Yukon First Nations leadership and Yukon government leadership meet for 30th Yukon Forum

This was the third Yukon Forum of 2024. The last will be the Intergovernmental Forum in Ottawa in December.
Shot in the Dark Productions premiered two films at the Yukon Arts Centre

Shot in the Dark Productions believes puppets can captivate both children and adults, conveying important environmental science themes through entertainment.
Former Connective staff acquitted of sexual assault and exploitation charges

Judge Gurmail Gill found Omale not guilty due to inconsistencies in the complainant's testimony and lack of forensic evidence.
Whitehorse RCMP officers to start using body-worn cameras

The Yukon RCMP adopts body-worn cameras to bolster trust, accountability, and transparency in its community services
Whitehorse Community Thrift Store volunteers stop work following store manager's termination by its board of directors.

Thrift store society founder Karen Weinberg says the manager was fired for raising safety concerns.
Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin, Yukon NDP blast Yukon government for delays in Dawson Regional Land Use Plan

“Every day this plan doesn’t get done is another day of status quo for the mining industry. It’s starting to feel like this is by design.” - Yukon NDP Leader Kate White
Newly elected Whitehorse Mayor and Council sworn into office

Mayor Kirk Cameron and Councillors Anne Middler, Dan Boyd, Lenore Morris, Eileen Melynchuk, Jenny Hamilton, and Paolo Gallina have taken their oaths of office.
2024 Yukon River fall chum salmon run records dismal numbers

The Porcupine River revealed alarmingly low numbers, with 16,275 and 8,368 fish recorded
Trial of Former Connective residential support worker accused of sexually assaulting a vulnerable client commenced in Whitehorse territorial court on Monday.

Omale, 38 has pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual assault and sexual exploitation of a person with a disability stemming from September 2023.
Whitehorse residents join Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition's Actions for Accountability Rally

Dozens of people marked Poverty and Homelessness Accountability week with a walk to the Jim Smith building, where the mother of a homeless man spent the night camping in the parking lot.