Yukon Liberal Party Public News

Premier's Community Tour Missing in Action?

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 18:11:00 GMT

Whitehorse: Official Opposition Leader Arthur Mitchell is surprised by the Premier’s silence about plans for a 2010 Community Tour. The tour dates are traditionally announced in late summer and the meetings provide Yukoners an opportunity to speak directly to the Premier and his Cabinet.

“This has been an annual undertaking by every Yukon government dating back to the late 1990’s at least,” Mitchell said. “The Fentie/Taylor government should be informing Yukoners one away or another about this year’s tour.”

While meeting with Yukoners over the summer months Mitchell said he has heard a long list of issues that need to be addressed by the Premier and his colleagues. While there are different priorities in each part of the territory he says the issue of good government is on the mind of many individuals he has spoken with in recent weeks.

“It could be a matter of the Premier not wanting to hear what people have to say,” he commented. “There’s a great deal of lingering anger over the proposed Yukon Energy Corporation sell-off, the interference in the Peel planning process, the huge debt the government is piling onto Yukoners and the Premier’s $36 million ABCP fiasco. Yukoners no longer trust this government and that message will be delivered loud and clear to the government if a community tour goes ahead.”

The annual tour is usually wrapped up before the beginning of the fall legislative sitting.

“Given the tour takes two months and the usual late October start date of the fall sitting we are almost past that deadline already,” he said. “This is another instance of the Premier treating Yukoners on a need to know basis instead of being forthcoming and keeping people informed.”

Mitchell said he supports giving Yukoners earlier notice of when the legislature will convene.

“The Legislature should not convene based on what dates are politically favourable to the Premier,” says Mitchell. “The Legislature should convene in the best interests of the public, so that their MLAs can most effectively represent their interests.”

For additional information contact: Jason Cunning 667-8942

No Reason to Delay By-Election Says Mitchell

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 21:06:00 GMT

Whitehorse – Whitehorse Centre residents deserve to have an MLA in place when the legislature resumes for its annual fall sitting, says Official Opposition Leader Arthur Mitchell. Mitchell is responding to suggestions made last week by Premier Fentie that residents should be content to be represented by the government.

“Instead of spending his time figuring out what’s best for the Fentie/Taylor government, the Premier should be allowing residents to pick their own representative as soon as possible,” Mitchell said. “This is another example of the autocratic, ‘father knows best’ attitude that prevails in the corner office. There is no good reason to leave the seat vacant.”

Fentie employed similar stalling tactics in 2005 when a by-election was needed in Copperbelt to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of former Yukon Party MLA Haakon Arntzen.

“First the government delayed the resignation itself for several months then waited another month to call the election,” Mitchell explained. “The result was that voters had no voice for months, including the first half of the fall session that year. Let’s hope this scenario is not repeated in 2010.”

Mitchell said downtown residents have been telling him they will be disappointed if the Premier makes a decision on an election date based on political considerations.

“This is currently a very unpopular regime that has lost the most important bond any government has with voters and that is trust,” Mitchell said. “No amount of stalling will change the fortunes of the Yukon Party. Whenever it happens this by-election will be a referendum on the government and voters deserve that chance sooner rather than later.”

Contact: Jason Cunning 667-8942

Statement by the Yukon Liberal Caucus on the Death of MLA Todd Hardy

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 21:05:00 GMT

Whitehorse – Liberal Leader Arthur Mitchell made the following statement today regarding the death of MLA Todd Hardy:

“My colleagues and I were deeply saddened to hear of Todd’s passing. He was a strong advocate for the causes he believed in, particularly championing the rights of the least fortunate in our society. His family can be proud of his many accomplishments in public life and his contributions will be missed. In particular, his leadership and dedication to Habitat for Humanity demonstrated his passion and character.

On behalf of the Yukon Liberal Caucus I offer our condolences to his wife Louise, their children and their granddaughter. Our thoughts are also with his caucus colleagues.”

For additional information contact: Jason Cunning – 667-8942

Sandy Silver Acclaimed as Klondike Liberal Candidate

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 21:52:00 GMT

Dawson City: The Klondike Liberals have acclaimed Sandy Silver as their candidate for the next election. Mr. Silver, a long-term Dawson City resident, declared his intention to run for the Liberals earlier this summer, citing a desire to improve communications between Klondike residents and the Yukon Government. His candidacy was affirmed at a Klondike Liberal Riding Association’s meeting on June 30th.

“I am honoured to have been selected as Klondike’s next Liberal candidate,” Silver said today. “Dawson is a vibrant, tightly-knit community, and I'm eager to work together for our shared priorities.”

Darius Elias, MLA for Vuntut Gwitchin, witnessed Silver’s acclamation. “Sandy clearly has his community’s support,” he said. “It is his enthusiasm for the Klondike’s issues and people that has prompted him to enter public service, and the Liberal team has every confidence in him.”

Silver is the first non-incumbent to be confirmed as a Liberal candidate in the next territorial election, which must take place by October, 2011. In other ridings, Kerry Huff and Doug Graham have announced they will seek the Liberal nomination in Porter Creek Centre and Porter Creek North, respectively. More announcements are expected in the months to come.

“We have a strong Liberal team going forward into the next election, with strong potential candidates coming forward,” Liberal Party President Kirk Cameron confirmed, “and we are glad to have Sandy on board.

The Klondike Liberals will next focus on identifying key issues for the riding, building an internet presence, and connecting with the community. They continue to welcome new volunteers.

For further information contact Michael Edwards at 867-993-5835.

PR and Raises Are Higher Priorities than Cancer Navigator

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 21:55:00 GMT

Whitehorse – Continuing the cancer navigator program at Whitehorse General Hospital should be a no-brainer, says Official Opposition Leader Arthur Mitchell. Yukoners recently learned though the media that the Yukon Party government had chosen to cut funding to this program.

“With a billion dollar budget at his disposal, there is no reason in the world for the Finance Minister not to fund this important program,” said Mitchell. “After including it in the 2009 budget speech it appeared the government saw the merit of a program like this. We are shocked to see it fall off the priority list.”

Mitchell said he is disappointed to see other items funded at the expense of the cancer navigator program.

“We learned last fall the hospital corporation was spending $80,000 on a P.R. campaign to defend the Premier’s pet projects in Watson Lake and Dawson City. Just weeks ago Yukoners learned the chair of the board had been given a massive raise,” he said. ‘I guess these are the priorities of the Yukon Party government. P.R. and raises for former campaign managers are more important than providing service to people suffering from cancer.”

When the project was first announced by the Minister of Health in 2009 he told local media “cancer can be very overwhelming for patients and their families” and said “the navigator will assist in making that journey smoother.”

“It’s very disappointing see the Health Minister backing away from his commitment,” Mitchell said. “The Minister should be making the case to his boss to keep this funding going instead of simply agreeing to this budget cut.”

Mitchell said he believes the cut is part of a larger exercise that is necessary because of the Premier’s ‘go for broke’ spending plans.

“Operations funding is tight throughout the government because the Premier has blown the budget on big ticket capital items as we move closer to the next election,” he said. “Departments are feeling the squeeze because the Yukon Party government has made long term commitments that Yukon taxpayers can not afford.”

For additional information contact: Jason Cunning – 667-8942

Yukoners Not Getting Full Story on Bonds, says Mitchell

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 17:55:00 GMT

Whitehorse - Premier Dennis Fentie’s sugar-coated version of events surrounding the recent issue of $100 million of bonds by the Yukon Development Corporation means Yukoners are not getting the full story, says Official Opposition Leader Arthur Mitchell.

“The most important information missing from the Premier’s rose coloured view of the arrangement is the fact Yukoners will be paying $150 million in interest over the 30 year life of the bond,” Mitchell pointed out. “This is going to be a very expensive loan that Yukoners will be paying for long after the Premier has been retired from office. It will tie the hands of future governments and limit their ability to provide other services to Yukoners.”

Mitchell also pointed out that despite the Premier’s boasting about the credit rating the Yukon received the bonds still had to offer a premium to investors to ensure they sold.

“In order to ensure investors bought the bonds we had to promise them higher interest than other investments in the market place, higher interest payments that will be paid by ratepayers and Yukon taxpayers until 2040,” he said. “The much ballyhooed credit rating didn’t really buy us a top-notch interest rate.”

Another important question ignored by the Premier is how the government plans to pay back the $100 million principal when the bond comes due, or whether the government has even considered the question.

“Does the government plan to set aside money each year to pay back the principal or is the plan to borrow again when the bond comes due or has the Premier even thought that far ahead,” Mitchell asked. “Yukoners deserve an answer and they have not yet received one from the corner office.”

The Premier’s communication plan for the bond issue is typical of the lack of transparency that the Fentie/Taylor government is well known for, said Mitchell.

“Similar to the ABCP debacle and the Yukon Energy privatization plan, the Premier has refused to be upfront with Yukoners and only shares information with the public he is supposed to serve on a need to know basis,” he said. “Yukoners are looking for a government that is transparent and will tell them the truth.”

The $100 million bond is part of the Premier’s larger ‘go for broke’ approach to governing that also includes $67 million in loans taken out by the Yukon Hospital Corporation.

For additional information contact:
Jason Cunning – 667-8942

Klondike Liberals to Nominate Candidate

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 18:02:00 GMT

Dawson City - The Yukon Liberal Party announced today that a nomination meeting for the Klondike Liberal Riding Association will take place June 30th, 2010. At the meeting, the Association will determine who will represent the Klondike under the Liberal banner in the next territorial election.

In April, Sandy Silver, a Dawson City high school teacher and Yukoner of 14 years, announced that he would seek the nomination. He cited a desire to improve communication between Klondike residents and the territorial government as his reason for getting involved. “The way it works now, people get told by the government what is going to happen in their community,” Silver said today. “It’s time to turn that around and put our community interests first.”

Multiple Dawson City infrastructure projects have met with controversy due to the heavy-handed nature in which the territorial government is implementing them. New hospital and sewage treatment plant projects are being advanced despite community concerns.

As well, the territorial government has failed to resolve a long-standing land use dispute involving residential and mining interests within Dawson City. “All this,” says Silver, “makes it clear that Klondike residents need a strong voice taking their concerns to the territorial government.”

“The Liberal Party welcomes the Klondike Liberals’ nomination meeting,” says Party President Kirk Cameron. “Sandy’s commitment to his community, and his enthusiasm to represent Klondike’s interests, is obvious, and we wish him the best of luck on June 30th.”

Other Yukoners have also announced their intention to run for the Liberals in the next territorial election, which must take place by October, 2011. Kerry Huff and Doug Graham will seek the Liberal nomination in Porter Creek Centre and Porter Creek North, respectively. More announcements are expected in the weeks and months to come.

The nomination meeting will take place at Lot #2 Mary Macleod Road, Dawson City at 6PM on Wednesday, June 30th. Local members of the Yukon Liberal Party will be eligible to vote for the riding’s Liberal candidate.

For additional information contact:

Sandy Silver - (867) 993-5318

Open Letter re: Selling Off Yukon Housing Mortgage Portfolio

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 17:29:00 GMT

Open Letter to Hon. Jim Kenyon Re: Selling Off YHC Mortgage Portfolio

Dear Mr. Kenyon:

During the spring sitting of the Yukon Legislative Assembly the Liberal Caucus asked whether your government had plans to privatize the Yukon Housing Corporation’s mortgage portfolio which consists of more than 230 mortgages worth in excess of $40 million.

In your typical fashion, you vehemently denied there was any truth to this possible sell-off and mocked the Opposition’s questions as “outrageous”.

We didn’t believe your denials at the time and how could we on the heels of the Premier’s secret negotiations to sell-off our energy future to a private company from Alberta?

Documents obtained through Access to Information, after you refused to provide them willingly, have now validated our suspicions. Your government did in fact consider selling the portfolio to a private sector lending institution and examined transferring YHC mortgage clients to banks as discussed at a board meeting in August, 2009.

Part of our information request was denied pursuant to Section 15 of the ATIPP which covers discussions by cabinet and cabinet decisions. This in itself contradicts what you said in the legislature and confirms that privatizing YHC mortgages was examined at the political level of government. This implicates you, Mr. Kenyon, and your cabinet colleagues.

In the legislature you also refused to confirm the existence of YHC’s report that examined options for privatization. But the board minutes have confirmed the report does in fact exist.

The minutes also confirm a resolution was passed regarding options which could provide YHC with cash for operations, current liabilities and long term debt.

Yukoners might be quite concerned upon discovering your government is considering the transfer of their mortgages to a private sector institution. On their behalf, we ask you to respond to the following questions:

Why did you deny the mortgage portfolio sell-off was being considered?

Would you provide us with a copy of the YHC report and the resolution?

What action has been taken since last August on transferring this portfolio?

Sincerely,
Gary McRobb
MLA for Kluane

Liberals Urge Support for DreamCatcher Mentoring

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 21:55:00 GMT

Whitehorse: The Liberal Caucus is urging the Yukon Government to provide funding to keep a valuable career mentoring program for high school students in the territory. DreamCatcher Mentoring, which links northern students in grades nine through twelve to Canadian professionals in their dream careers, has been overwhelmed by demand and may have to withdraw services without government support. Despite the program’s success, the Yukon Government has refused DreamCatcher’s plea to fund a full-time Yukon administrator.

“This government has no problem spending money on education studies, but it has denied funding for this proven program, which is otherwise run entirely by volunteers,” says Eric Fairclough, Education Critic. “Since the program’s inception, over six hundred Yukon students have benefited from DreamCatcher Mentoring. In fact, this year’s Porter Creek Secondary School valedictorian participated in DreamCatcher.”

“The Liberal Caucus has met with DreamCatcher Executive Director Josh Silvertown to discuss his organization’s work in the Yukon,” adds Official Opposition Leader Arthur Mitchell. “DreamCatcher has successfully operated for over five years without territorial funding, but it cannot continue without support. We hope that the Yukon Government will reconsider its decision to deny funding.”

DreamCatcher Mentoring links high school students in northern Canada to volunteer mentors in a range of professions. Students learn about their desired careers directly from mentors already engaged in the field. Mentors are also encouraged to use their professional access to connect their mentee with helpful people, opportunities, and information; to advocate on behalf of their mentee for resources and recognition; and to provide advice on school, family, or social concerns. DreamCatcher mentors have included navy officers, photographers, entrepreneurs, doctors, and engineers.

The program was established in response to low high school graduations rates in the northern territories. According to a recent Auditor General report on the Yukon Department of Education, only 63% of Yukon students graduate, compared to 75% across Canada. The Auditor General also found that the Yukon Department of Education had no target graduation rate, did not compare Yukon students’ performance against those in other jurisdictions, and produced misleading graduation rate figures.

“This government has already been criticized by the Auditor General for low graduation rates,” Eric Fairclough says. “DreamCatcher Mentoring could leverage a modest investment to help keep kids in school and excited about their futures.”

For additional information contact:

Shay Smart 667-5081

Election Can't Come Soon Enough, says Mitchell

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 18:04:00 GMT

Whitehorse: As the spring sitting of the legislature wraps up the public is in the mood for an election, says Official Opposition Leader Arthur Mitchell.

“After watching this government try to spend its way to victory in the upcoming election, Yukoners are understandably concerned about the long term costs of the government’s ‘go for broke’ financial blueprint. They want an opportunity to vote this government out of office before any more damage is done to Yukon’s long term financial health,” says Mitchell. “It is only 45 days into the new fiscal year and the Fentie/Taylor government has already spent the surplus and is on track to run a deficit for the second consecutive year.”

While financial concerns topped the Liberals’ agenda, the issue of the Premier’s secret negotiations to sell off Yukon’s energy future to private interests from Alberta continues to make Yukoners uneasy.

“The Premier remains in hard denial about his secret negotiations to hand off control of our energy assets,” said Gary McRobb, Liberal Energy Critic. “We called for a public inquiry into the Premier’s actions and the government has refused. When the next election rolls around Yukoners will remember the entire Yukon Party caucus backed the Premier’s plan to sell off our energy future. They are all in it together.”

The spring sitting also saw the Yukon Party government do a 180 degree turn on the Civil Forfeiture Act. Liberal MLA Don Inverarity is relieved the Yukon Party government has backed down on its plan to pass this flawed legislation. Both Inverarity and Liberal Justice Critic Darius Elias asked repeatedly for the government to delay passing the legislation until all Yukoners had been given an opportunity to have their say.

“The Minister of Justice didn’t bother to talk to the public before trying to ram it through the legislature,” Elias said. “This is a clear demonstration of this tired government’s arrogance.”

Liberal Environment Critic Eric Fairclough said he was very disappointed with the performance of the new Environment Minister. “From lack of action on the Peel Land Use Plan to flip-flopping on protection for McIntyre Creek to refusing to provide the public with reports required by law, the new Minister has been a big disappointment. These issues were all on the MLA for McIntyre-Takhini’s priority list before he crossed the floor,” he said. “It is obvious the new Minister left all his previously held positions behind when he negotiated his deal to rejoin the government,” Fairclough said.

For additional information contact:
Jason Cunning – 667-8942

Yukon Party Does 180 on Civil Forfeiture Act

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 18:03:00 GMT

Whitehorse: Liberal MLA Don Inverarity says he is pleased the Yukon Party government has backed down on its plan to push the Civil Forfeiture Act through the legislature. All members of the government side supported a motion calling for debate on the bill to be delayed until a further sitting, to allow sufficient time to have meaningful public consultation on its implications for Yukoners.

“At 1:30 pm the Minister of Justice was busy defending the bill and vowing to pass it this spring,” said Inverarity. “By late afternoon the Premier had done a 180 degree turn and said the government would support the motion to indefinitely delay the bill. It’s a complete flip-flop and we’re glad the government has backed down.”

Both Inverarity and Liberal Justice Critic Darius Elias have asked repeatedly over the last ten days for the government to delay passing the legislation until Yukoners had been given an opportunity to have their say.

“The Minister of Justice didn’t bother to talk to the public before trying to ram this thing through the legislature,” Inverarity said. “It really demonstrates the arrogance of this tired government.”

Since the act was first made public in March Inverarity said his office had received numerous phone calls and letters opposing the bill.

“Many Yukoners told me they didn’t trust the current government and that they were concerned about how the new law would be used, or abused, by the Yukon Party government,” he said. “I know many Yukoners will be pleased to hear of the Premier’s decision to finally allow them to have a say. I want to thank everyone for bringing their concerns forward.”

Inverarity also thanked NDP MLA Steve Cardiff for introducing today’s motion.

For additional information contact: Jason Cunning - 667-8942

Civil Forfeiture without Civil Consultation

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 18:03:00 GMT

Whitehorse: The Official Opposition wants the Civil Forfeiture Act to be brought before the public for consultations before it is passed into law.

“This legislation could have a big impact on individual Yukoners and the Minister of Justice has not yet consulted with the public regarding this new policy direction,” Don Inverarity, acting Justice Critic said.

“What’s worse is the government’s intent to enact the legislation first, and then inform the public after. They’ve got it backwards.”

Major questions that remain unanswered include;

Why were public consultations not done prior to tabling the Civil Forfeiture Act?

What has been done to ensure this legislation does not conflict with other laws such as

the Human Rights Act?

What safeguards are in place to protect Yukoners from punitive prosecution?

“We don’t dispute the intent of this bill. We would like to see criminal behaviour eliminated. We don’t want criminals profiting from crime,” Inverarity said.

Inverarity engaged the Minister of Justice in debate this afternoon over these very questions, but was not provided with assurances that the government has lived up to its responsibilities to inform Yukoners about the full impact of the government’s plans to seize the proceeds of crime.

“This law should not be enacted until Yukoners understand how it might affect them,” Inverarity said. “Our request to delay passage of the bill until our concerns have been addressed and the public has been consulted was denied.”

For additional information contact:

Doug Tremblay – 393-6430

Yukoners Welcome - Ideas Factory Policy Summit

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 17:31:00 GMT

Whitehorse: Yukon Liberal Party Leader, Arthur Mitchell, and Party President, Kirk Cameron are extending an invitation to all Yukoners to contribute to the Party’s Ideas Factory Policy Summit, an opportunity to take part in developing Yukon’s future.

“We believe that it is now time for our Party to refine the policies that, if Liberals are chosen by Yukoners to form the next government, will guide our territory’s future,” Cameron said, “and we need the full engagement of all Yukoners to achieve this.”

On Saturday May 15, the YLP will host the day-long Ideas Factory Policy Summit, a discussion and visioning event welcoming views from all Yukoners who wish to join the exercise. While the event is sponsored by the Yukon Liberal Party, it is open to everyone, no matter what political “stripe”, with a strong interest in a better Yukon.

“For the better part of a year now, the Liberal Party has been seeking input from knowledgeable Yukoners on issues important to our future,” said Cameron, “and we see the Ideas Factory as an inclusive event so that all Yukoners have an opportunity to help shape Yukon Liberal direction which will ultimately be endorsed later this year at the Party’s constitutionally-required policy convention.”

“Yukoners could be voting for their next government at any time, and our election platform will come directly from what community members tell us is important to them. That’s why we have opened wide the doors to our policy summit,” explained Mitchell. “Liberals believe in a government that listens to citizens and acts on their priorities, and I am working closely with the party executive to ensure that we shape our future direction based on these wide-ranging views.”

Input received during the Ideas Factory will inform Liberal policy and decision-making themes over the next decade. These five themes are: Good Governance and Ethical Practice; Economy and Growth; Environment; Social Justice; and Family Wellness. Ideas expressed by Yukoners on May 15th will contribute to these themes. Concepts developed at the Ideas Factory will ultimately provide a check list to citizens who can hold the Party accountable moving forward.

The Ideas Factory Policy Summit will begin at 9AM Saturday, May 15^th at the Transportation Museum. Lunch will be available; donations welcome!

Contact: Kirk Cameron, President

Yukon Liberal Party

(867) 667-7315

Elias to Seek the Confidence of Vuntut Residents

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 19:05:00 GMT

Old Crow: Darius Elias announced today he intends to run again for the Yukon Liberal Party in the upcoming territorial election. Elias made the announcement in his home community of Old Crow this afternoon.

“I believe in my community of Old Crow and our “role up your sleeves and get to work spirit,” Elias explained. “After much discussion with my family and canvassing community members, I believe I have the support to once again ask for their confidence to lead and serve as their MLA, come the next election.” he said. “After four years of representing my home community, I feel I still have much to contribute to Old Crow and to the territory as a whole.”

Elias said his constituents have told him their top priority remains the preservation of the Porcupine Caribou Herd.

“My constituents told me that the caribou are their top concern. I have made it a priority since I was first elected and my record shows that,” Elias said. “I will also continue to press for upgrading the drinking water well, to revitalize the trapping industry, and to continue to address the program and service gaps that exist in Old Crow in terms of recreation, elders programming, health and education.”

Elias said he is excited to be part of the team being put together by the Yukon Liberal Party.

“For years, the Liberals have been listening to Yukoners about their vision for our territory and today we have begun the journey of asking them to rally around our team so that we may form the next government devoted to making that vision a reality,” he said. “While I am the first candidate to declare my commitment to the Liberal team, Yukoners can expect more announcements in the coming weeks and months.”

Elias said he is eager to run under the leadership of Arthur Mitchell. “Yukoners will have a choice about who they trust with their money, who they believe is competent and who they believe will work well as a team builder,” he said. “Over the years as Mr. Mitchell’s colleague, I’m confident he has the ability to lead this territory to new heights. He believes in healthy rural Yukon communities and he’s ready to face the challenges of our time.”

Elias was elected to the Yukon Legislative Assembly in the 2006 general election. He is currently the critic for the Department of Justice, Community Services and the Women’s Directorate. He has also held critic responsibilities for the Department of Environment and Tourism & Culture.

Contact:     Darius Elias - MLA, Vuntut Gwitchin
                   (867) 334-8375
                   John Skilnyk - Chair, Election Readiness
                   (867) 334-8170

Background

Elias has been actively involved in many local, regional and international causes over the years as a member of the Vuntut Gwitchin Trust, the Fishing Branch local planning team, the Vuntut National Park management planning team, the North Yukon Planning Commission, and the North Yukon Fish and Wildlife management team.

As a longtime advocate for the protection & conservation of the Porcupine Caribou herd, Elias has actively participated in educational tours throughout the United States and Canada.

While serving as a member of the Canadian Youth Roundtable on the Environment, Elias attended a United Nations summit in New York City as Canada’s youth representative.

He was a Vuntut National Park warden for nine years and worked as an assessment officer with the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board.

Darius also enjoys volunteering his time coaching and encouraging youth to excel in sport.

Elias, a graduate of F.H. Collins Secondary School has a diploma in Renewable Resources Management and a certificate in First Nation Business from Yukon College.

He and his wife Tina have four children and one grandchild.

Going for Broke

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 17:32:00 GMT

Whitehorse – Liberal Leader Arthur Mitchell says the Government of Yukon has tabled a ‘Go for Broke’ budget. Thursday’s spending blueprint confirmed the government will run a $23 million dollar deficit for the year ending March 31, 2010.

“In spite of the fact Yukon is getting more revenue from Canada than ever before, the Yukon Party government continues to spend more money than it takes in,” Mitchell said. “The surplus is almost gone, the bank account is almost empty, and the Fentie government is borrowing money, off the main books, to pay for infrastructure projects.”

Last year at budget time the Finance Minister projected a $20 million dollar surplus for the year ending March 31, 2010. This year he is projecting a $2.9 million dollar surplus in the main estimates.

“The Budget estimates are not realistic and can not be trusted,” Mitchell said. “Health costs, for example, are projected at the same level as last year. We know that healthcare will cost more this year and that is not reflected in this budget.”

The Fentie/Taylor government maintains it has run successive surplus budgets for the past eight years.

“That is simply not true. The Finance Minister is in denial,” Mitchell said. “It might be convenient for Mr. Fentie to maintain this fallacy, but the numbers tell the real story. The hard reality is a $23 million dollar deficit for the 2009-2010 fiscal year and a phony $2.9 million surplus for 2010-2011. The $167 million in borrowing is not even included in these numbers. This level of spending is not sustainable.”

The Official Opposition is pleased to see increased funding for home care, youth groups, and the Women’s Directorate. Liberals were also pleased to see that a new college campus in Pelly Crossing is in the works and that funding for tourism marketing, which was cut in last year’s budget, has been restored. They will also support the new EMS station set to go up on the top of Two Mile Hill.

“These are issues that we have worked hard to get into the budget and the government has finally gotten around to acting on them,” Mitchell said.

Environment Critic Eric Fairclough said he’s disappointed that the Environment Department’s budget was cut
this year.

“This is yet another signal that protecting our environment has never been a priority for this government,” he said.

For additional information contact:
Jason Cunning – 667-8942

Financial Concerns Mount as Legislature Reconvenes

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 23:30:00 GMT

Whitehorse – The Fentie/Taylor government is mortgaging the Yukon’s future with its reckless spending habits, says Liberal Leader Arthur Mitchell. He predicts the budget delivered on March 25th will, for the fourth year in a row, project to spend more money than is coming in.

“For the last three years the Fentie regime has been spending down the savings account and we expect that pattern to continue,” he said. “Anyone who manages a household knows you can’t spend more than you take in for too long before the bill comes due.”

Since the last time the legislature met, Yukoners have learned the government plans to borrow $167 million through its crown corporations.

“The Premier has had to resort to moving expenditures off the main books to make them appear balanced,” he said. “Yukoners should not be fooled by the Premier’s slight of hand. We are now faced with borrowing our entire contribution to the Mayo B project because the government is out of cash. Mr. Fentie will be long gone but Yukoners will be paying the bills for this extraordinary spending spree for the next 30 years.”

Other levels of government are also feeling the impacts of the new YTG cash crunch. Municipalities have already been told they will not be receiving their block transfer in full on April 1. Instead they will be paid in quarterly installments.

“Municipalities usually get their block funding at the start of the year and are able to be collect interest on the money over the course of the following 12 months,” Mitchell said. “This year they will do without because the government has turned off the taps. Yukoners are owed an explanation for this change in policy.”

Mitchell says you add up all the warning signs and there is cause for concern.

“The Yukon Party knows it must go to the polls in the next 18 months and it is mortgaging the future to make it through to polling day,” he said. “The reality is the finances of the Yukon are on very shaky ground because of the Premier’s financial mismanagement. This is the same leader who invested $36 million of our tax dollars for a month in 2007 and still hasn’t got it back.”

For additional information contact:
Jason Cunning 667-8942

Quote of the Day

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 23:29:00 GMT

“I have some issues when the Chamber of Commerce knows about the budget before the MLAs do. Why? Why doesn’t the government sit down with the opposition members? We all represent a constituency. There are eight in opposition over here. The government should have been talking to us and asking us what things are most wanted in our ridings.” John Edzerza, March 26, 2009 (Hansard)

Premier Dennis Fentie will be providing a sneak peak of this year’s budget to the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, March 23. Tickets for this Breakfast with the Premier event may be purchased for $25/ person or $200/ table.

For additional information contact:
Sheena Smart 667-5081

Liberals Call for a Commission to Review Voting System

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 23:29:00 GMT

Whitehorse – Liberal Leader Arthur Mitchell believes an independent commission should examine how
Yukoners elect their territorial government representatives.

“This is not a new issue,” Mitchell said. “Changing the way we elect our political representatives becomes a hot
topic from time to time and proponents of electoral reform suggest that voter apathy is increasing because our
electoral system is flawed. We believe we need to look at options for reforming our system.”

Apathy amongst young voters is cause for concern, but voter apathy is not exclusive to young people. In the
2008 federal election, less than 60% of eligible Canadian voters made the effort to cast their ballots. Voters
have many reasons for avoiding the polls on voting day.

“Some people don’t vote because they don’t believe it makes a difference. Others stay home because they are
fed up with the bickering that they see from their politicians,” Mitchell said. “We want to know if there is an
appetite for change and a representative citizens’ commission on electoral reform is the best vehicle to
accomplish that.”

Several jurisdictions in Canada and around the world have debated the merits of electoral reform, with varying
outcomes. British Columbia spent months on public consultations to find out whether changes to the provincial
voting system were needed or wanted. Ultimately, voters in British Columbia rejected the idea of electoral
reform. Similar exercises have been conducted in PEI, Ontario and New Brunswick in recent years with the
same results.

“I may not be happy about our current government, but that doesn’t mean the electoral system should be
changed,” Mitchell said. “We are prepared, however, to consult with Yukoners and get their views on this
issue.”

Mitchell added this commitment would be included in the Liberal election platform.

For additional information contact:
Jason Cunning – 667-8942

Liberals Anticipate Environment Minister's Plan for McIntyre Creek

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 20:58:00 GMT

Whitehorse - Eric Fairclough, Liberal Caucus Critic for Environment, and Don Inverarity, MLA for Porter Creek South, are asking the Minister of the Environment how he intends to carry out commitments he made to protect McIntyre Creek from development.

“Before he returned to the Yukon Party, Mr. Edzerza was vocal in his support for protecting the McIntyre Creek corridor,” says Fairclough. “Now that he is Environment Minister, he is in the position to do just that.”

The McIntyre Creek corridor is an area of unparalleled wilderness value within Whitehorse. Students, from elementary school to Yukon College, use the area for educational excursions. The area is also popular with birders, hikers, skiers and other recreational users.

While sitting with the NDP Caucus, Edzerza spoke in favour of McIntyre Creek’s permanent protection. On August 11, 2008, he wrote to Kwanlin Dun Chief and Council regarding the Friends of McIntyre Creek hopes for the area, stating “I am in full support of this group’s efforts to seek permanent protection for the McIntyre Creek corridor running through the traditional territory of the Kwanlin Dun First Nation.” He also submitted letters to the editors of the Whitehorse Star and the Yukon News on August 25, 2008, declaring that “while we easily attach a dollar value to development, we have a much harder time appreciating the value of wilderness” and urging the area’s protection.

“There should be no development in the McIntyre Creek area,” says Inverarity. “The Liberal Caucus supports the work of the Friends of McIntyre Creek and the Porter Creek Community Association in protecting this area. Mr. Edzerza has said the same, and we look forward to his concrete plans to protect McIntyre Creek.”

“Now that he has the power to do so, we are confident Mr. Edzerza will live up to his commitments,” Fairclough adds. “We have written him asking for his intentions, work plans, and timelines for preserving McIntyre Creek and look forward to his prompt reply.”

For additional information contact:
Sheena Smart 667-5081

Hands Off Yukoners' Pensions, Mr. Day

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 20:56:00 GMT

Whitehorse – Yukon Liberal Leader Arthur Mitchell is concerned by the recent refusal of Treasury Board president Stockwell Day to provide assurances that public pension plans are off limits in the coming federal belt tightening. Mr. Day met recently with the head of the Public Service Alliance of Canada and stopped short of offering a firm assurance that public pension plans would remain intact. Both Day and federal finance minister Jim Flaherty have confirmed spending cuts are on the way in the upcoming federal budget.

“As most YTG pensions are still controlled by Ottawa this is very worrying news,” said Mitchell. “The federal Conservatives have run up a huge deficit and it looks like they are going to try and reduce it by cutting workers’ pensions and future benefits.”

Mitchell said he is curious what action, if any, the new Minister responsible for the Public Service Commission, Elaine Taylor, has taken on this issue. “As least on paper she is the Minister responsible even if Mr. Fentie is behind her pulling all the strings,” he said. ‘What message has she sent to Mr. Day and to his boss, Mr. Harper?”

Mitchell said the Yukon Liberal Party does not support scaling back pensions, wages or benefits for government employees.

“I think all Yukon government employees and their families would like to hear where the Yukon Party government stands on this issue,” said Mitchell. “It’s time for Mr. Fentie to stand up to his fellow Conservatives and tell them to keep theirs hands off. It should be a pretty straightforward case of standing up for Yukoners.”

For additional information contact:
Sheena Smart 667-5081

Fentie Circumvents Taylor's Committee on Appointments

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 20:56:00 GMT

Whitehorse – Premier Fentie’s decision to unilaterally appoint a new chair of the Yukon Utilities Board violates the standing orders of the Yukon Legislative Assembly, says Liberal MLA Don Inverarity. Fentie admitted to opposition leaders in January that he had approved the appointment. The Standing Committee on Appointments to Major Government Boards ‘shall review nominations and recommend appointments’ to the Utilities Board.

“A new chair has already been appointed by the Premier and yet the committee hasn’t even discussed the vacancy,” said Inverarity, the Liberal member of the committee. “This is just another case of Premier Fentie dictating how things have to happen.”

The committee is nominally chaired by Deputy Premier Elaine Taylor.

“It’s clear the Deputy Premier’s authority as chair has been over-stepped by her boss,” Inverarity said. “It’s very disappointing to see Ms. Taylor allow the Premier to run roughshod over this committee. It’s just like the Peel watershed interference and last week’s cabinet shuffle. It’s possible she doesn’t even know it has happened.”

When he informed members of the opposition of the appointment Fentie defended his decision to bypass the committee by saying the board urgently needs to deal with the Mayo B hydro project.

“The government has known about the vacancy since December,” Inverarity said. “There was plenty of time to involve the committee and follow due process, something the Premier says he is very fond of doing. Instead the Premier has told Ms. Taylor and the rest of the committee members that their input is not required.”

Inverarity says he is disappointed that members of the Yukon Party caucus continue to allow the Premier to circumvent the rules.

“It’s an abuse of process and another indication of the Premier’s lack of respect for the Legislature. The Premier likes to talk the talk about following due process, but chooses to circumvent those processes whenever he feels like it. This is not the first time the Premier has chosen personal preference over due process,” he said.

For additional information contact:
Jason Cunning 667-8942

Minister Hid True Borrowing Costs from Yukoners

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 20:57:00 GMT

Whitehorse – Documents obtained through an Access to Information request have revealed that the Minister of Health and Social Services had knowledge of hospital financing costs while repeatedly sidestepping questioning in the Legislature. Further, these costs are expected to accrue at rates higher than those recently admitted by the Chair of the Yukon Hospital Corporation.

“Once again, the Yukon Party government feigned ignorance and evaded answering Yukoners’ questions,” charged Arthur Mitchell, Leader of the Official Opposition. “Minister Hart was informed a year ago about how much this government’s ‘buy now, pay later’ policy was going to cost Yukoners, but he denied that knowledge and refused to make that important information public.”

January 27, 2009 correspondence between the Chair of the Yukon Hospital Corporation and Minister Hart details anticipated interest rates, terms, and ultimate costs for borrowing related to the Whitehorse nurses’ residence. Despite this, Minister Hart has consistently claimed an inability to answer questions about the financing, even stating on April 27, 2009 that ‘With regard to any kind of borrowing facilities, that is between the bank and the corporation.’

Ranging from 3.03%-3.55%, the estimated rates contained in the correspondence significantly exceed the 2.25% (prime rate) interest rate that will apply during construction. Should the $17 million dollars needed for the residence be paid off over fifteen years, interest costs could range from $4.407 million to $5.219 million. “Yukoners can expect to be paying for this Yukon Party government’s free-spending ways for long after it’s gone,” Mitchell pointed out.

“By allowing the Yukon Hospital Corporation to announce this lower, shorter-term rate without comment, Minister Hart continued to mislead Yukoners about the true cost of this debt,” Mitchell adds. “This evasiveness is characteristic of a government that can’t afford its own spending. Yukoners are going to be saddled with interest payments spanning decades.”

Despite receiving almost $700 million in annual funding from Ottawa, the Fentie government has taken out unprecedented levels of debt. The Yukon Hospital Corporation will be borrowing $67 million to pay for the Watson Lake Hospital, Dawson City Hospital, and Whitehorse Nurses’ Residence projects. As well, the Yukon Development Corporation recently confirmed that it will borrow $100 million for hydro projects.

For additional information contact:
Sheena Smart 667-5081

Yukon Party Fails to Reduce Red Tape

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:45:00 GMT

Whitehorse – A recent report from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business is more proof the Yukon Party government can’t be trusted to keep its promises, charges the Official Opposition Critic for Economic Development, Gary McRobb.

The CFIB’s report declared the Yukon to be a “laggard” in reducing government red tape. The report, “Prosperity Restricted by Red Tape,” identified the Yukon as a jurisdiction that overburdens businesses with government regulations, and said “it is time to make a commitment to be more accountable to the public.”

“In seven-plus years, the Yukon Party government hasn’t lived up to its commitment to diminish red tape and be open and accountable despite repeated promises to the contrary,” said McRobb.

In 2002, the Yukon Party election platform promised a “Red Tape Review” to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses. The Yukon Party re-pledged the promise to “reduce red tape” in 2006.

“This independent report from the CFIB now proves this government’s product has fallen woefully short of its rhetoric. Those promises obviously weren’t kept and consequently local business owners are over-pressured by the regulatory burden. Red tape is also a known deterrent to new business start-ups,” added McRobb.

“Furthermore, the CFIB has identified the Yukon as falling behind nationally on regulatory reform, and suggested real change will require political leadership from the Premier himself,” McRobb noted.

“After seven long years, time has run out for this Premier and it’ll take a change in government before Yukoners see real change. A Yukon Liberal government would make it a priority to reduce needless regulations for Yukon businesses,” concluded the MLA for Kluane.

For additional information contact:
Sheena Smart 667-5081

Fentie Piles on the Debt

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:18:00 GMT

Whitehorse – Premier Fentie’s decision to borrow just under $120 million should be cause for concern for every Yukoner, says Arthur Mitchell, Leader of the Official Opposition. Yesterday the President of the Yukon Development Corporation confirmed it will be borrowing $52.5 million to help finance the Mayo B hydro expansion. This is in addition to the $67 million the Yukon Hospital Corporation is borrowing to build three new facilities.

“The amount of interest paid on these loans will run into the tens of millions of dollars,” he said. “It is wrong for the Premier to saddle future taxpayers with this kind of debt.”

Mitchell said the Official Opposition has been asking the government for months how it planned to come up with its portion of the money for Mayo B and was never given an answer. “We finally know now that the plan is to saddle future generations of Yukoners with debt for the next 30 years,” said Mitchell. “The Premier is focused too much on trying to win the next election and not enough on doing the right thing for taxpayers.”

Mitchell noted the Premier has chosen to have crown corporations do the borrowing to ensure the debt doesn’t show up immediately on the government’s main estimates, the budget.

“The Premier wants to be able to present an accumulated surplus when he go goes into the legislature in March and if this $120 million was included he would not be able to do so,” he said. “He’s using sleight of hand to try and make the numbers look better than they are.”

In the fall of 2003 the Fentie government changed the Taxpayer Protection Act to allow the government to spend more money without being in violation of the act. The act prevents the government from running into debt.

“A few years ago the Premier simply moved the goals posts,” Mitchell said. “Under the old act, the one brought in by Mr. Ostashek, if these loans were on the government books the Premier would be legally bound to call an election because we’d be in debt. There’s an old expression for what Mr. Fentie is doing – he’s cooking the books.”

Mitchell concluded by pointing out the $36 million in bad ABCP investments would come in handy now but that money is not available because of the Premier’s reckless investment strategy.

For additional information contact:
Jason Cunning 667-8942

Old Crow Identifies Community Priorities

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:44:00 GMT

Whitehorse – Darius Elias, MLA for Vuntut Gwitchin says the community of Old Crow has identified its priority issues for 2010. Elias wrote to the government this week identifying the highest priority projects that should be considered in this year’s budget.

“Drinking water to start with,” said Elias. “We are still waiting for the community well to be upgraded. There is no reason to wait any longer.”

The Yukon government is expected to table another billion dollar budget this year. Elias wants to make sure the government was notified well in advance of budget preparations, what the key issues and priorities are for Old Crow, Yukon’s most northerly community.

“The Vuntut Gwitchin Integrated Community Plan has identified a number of important community issues and capital projects that need to be addressed,” said Elias.

The top priority issues that have been identified by the community of Old Crow for this fiscal year are as follows:

1. Completion of the upgrading of the community’s drinking water well.

2. Resurfacing of the roadways and fixing of the drainage problem.

3. Relocation of the diesel and gasoline tank farms.

4. Implementation of the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan.

5. Implementation of the 10 year Capital Plan

“There are a dozen more issues and projects that need to be addressed as well,” said Elias. “Old Crow’s list of outstanding issues has gotten longer while the Fentie government spends a billion dollars a year. We have a plan with cost estimates and timelines. All we need now is for the government to deliver on the promises that have been made.”

Elias also thanked the Government of Canada for its $1.5 million contribution to support road upgrades in the community.

For additional information contact:
Jason Cunning 667-8942

Liberal Party Stands Up for Yukoners

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 21:02:00 GMT

Whitehorse: Yukon Liberals took the government to task for its handling of energy matters, environmental concerns and fiscal mismanagement over the course of the 28 day fall sitting, said Official Opposition Leader, Arthur Mitchell.

“We focused on the three big issues that Yukoners are concerned about – the Premier’s plan to privatize Yukon Energy, political interference in the Peel planning process and cost overruns on capital projects,” Mitchell said. “Yukoners were angry after a summer of being lied to by the government and we delivered that message loud and clear.”

Mitchell said the common thread in all the issues is integrity. ‘The Premier was caught misleading Yukoners about his secret plans for privatization and tried to deny interfering in the Peel plan despite clear evidence to the contrary. His actions were endorsed by the rest of his colleagues proving they are all in this together,” he said. “Yukoners don’t appreciate being lied to and are ready for a government they can trust.”

Energy Critic Gary McRobb said he is disappointed, but not surprised, the government would not support the Yukon Energy Corporation Protection Act, legislation that would have ensured existing and future hydro assets would remain in public hands.

“Yukoners can rest assured knowing a Liberal government would never privatize YEC and this legislation will form part of the party’s platform in the next election,” he said. “Yukon Party members, on the other hand, made it clear where they stand when they failed to support this bill.”

McRobb says the Liberals are providing the only real opposition to the Yukon Party government.

“It’s clear the Independent-Yukon Party member of the House is still joined at the hip with the government and the NDP spent most of the sitting playing patty-cake with their colleagues in the government benches,” he said. “We spent the sitting giving voice to concerns brought to us by the public and we’ll continue to do so.”

Environment Critic Eric Fairclough says the Minister of Environment needs to spend more time standing up for our natural resources and less time doing the Premier’s bidding.

“From her condoning the Peel interference by the Premier to failing to provide any leadership on climate change the Minister is out of step with Yukoners,” he said. “I would urge her to put the environment ahead of her blind loyalty to her boss.”

Porter Creek South MLA Don Inverarity said the Official Opposition remains concerned about the government’s inability to manage construction projects. “The Auditor General has severely criticized this government because it can’t keep costs under control,” he said. “We saw that again this fall with the massive cost overruns on the new power line and the continued fumbling of the Watson Lake Health Centre.”

Vuntut Gwitchin MLA Darius Elias is pleased the Yukon Party government is moving ahead with a ban on using cell phones while driving, an issue he has championed for some time. “This legislation will save lives and it was only a few months ago the government was writing letters saying it had no intention of moving on this issue,” he said. “I’m pleased the government has heard the concerns of the public and finally decided to act on them.”

Elias is also pleased the government brought in new measures to protect the Porcupine Caribou Herd. “Again, this is an issue we have been challenging the government to move on for some time.”

As the fall sitting ended Mitchell said he is optimistic the government intends to finally focus some attention on the issue of poverty. “The Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition and its member organizations have been urging the government to take real action to fight poverty in Yukon for years. They know that poverty continues affect many Yukoners,” he said. “Even though the government is still only talking about developing a plan there appears to finally be recognition that we must address this serious issue.”

For additional information contact:
Jason Cunning 667-8942

Despite Yukon Party Inaction, Vuntut Gwitchin MLA to Continue Advocating for Aboriginal Languages

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:54:00 GMT

Whitehorse: Despite the failure of Yukon Party MLAs to stand up in support of Yukon’s Aboriginal languages, Darius Elias, MLA for Vuntut Gwitchin, will continue to press for their protection.

Yesterday, MLAs in the Legislative Assembly were scheduled to debate Elias’ motion to establish an independent, non-partisan Commission on Yukon Aboriginal Language Protection to canvass Yukoners about how Aboriginal languages should be nurtured and sustained. The motion was inspired both by the fundamental role of Aboriginal languages in Yukon’s history and way of life today, and by the threats of extinction those languages now face.

“Every single member of the Yukon Party caucus did their best to avoid debating the Aboriginal Language Protection motion. Their repetitious speeches and excessive level of detail on the NDP’s Credit Union motion left me with only a few minutes to speak to my motion,” Elias said.

“If action isn’t taken, Yukoners may lose an essential part of their heritage forever. Our sister territory, the NWT, recently completed a study that found that their Aboriginal languages are “in a state of emergency,” and that, without prompt protection, some languages will disappear within the next generation or two,” Elias said.

Despite this setback, Elias will continue to champion the recognition and support of Yukon’s Aboriginal languages by the Yukon Legislative Assembly.

“Just because the Fentie/Taylor government sees no value in protecting our territory’s Aboriginal languages from extinction, doesn’t mean I will stop working on behalf of Aboriginal languages,” Elias says.

For additional information contact:
Shay Smart 667-5081

MLA Calls for All-Party Support for Aboriginal Languages

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 22:51:00 GMT

Whitehorse: Darius Elias, MLA for Vuntut Gwitchin, is hopeful that Yukon Party and New Democratic Party MLAs will support the recognition and protection of Aboriginal languages in the Yukon.

“Aboriginal languages are an essential part of Yukon’s rich history. But their role isn’t just in the past: vibrant Aboriginal languages are fundamentally important to healthy, resilient Yukon communities and to the continuation of Yukon’s rich linguistic heritage,” Elias said. “These are values that transcend party lines, and I’m hopeful that the Yukon Party and the New Democratic Party will stand up today in support of Aboriginal languages.”

This afternoon, the Legislative Assembly will be debating Elias’ motion to establish an independent, non-partisan Commission on Yukon Aboriginal Language Protection to canvass Yukoners about how Aboriginal languages should be nurtured and sustained. Elias hopes that all MLAs will vote in favour of forming the Commission, which would consult widely with members of the public and develop recommendations as to how Aboriginal languages should be preserved.

Without protection, Elias warns, threatened Aboriginal languages may eventually become completely extinct. “The time for the government to act is now,” he says. ‘Every day that passes without our public government recognizing how important Aboriginal languages are not only to our past, but also to our future, brings us closer to losing them. I think all MLAs, regardless of party affiliation, recognize that as a tragedy we have to prevent.”

For additional information contact:
Shay Smart 667-5081

Elias Pleased the Yukon Party Sees the Light on Distracted Drivers

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 22:30:00 GMT

Whitehorse: After telling Yukoners as recently as July there was no need to regulate cell phone use while driving the Yukon Party government has now agreed to do just that, says Darius Elias, MLA for Vuntut Gwitchin. On Wednesday afternoon all government members approved a motion to amend the Motor Vehicles Act to prohibit the use of hand-held cell phones and other similar electronic devices while driving or operating a motor vehicle on a highway.

“I’d like to thank Yukoners for making their voices heard through their letters to the editor and letters to the government,” said Elias. “I have been raising this for over a year now and I am pleased the Yukon Party has changed its mind and is moving ahead on this issue of public safety.”

In July the Minister of Highways and Public Works wrote a letter telling Yukoners ‘amendments of this nature to the Motor Vehicles Act are not currently being considered.’

“It was only a couple of months ago the Yukon Party opposed these types of changes. In the meantime, Yukoners continue to be subjected to the dangers of distracted drivers on our roadways,” Elias said.

The dangers of distracted drivers have been recognized by the dozens of jurisdictions nationally and globally that have limited or banned the use of hand-held devices while driving. Most recently, on October 26, 2009, the Province of Ontario put into effect a law prohibiting the use of any hand-held communication or entertainment device while driving.

Dialing and text-messaging are the most dangerous activities, Elias pointed out, with drivers who text-message twenty-three times more likely to be in an accident. Young drivers are particularly likely to get hurt as a result of using a cell phone while driving.

The motion was supported by all parties and opposed by the MLA for Lake Laberge.

For additional information contact:
Jason Cunning 667-8942

They Are All in This Together

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 22:23:00 GMT

Whitehorse – All remaining Yukon Party MLAs have endorsed Premier Dennis Fentie’s public betrayal of Yukoners by voting confidence in his actions and conduct, says Official Opposition Leader Arthur Mitchell. A motion of non-confidence was defeated 8-7 with all Yukon Party MLAs backing the Premier.

“They are all in this together,” he said. “The government members cast their lot with their leader today and Yukon voters will remember their actions when the next election comes.”

Liberal House Leader Gary McRobb said the result of Wednesday’s motion was not a surprise.

“We’re disappointed but not surprised to see all the Yukon Party MLAs back the Premier,” he said. “They were given an opportunity to do the right thing, follow the wishes of their constituents and remove the Premier from office. In the end they put their loyalty to the Premier and to the Yukon Party above their responsibilities to constituents and taxpayers.”
McRobb said after the events of this summer Yukoners no longer trust the government.

“In early June Yukoners learned the Premier had spent the winter trying to privatize the Yukon Energy Corporation and had spent the spring politically interfering in the Peel watershed planning process,” he said. “The Premier denied both accusations but the facts say otherwise. The result is the public no longer trusts the Yukon Party.”

McRobb said Yukoners could thank the MLA for McIntyre-Takhini for allowing the Yukon Party to live another day.
“After saying he would never support the Premier, Mr. Edzerza fell in line today and backed the school yard bully,” he said.

The Liberal Leader thanked the NDP for deciding to support the non-confidence motion.

“I am pleased they supported the motion but disappointed they chose not to put on the record why they too have lost confidence in this government,” he said.

Mitchell also noted Lake Laberge MLA Brad Cathers found a convenient way to avoid having to vote on the matter despite expressing non-confidence in the Premier.

Liberals Set to Vote No Confidence

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 22:29:00 GMT

Whitehorse – All members of the Yukon Legislative Assembly will vote this Wednesday on whether they have confidence in the Yukon Party government led by Premier Fentie. That’s when the Official Opposition will bring forward a motion of non-confidence, according to Leader Arthur Mitchell.

“We have reached a point where we can no longer support the current government,” Mitchell said. “On Wednesday we intend to lay out the case for why only an election will resolve the question of whether this government still has the support of Yukon voters.”

Mitchell said Yukoners no longer trust the government.

“The Premier spent the summer denying he was involved in negotiations to privatize our energy future,” he said. “Yukoners are not fooled. They know the Premier was personally leading those negotiations and that his denials are worthless. Worse yet, all the other Yukon Party members have backed the Premier and endorsed his actions. They are all in this together and Yukoners deserve a chance to vote for a government they can trust.”

Integrity, or the lack of it, is the root of the problem.

“When the Premier told Yukoners this spring that he had not interfered in the Peel Watershed land use plan they took him at his word,” Mitchell said. “Subsequent events have clearly proven the Premier did interfere and again his colleagues, including the Deputy Premier, have condoned his approach. The entire Yukon Party caucus has refused to stand up to the corner office and they should be held accountable at the polls.”

The Liberal Leader is hopeful all members of the assembly will be allowed to debate the motion.

“Only three weeks ago we saw the Premier unilaterally shut down debate on opposition business in the House,” he said.

“Yukoners want to see how each member votes on this motion and we’re looking for assurances the government will allow it to come to a vote. Voters deserve to know where every member of this House stands.”

Secure Zone News Item Test

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:16:00 GMT

Here is the secure zone news item.

A Second News Item

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:41:00 GMT

Here is the second news item.

Fentie Hijacks Yukon Energy Corporation Protection Act

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 22:28:00 GMT

Whitehorse – Premier Fentie shut down debate today on the Official Opposition’s Yukon Energy Corporation Protection Act. The legislation would have required the Government of Yukon to have a clear public mandate before proceeding with any initiative to privatize the Yukon Energy Corporation (YEC).

“It’s very disappointing to once again see the Yukon Party government use its majority to stifle debate in the Legislative Assembly,” said McRobb. “If the premier didn’t support the bill he should have voted against it instead of taking the cowardly way out.”

Both Premier Fentie and Energy Minister Lang fabricated trumped-up deficiencies as a pretext for shutting down debate. Instead of allowing counter debate, all members of the Yukon Party used their majority to vote to end the debate on the bill.

“Such tactics are rarely used because they are seen as anti-democratic,” said Yukon Liberal Leader Arthur Mitchell. “It also shows that Premier Fentie does not want immediate protection for the public’s ownership of YEC’s assets and fuels speculation that his secret privatization agenda is still alive.”

“When the draft legislation was publicly released a month ago, the government and all members of the legislature were invited to provide their feedback,” McRobb said. “But the Yukon Party was silent about its trumped-up concerns and intention to hijack the bill. This smacks of the same secrecy, evasiveness and dictatorship the Yukon Party government used in the ATCO scandal that has outraged many Yukoners.”

“Moreover, the Yukon Party’s hijacking of this bill is a continuation of Premier Fentie’s “My way or the highway” approach to governance,” McRobb added. “What happened to his recent public promise to work with all members of the Legislature for the good of the Territory and to uphold principles of democracy?”

“This is an insult to all Yukoners,” added Mitchell. “It’s another reminder that the Yukon Party cannot be trusted. The public deserves an election to clear the air of the stench left by this government’s dictatorship, evasiveness and deceit.”

For additional information contact: Jason Cunning – 667-8942

Liberals Introduce Yukon Energy Corporation Protection Act

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:47:00 GMT

Whitehorse – The Official Opposition today tabled legislation that would require the Government of Yukon to first receive approval from the Yukon public in a referendum before privatizing any assets owned by the Yukon Energy Corporation (YEC).

“This bill responds to the public outrage we’ve heard about the Yukon Party’s secret plan to privatize the assets of the publicly-owned utility company,” said Liberal Energy Critic Gary McRobb.

Its primary purpose is to assure that the Government of Yukon shall not conduct, permit or approve the sale, lease or other disposal of YEC’s electricity generating and transmission assets without a mandate from Yukon citizens.

“Even though the Premier and other cabinet ministers have denied privatization negotiations ever occurred or are continuing, the evidence proves otherwise. Yukoners can rest assured knowing a Liberal government would never privatize YEC and this legislation, if passed, will back up that commitment,” added McRobb.

The Kluane MLA said the bill was strengthened as a result of the one-month consultation process. It will now prevent all future negotiations by the political level of government, such as the Premier’s secret privatization talks with Alberta-based ATCO, without approval from the voters only from a public referendum.

“Our caucus thanks all Yukon citizens who participated in the public consultation process,” he said. “Their input was helpful and served to strengthen this bill. Hopefully, all members of the Assembly will recognize the merits of this bill when it comes forward for debate as early as tomorrow afternoon.”

This bill also respects Government of Yukon commitments to First Nations and allows for the rationalization of assets for the benefit of Yukon ratepayers. Any negotiated rationalization arrangement would be required to pass through a public process involving the Yukon Utilities Board.

For additional information contact: Jason Cunning – 667-8942

MLA Advocates Protection of Aboriginal Languages

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 21:51:00 GMT

Whitehorse: Darius Elias, MLA for Vuntut Gwitchin, is championing the recognition and protection of
aboriginal languages in the Yukon.

“Aboriginal languages and cultures have contributed richly to Yukon’s history and our way-of-life today,” Elias said.

“Yukoners are blessed with a diverse linguistic heritage. Unfortunately, it’s a heritage that is under threat because some aboriginal languages are becoming more and more endangered.”

Recognizing the immediacy of the threat, on the opening day of the Legislative Assembly’s fall sitting, Elias urged all MLAs to take action on aboriginal languages. He called on all MLAs to establish an independent, non-partisan Commission on Yukon Aboriginal Language Protection to canvas Yukoners about how aboriginal languages should be nurtured and sustained.

Elias hopes that all the MLAs will respond to his call to action by forming the Commission, which would consult widely with members of the public and develop recommendations as to how aboriginal languages should be preserved.

“Our public government has a role to play in securing the future of our aboriginal languages, and it is my hope that a non-partisan legislative Commission will listen to Yukoners and make concrete, workable recommendations on how to do so,” Elias said.

“Our diversity is our strength,” Elias said. “Cultivating vibrant aboriginal languages not only honours the Yukon’s heritage, but also contributes to healthy, resilient communities. I look forward to a Commission being created and to its recommendations, based on what Yukoners had to say.”

For additional information contact: Shay Smart 667-5081

MLA Calls for Immediate Action on Distracted Drivers

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 21:52:00 GMT

Whitehorse: Darius Elias, MLA for Vuntut Gwitchin, is continuing to pressure the Yukon Party government to
address the public safety threats posed by drivers distracted by cellular phones and other handheld devices.

“Yukoners continue to be subjected to the dangers of distracted drivers on our roadways,” Elias said. “This lack of action is disappointing, and characteristic, of the Minister of Highways and Public Works, Mr. Archie Lang. I have brought up this issue again and again and we still have not seen any action to protect Yukoners.”

In the Legislative Assembly today, Elias will press the government to immediately conduct public consultations to examine the issue.

“The Minister has a responsibility to the public, to our youth, to everyone who shares our roads, to make them as safe as possible,” Elias says. “It’s time for Minister Lang to stop his foot dragging and step up to this responsibility.”

“I find it amazing that this Yukon Party government seems to have such a dismissive attitude towards a serious public safety issue,” Elias said. “Yukoners have valid concerns about distracted driving, and it’s time this government showed them the respect of listening to those concerns.”

Elias has spent the summer speaking with Yukoners and raising awareness about distracted driving. He has written to the Minister of Highways and Public Works but has received no response on the issue.

For additional information contact: Shay Smart 667-5081

Patience and Perseverence

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:51:00 GMT

Whitehorse – Don Inverarity, MLA for Porter Creek South says it’s about time! Yukoners are finally going to receive a secure drivers’ license that will be acceptable proof of identity across Canada and internationally.

“For the cost of updating our drivers’ licenses, this could have been done long ago,” said Inverarity.

The Yukon government announced today that it will be issuing modern, durable and secure drivers’ licenses by next summer. The license will not replace a passport for international travel, but the new technology will help prevent against forgery.

“These are some of the important things that have been missing all along,” said Inverarity. “A Yukon drivers’ license is so easy to forge that most people cannot tell the difference between a government issued drivers’ license and a fake drivers’ license issued by a high school student.”

Inverarity has raised this issue in the Legislative Assembly repeatedly over the past two years. An advertisement in the personal columns last year opened a flood gate of horror stories from Yukoners.

“Porter Creek residents first brought this to my attention,” said Inverarity. “People were having problems renting cars, boarding planes and even being served in a licensed restaurant. Something had to be done.”

Yukon drivers’ licenses have remained essentially unchanged for more than thirty years while other jurisdictions have kept up with changes in photo id technology.

“This could have been done long ago,” Inverarity said. “As usual the Fentie government has been slow to respond to the needs of Yukoners.”

For additional information contact: Doug Tremblay – 393-6430

Liberals Unveil Yukon Energy Corporation Protection Act

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:42:00 GMT

Whitehorse – The Official Opposition today unveiled draft legislation that would require the Government of Yukon to have a clear public mandate before proceeding with any initiative to privatize the Yukon Energy Corporation.

The private member’s bill will be presented, following a one-month public consultation process, in the legislature this fall.

“This bill responds to the outrage we’ve heard from the public about the Yukon Party’s secret plan to privatize the assets of the publicly-owned Yukon Energy Corporation,” said Liberal Energy Critic Gary McRobb.

Its primary purpose is to assure that the Government of Yukon shall not conduct, permit or approve the sale, lease or other disposal of the electricity generating and transmission assets of the Yukon Energy Corporation without a mandate from Yukon citizens.

“Even though the Premier and other cabinet ministers have denied privatization negotiations ever occurred or are continuing, Yukoners have lost trust in this government. In fact, the Premier is actively looking for private investment in the Mayo B project which is back-door privatization. A Liberal government would never privatize the Yukon Energy Corporation and this legislation will back up that commitment,” added McRobb.

The Kluane MLA said this bill will prevent all future secret negotiations, such as the Premier’s privatization talks with Alberta-based ATCO, without a mandate from the public.

“We don’t believe any government should be allowed to hold secret talks to sell our energy infrastructure out from under us without a mandate from the public,” he said. “This bill is intended to enshrine that safeguard and prevent future threats from any government.”

Comments on the proposed legislation can be submitted before November 1, 2009 to Gary McRobb, Liberal Caucus Critic for the Yukon Energy Corporation at gary.mcrobb@yla.gov.yk.ca .

For additional information contact: Jason Cunning – 667-8942

They're All In It Together

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:40:00 GMT

Whitehorse – The Official Opposition is challenging the remaining eight Yukon Party caucus members to prove they don’t condone Premier Fentie’s double-speak and evasiveness, by publicly speaking out.

“Each of them has known about the secret plan to sell-out our energy future since last year. They’ve also known about their leader’s misleading statements and attempts to cover-up the truth,” said Liberal House Leader Gary McRobb.

“Unless we hear differently from them, they’re all in it together.”

Yukon Party caucus members learned of the Premier’s secret plan to privatize our energy assets in December, 2008, from the former chair of the Yukon Energy Corporation. At the time, Premier Fentie promised to stop negotiating with ATCO.

When it was revealed in June, 2009, that negotiations had continued under Fentie’s direction, the Chair and three board members of YEC resigned in protest.

Former Energy, Mines & Resources Minister Brad Cathers cited Fentie’s dishonesty, abusiveness and privatization plans to explain his resignation. Each of the other eight remaining caucus members also knew Fentie was hard at work selling-out the Yukon and how he lied to the public after he was caught red-handed.

“Furthermore, at least one member actually adopted Fentie’s tactic of misleading the public,” McRobb said. “Deputy Premier Elaine Taylor followed Fentie’s pattern last month by denying the privatization plans and criticizing the opposition. Taylor was Fentie-like in misleading the public by stating there was no cabinet directive for privatization.

That’s meaningless as it simply was the Yukon Party’s way of keeping it secret.”

In speaking out honestly, Cathers confirmed the privatization plans. He also surmised, ‘this is not about electricity, it’s about integrity.’ Yukoners have known for some time this scandal goes well beyond the cause.

“Yukoners have been provided with revealing insight into the true character of this Yukon Party government,” said McRobb. “The question now is: Will each of the remaining eight members have the integrity to speak out honestly to Yukoners on what has occurred or will they continue to remain silent and be seen as accomplices? We in the Official Opposition challenge each of them: full public disclosure or be judged accordingly.”

For additional information contact: Jason Cunning – 667-8942

Where's the Election Call?

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:35:00 GMT

Whitehorse – Official Opposition Leader Arthur Mitchell is disappointed that Premier Fentie has not called an election and instead appears to be bunkering down. Following the defection of Brad Cathers on Friday morning Mitchell believes it is the only honourable course of action.

“The Premier has lost the confidence of the public and should have called an election this morning,” Mitchell said.

“Instead, after taking the weekend to think it over, he has decided to bunker down and cling to power.”

Mitchell says the Premier spent the weekend talking to his colleagues and advisors and unfortunately chose not to do the right thing.

“This is a Premier and a government in denial,” he said. “Yukoners deserve a chance to choose a government they can trust and instead Mr. Fentie is refusing to give people that opportunity.”

Mitchell reminded the Premier he intends to table a non-confidence motion at the earliest opportunity, when the legislature resumes sitting this fall.

“We have heard from hundreds of Yukoners over the summer months who all share the same point of view,” he said.

“They don’t trust the government and they want an opportunity to vote in a general election.”

For additional information contact: Jason Cunning – 667-8942