WHITEHORSE – Liberal leader Sandy Silver will join the leaders of the other major political parties in a debate hosted by Council of Yukon First Nations on Thursday, October 20th from 7 to 9 pm at the Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre.

Silver thanked Grand Chief Peter Johnston for organizing the event and said it will be a good opportunity for voters to compare the platform of the Yukon Liberals against the record of the Yukon Party.

“Years of fighting and court battles with First Nation governments are damaging our economy. If properly implemented, the self-government and land claim agreements are assets that are beneficial to Yukon economically, socially and environmentally,” Silver said. 

Yukon Liberals have a strong plan, based on working with First Nations and the business community, to build a new Yukon economy. The Yukon Liberals plan will diversify our economy, level the playing field for Yukon businesses, keep dollars from government spending in the territory and make First Nation governments full partners in building a strong economic future.

“Yukon Liberals believe the key to a strong, well-rounded economic future is economic diversification and partnerships with First Nations. This is a lesson the current government failed to learn and instead was caught flat-footed when mineral prices fell from historic highs,” said the Liberal leader.  “It’s time to improve bilateral relations between the Government of Yukon and individual First Nation governments.  If we sit down together - Yukon government, First Nations governments and development corporations, business and NGO’s - we can grow the economy, create jobs and benefit all Yukoners.”

Riverdale South candidate Tracy McPhee will speak on behalf of the party at a forum organized by the Yukon Registered Nurses Association on Tuesday, October 18^th.

Mount Lorne-Southern Lakes candidate John Streicker will represent the party at the Election Forum on the Environment which is also being held on October 18^th.

Riverdale North candidate Nils Clarke will represent the Liberals at a debate hosted by Volunteer Benevoles Yukon on Wednesday, October 19^th.

Porter Creek Centre candidate Paolo Gallina will be the Yukon Liberals’ representative at the Early Childhood Forum on Thursday, October 20^th.

“I’m proud of the diverse, experienced team that has come together to run for the Yukon Liberals in this election,” Silver concluded. “I know all four of my Yukon Liberal colleagues will ensure issues and concerns raised by stakeholders at the forums and debates will be brought forward when government decisions are made in the future.” 

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For more information please contact: 

Yukon Liberals HQ – 668-4748