WHITEHORSE –Liberal leader Sandy Silver is participating in an all candidate’s debate in his home riding of Klondike on Wednesday night.  The debate is being organized by the Dawson City Chamber of Commerce.

“I’d like to thank the Chamber for organizing this event as it presents all the candidates with an opportunity to speak directly with voters about their priorities,” said Silver.    

Silver said he plans to emphasize the role of an MLA, particularly one from rural Yukon, is to be a community’s representative in Whitehorse, instead of the other way around.

“For the last five years I have acted as Dawson’s representative in Whitehorse and brought concerns I’ve heard locally, to the capital,” he said.  “That certainly won’t change after November 7^th if I am elected to represent the Klondike once again.”

An issue Silver plans to highlight during the debate is the future of Dawson’s airport.

“A Liberal government would pave the Dawson City airport runway and make the necessary maintenance and infrastructure upgrades for all rural airports to enhance economic opportunities and community security,” he said.  “This is a long overdue upgrade to our community and it will certainly be a budget priority for a Liberal government.”

Silver said a Liberal government intends to proceed with a new Palaeontology Centre to preserve and showcase Yukon’s natural and cultural heritage to attract tourism and educate the public.  Silver also plans to remind Dawson residents of his long-standing commitment to find a permanent home for the Little Blue Day Care.   

Finally the Coffee Creek mining project will be emphasized as a future economic driver.

“This is a project that could create many jobs and provide many benefits in rural Yukon.  It is certainly worth pursuing,” he said.  “This is a very good example of what can happen when the private sector works in a real partnership with a first nation.  I believe the Yukon Liberals are the only party that supports resource development AND can forge the relationships necessary to make it to happen. Coffee Creek can be an example of that.”

“As we begin the election campaign the Yukon Liberals plan is anchored by efforts to diversify our economy, keep dollars from contracts in the territory and make First Nation Governments full partners in building a strong economic future,” Silver concluded.

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For more information please contact: 

Yukon Liberals HQ 668-4748