WHITEHORSE – Liberal leader Sandy Silver today released the party’s election platform. He said Yukon Liberals are running a campaign for Yukon, not against other people or positions – a campaign based on positivity, inclusivity and respect.

“That is how I have conducted myself over the last five years as the MLA for Klondike and that is how we are presenting our plan to Yukoners,” he said.   “If you look at which party understands the issues most important to Yukoners, which party has the platform that addresses those issues in a realistic and holistic manner, and which party has the team of candidates to deliver their platform and govern this territory in a transparent, respectful, collaborative and accountable manner – you would be looking at the Yukon Liberals.”

Silver said the platform is the product of real engagement with the people of the Yukon and thanked his team for their valuable input.

“I want to thank the countless individuals who have shared their thoughts and priorities with us over the last number of years and particularly over the last few months as the platform has been put together,” he said.   “To the group of candidates gathered with me today – thank you for your enthusiasm and your numerous hours spent talking to Yukoners about the last five years and about the road that lies ahead.”

In response to all of those discussions we offer you a platform of commitments based on five basic principles: 

• creating good jobs in a sustainable environment;

• respectful government to government relations with Yukon First Nations;

• a belief that all communities matter;
• fostering healthier living for everyone’s betterment, and
• being a government that is transparent.

The Liberal plan includes specific commitments to cut taxes for businesses, a plan to ensure more Yukoners benefit from government contracts and a return to regular Yukon Forum meetings. It contains a pledge to protect the Peel watershed and to invest in energy retrofits. Liberals will improve access to affordable housing and increase resources for mental health services. It also contains a commitment to respect the work of Yukon’s public servants and ensure they are able to work free of political interference.

Silver said the top priority of his party is to grow the economy.

“Yukoners need economic growth to create good jobs. The Conference Board of Canada says we have the bleakest economic outlook of any place in the country,” he said. “We have a plan to turn things around.”

The platform outlines more than 130 commitments based on suggestions directly from Yukoners.

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For more information please contact:

Yukon Liberals HQ 668-4748