All four candidates for Yukon Member of Parliament gathered at the Beringia Interpretive Centre to discuss First Nations concerns less than two weeks before the election.
The Council of Yukon First Nations and Association of First Nations Yukon Region hosted an all-candidates forum on Yukon First Nations issues ahead of the federal election.
On Wednesday, all four candidates for Yukon MP met at the Beringia Interpretive Centre in Whitehorse to answer questions that focused on a variety of First Nations concerns.
In answering a question about defence spending and Yukon infrastructure, incumbent MP Brendan Hanley spoke about the larger picture of Arctic Sovereignty.
“Arctic sovereignty means strong and resilient communities,” said Hanley. “So, it means investing in the fundamentals: affordable housing, food security, healthcare, education, local infrastructure, and defence.”
When asked about investing in Indigenous languages funding, Conservative candidate Ryan Leef said that the loss of languages is a tragedy.
“We really do need to make sure we are fully supportive of making sure that the eight First Nation languages celebrated in this territory are passed on to generation to generation to generation,” said Leef. “And it’s something that even non-First Nation Yukoners would benefit from themselves.”
An early question involved legislation for a Treaty Commissioner, who would facilitate meetings between the Government of Canada and First Nations governments to discuss treaty issues. Legislation for such an office was delayed by the prorogation of government earlier this year.
NDP candidate Katherine McCallum says that it’s time for that legislation to pass.
“First Nations have waited long enough,” said McCallum. “It’s been over 30 years since the promises of the Umbrella Final Agreement were made, and the lack of progress on treaty implementation is shameful on the part of the Yukon and federal governments.”
Another critical topic in the Yukon involves land use planning. Green Party candidate Gabrielle Dupont says that there’s room for improvement in that area.
“I think we can do a better job at aligning our priorities and funding, in terms of land use planning with our local partners,” said Dupont. “As a Green MP, that would be my job; to be at the table and make sure this is happening.”
The four candidates for Yukon MP will be on the ballot on April 28. Advance polls will be open this weekend.
Recount confirms Liberal candidate victory in Yukon Vuntut Gwitchin district
2025 Territorial general election official results certified
Whithorse City council to vote on 2025 food for fines program proposal
Whitehorse RCMP identify remains of sudden death investigation
Whitehorse RCMP charge woman in hand cyclist collision
Taku River Tlingit First Nation engages with Canagold Resources on proposed mine project
2025 Territorial Election Interview Series: Yukon NDP candidate for Kluane John VanderMeer
2025 Territorial Election Interview Series: Yukon Party candidate for Klondike Richard Nagano
2025 Territorial Election Interview Series: Yukon Party double feature! YP candidate for Vuntut Gwitchin Sandra Charlie and YP Candidate for Southern Lakes Tyler Porter
Attempted abduction reported in Whitehorse
2025 Territorial Election Interview Series: Yukon NDP candidate for Vuntut Gwitchin Annie Blake
2025 Territorial Election Interview Series: Yukon Liberal Party candidate for Southern Lakes Cynthia James
2025 Territorial Election Interview Series: Yukon Liberal Party candidate for Mayo-Tatchun Jeremy Harper
2025 Territorial Election Interview Series: Yukon NDP candidate for Mountainview Linda Moen
The 2025 Territorial General Election at a glance
2025 Territorial Election Interview Series: Yukon NDP candidate for Watson Lake-Faro-Ross River Josie O'Brien
2025 Territorial Election Interview Series: Yukon NDP candidate for Whistle Bend South Dustin McKenzie-Hubbard
2025 Territorial Election Interview Series: Yukon Party candidate for Mayo-Tatchun Cory Bellmore
Fatal fire at remote Yukon mine camp claims two lives