Former Yukon Premier Dennis Fentie has passed away at the age of 68.
Former Yukon Premier Dennis Fentie has passed away after a battle with cancer.
Fentie was first elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1996 for Watson Lake when he was a member of the NDP. He later switched sides to join the Yukon Party when he formed a majority government in 2002. He remained premier until 2011.
Reaction
In a statement, the city of Whitehorse has announced flags will be at half-mast at their facilities in honour of his memory.
Tributes also poured in this morning from Yukon politicians and leaders. A statement from the Yukon Party says:
“It is with great sadness the Yukon Party has learned of the passing of Dennis Fentie this morning. A hard working premier who always had the best interests of Yukon at heart, Dennis was, above all else, a great friend to all of us and he will be sincerely missed. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family."
Premier Sandy Silver also issued a statement on the passing, saying "Mr. Fentie was a respected leader who served as Yukon's Premier for nearly a decade... (he) had an immeasurable impact on the territory and all Yukoners."
Fentie was the territory's 7th premier.

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