Political round up March 31

Wednesday, 31 March 2021 15:35

By Dylan MacNeil

Yukon Party leader Currie Dixon Speaks to media to release his party's Action for a Change platform.

Here is everything you need to know about Yukon politics today.

The Yukon Party released their full platform this morning.

Leader Currie Dixon made a point to make the announcement at Woodcutter’s Blanket, a restaurant in downtown Whitehorse, because the hospitality industry has been so hard hit by COVID-19.

The platform is being called Action for a Change, and it focusses on three things, economic recovery, supporting Yukon families, and safe and growing communities.

The Yukon party says, if they form the next government, they will work with public health professionals to provide a plan for a safe re-opening of the territory, support businesses coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, and address climate change by investing in green energy, ending the practice of renting diesel generators for back up capacity, and building a new liquefied natural gas generator in Whitehorse.

Dixon says as the election draws closer, his focus is making sure Yukoners understand his party’s vision.

“Now that we have our platform out, our focus is communicating what our vision is to Yukoners. We believe that we have the best plan for the territory. We believe our plan is the only one that creates a truly universal support for child care. Our plan will cut or reduce energy costs, make life more affordable. We want to freeze power rates, we want to address our energy future, and we want to get through this pandemic. We need to sit down with the chief medical officer of health and create a clear path forward for the territory to chart a path forward to re-opening safely for Yukoners. So, between now and election day, myself and my team and all of our volunteers will be out connecting with Yukoners and presenting our vision for what the next four years is going to look like.” Says Dixon.

Later in the afternoon the party issued a press release saying if they form the next government, they will work with community health leaders in Watson Lake and Upper Liard and with Liard First Nation to examine the needs for community- based addictions treatment options and develop a path forward.

The Yukon Party’s full platform can be read on Yukonparty.ca

The Yukon Liberals say if they are re-elected, they will permanently protect MacIntyre Creek.

The party says they will work with the city of Whitehorse, Kwanlin Dün First Nation, the Ta'an Kwach'an Council, local residents, and Yukon University to set aside land for the creation of MacIntyre Creek Park.

“There are many reasons why preserving this area is important. Permanently protecting MacIntyre Creek helps slow biodiversity loss in the Yukon, protects wildlife areas, and ensures that animals stay connected across the Yukon. At the same time, having a natural space where people of all ages and abilities can get to by walking, cycling, public transportation, or other means connects people to nature.” Says Porter Creek South candidate Ranj Pillai,

The Party says they will focus on the area south of Fish Lake down to the Yukon River.

The NDP say if they form the next government, they will cover basic dentist visits and prescription medication for those without coverage.

Leader Kate White says universal healthcare shouldn’t stop at your mouth.

“Canada is the only country with a universal public healthcare plan that doesn’t also have universal drug coverage. Your medication is part of your health, and teeth are part of your health. To save people money and make sure no one goes without the medication or dental care that they need, we’re going to close those gaps.” Says White.

White made the announcement this morning along side Mount Lorne-Southern Lakes candidate Erik Pinkerton.

The territorial election will take place on April 12.