Dear Yukoners,
As we move into the second year of our mandate, it is a good opportunity for our Liberal Caucus to reflect on our accomplishments to date. Our Caucus is committed to focusing on improving the lives of Yukoners, in all of Yukons’ communities.
On November 7, 2016, Yukoners elected a Liberal majority government because they wanted change, they wanted to be heard and, they wanted an inclusive, accountable government with a plan for balancing economic diversification with environmental stewardship. Yukoners wanted a government that builds strong relations with First Nations Governments; that supports local solutions for local concerns, that fosters healthier living for all Yukoners, and is open, transparent and accountable. I’m happy to report that the Premier, the Deputy Premier and all ministers have visited many Yukon communities, to hear people’s concerns and to begin working together to try to find community-based solutions to ongoing issues.
As the Member from Mayo/Tatchun, representing the Na-Cho Nyak Dun, Selkirk, and Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nations, I’m particularly interested in the priority to build strong relationships with First Nations that foster reconciliation. One of the most important accomplishments of our Caucus has been the commitment to hold four Yukon Forums annually and to work government-to-government with Yukon First Nation Chiefs.
I would also like to highlight the work being done through the various boards and committees that I am a part of, including; the Public Accounts Committee; the Community Development Fund (CDF) Advisory Committee, and; additional Legislative Assembly boards and committees. Appointing passionate and skilled Yukoners into these positions helps to shape how Yukon moves forward and is an important and enjoyable aspect of my job.
I’m proud to represent the constituents of the Mayo/Tatchun riding. It is an honour to represent my constituents in the Yukon Legislative Assembly and to work with my colleagues to address the concerns brought forward by folks in my riding. I’m satisfied with the work that has been done to provide better access to mental wellness workers in Yukon communities and to see the Minister of Justice work with the federal government to see the legalization and proper regulation of cannabis in Yukon. I look forward to continuing to work for my constituents, and all Yukoners, in the years to come.
2017 Highlights
- brought forward a motion in the House, urging the government to endorse efforts of reconciliation, which received unanimous approval
- creation of National Aboriginal Day as a statutory holiday in Yukon
- brought forward a motion in the House, urging the government to hold the Yukon Forum four times annually, a commitment that our Caucus supports
- brought forward a motion urging the government to continue support for the Vuntut Gwitchin, as they work to protect the calving grounds of the Porcupine caribou
- budgeted for eleven new mental health workers to serve rural Yukoners, with three workers allocated to Mayo, Pelly and Carmacks
- Mayo, Pelly and Carmacks all benefited from projects funded through Community Development Fund, including the provision of $200,000 in funding for the re-location and renovation of the Parish of St. Mary with St. Mark
- created the Yukon Financial Advisory Panel to engage with Yukoners about our financial future as a territory
- moved on a plan to regulate and fund midwifery within Yukon’s health care system
- instituted changes to legislation that make it illegal to discriminate on the grounds of gender identity and gender expression
- brought forward a motion in the House, urging the Government of Yukon to work with the Government of Canada to legalize cannabis by the summer of 2018
Ongoing Issues
- assurances were provided by Minister Streicker to Keno residents that an adequate supply of clean water continues to be provided to the community
- working on issues with streetlights and a boat ramp for Stewart Crossing residents
- addressing issues with CBC Radio coverage in Keno City
- advocating for the replacement of a permanent nurse in Mayo
- ensuring that health services by the doctor in Mayo continues to be available on a year-round basis
- continuing to work on the Na-Cho Nyak Dun First Nation Wellness Strategy, including looking at opportunities to support land-based healing initiatives
