Ernie Jamieson, a former Watson Lake municipal councillor and deputy mayor and the current owner of Takhini Transport, was acclaimed over the weekend as the Yukon Liberal Party candidate in the uncontested riding of Watson Lake.

The riding is held by the Yukon Party’s Patti McLeod, who was elected Speaker of the legislature last week after former Speaker David Laxton’s sudden, unexplained resignation from the role and from the party caucus.

Jamieson was born in Whitehorse, where he and his family lived for nine years before moving to Watson Lake in 1959.

During his many years in Watson Lake, he has contributed significantly to the local economy and served two terms as a municipal councillor.

“Watson Lake was a vibrant community for many years. I have witnessed a slow decline in opportunities at all levels, and I am committed to making the community a healthy and dynamic place to live,” Jamieson said in a statement today.

During his time in office, he oversaw the design and construction of the Watson Lake Recreation Centre and the Watson Lake Town Office.

“I was extremely pleased with the success of the new recreation centre complex and the town office in my two terms as town councillor,” he said.

Jamieson was also involved in the ATCO Electric Yukon waste heat recovery and re-use project for the town.

Jamieson said the Yukon Liberals are bringing a new level of excitement to the territorial political scene.

“As a born and raised Yukoner, who chose to return to Watson Lake to raise a family of my own, the economic growth and infrastructure in Watson Lake and surrounding areas is very important to our next generation,” he said.

“Increased opportunities allow more of our local families to remain in the Yukon instead of leaving the community or territory for work.”

Meaghen Kimmitt, a Watson Lake resident, said in the statement she is excited about Jamieson’s candidacy.

“I believe Ernie Jamieson and the Yukon Liberals are the right candidates to make this happen,” Kimmitt said.

Leader Sandy Silver spent some time with the Jamieson family recently and said he looks forward to the opportunity to collaborate.

“After my last meeting with Ernie in Watson Lake, I left feeling confident in his ability to represent the community,” Silver said.

“His support roots in a wide variety of constituents, broadening his views and understanding of local issues.

“I would like to thank Pat Jamieson for being such a gracious host, and we look forward to working with Ernie and his family in the future.”

Jamieson is the sixth official candidate for the Yukon Liberals slated for this year’s election, which must be called by October.