The Liberals' proposal to name a minister of land claims implementation would have a significant impact on the preservation of Yukon heritage, says Ed Schultz, the party's Oct. 10 election candidate for McIntyre-Takhini.

'There are certain responsibilities and undertakings government has agreed to do,' Schultz told 23 attendees at a Yukon heritage forum held Monday night. 'There is a commitment that has to be undertaken.'

The Liberal party has committed to setting up a new ministry, if elected, that would be responsible for assisting the government in identifying and taking action on land claim implementation commitments.

When it comes to preserving the Yukon's heritage, that department will play a key role, said Schultz.

Chapter 13 of the Umbrella Final Agreement addresses the preservation of first nation heritage.

'Land claims tried to ensure that first nations' historical resources are valued,' said Schultz.

The goal of the chapter is to ensure that first nation heritage receives equitable recognition and has the capacity to build strong programs. However, the government's movement on living up to the commitments of the chapter has been slow.

The new minister would help in resolving that challenge, said Schultz.

The Yukon's historical and heritage resources cannot simply be protected through one level of government, he said.

The former Council of Yukon First Nations grand chief and Whitehorse city councillor mentioned the proposed department repeatedly throughout the candidates' debate.

The Yukon Historical and Museums Association hosted the forum to provide party candidates with the opportunity to address several issues of concern to museum and heritage professionals in the territory.

The questions from the organization focused on operations and maintenance funding, money from the Community Development Fund, funding to facilitate the hiring of summer students, preservation of heritage buildings and the development of an arts and heritage village on Whitehorse's waterfront.

The line of questioning came only hours after the federal Conservatives announced they would be cutting $4.6 million from the Museum Assistance Program (MAP).

Museums have been languishing far behind other organizations for many years in terms of funding, said Brent Slobodin, the association's president.

The group asked if the parties would commit to conducting an independent review of expenses and the need for increased funding.

Schultz focused his answers to all questions by highlighting the need for collaboration between organizations and governments.

The Liberals are committed to facilitating the partnerships needed to move ahead on the issues within the heritage community, he said.

'It is incumbent on the government to enhance those partnerships.'

Working together would also make it easier to have the dialogue necessary to leverage the funds needed to maintain the standard in Yukon's cultural institutions.

The Liberals are also committed to developing a long-term plan in relation to cultural resources, Schultz added.

James McCullough, the NDP's Riverdale North candidate, highlighted the party's proposal to establish a university in the Yukon several times throughout the evening.

The initiative would create opportunities to net further funding in support of the territory's history, he said.

It could also offer programming, such as archaeology, that may help facilitate further studies about the history of the region, he added.

Classes directed at the historical and cultural industry would also provide training that may help keep emerging professionals in the territory, said McCullough.

'We need to look at how the heritage sector can attract and maintain employees with increasing competition,' he said.

'In order to stay relevant, museums need communicators and need to make sure we attract young people into the cultural sector. We need young people to take up the torch.'

Meanwhile, Elaine Taylor, the Yukon Party candidate for Whitehorse West and the current Minister of Tourism and Culture, presented her government's achievements to the attendees.

Approximately $1.5 million has been invested in museums during the Yukon Party's mandate.

'Our government has worked hard to endeavour to listen to the needs of cultural institutions,' she said.

Rebecca Jansen, executive director of the museums association, said she was pleased that all parties presented a strong commitment to the heritage sector.

She added Taylor has done a good job at directing the department during the time she has held the portfolio.

However, the financial crunch for the museums and historical industry in the territory will remain a key concern, she said.

'We do plan to work really closely with whoever is elected.'