Brad Cathers says he is "comfortable” with how Premier Darrell Pasloski is handling his government, even if that means he's still sitting out of cabinet – for now.

Cathers remains out of the game after Pasloski announced he would not make any changes to the cabinet when he was sworn in as premier June 11 in Dawson City.

"This is the start of Darrell's second week, and he has made it clear that his priorities are going to be uniting the party and building a strong team going into the fall election,” Cathers, the independent MLA for Lake Laberge, told the Star Tuesday.

"What has happened, so far, only emphasizes my support for Darrell's leadership.”

Cathers also reaffirmed he is still committed to running for the Yukon Party in the fall election.

Cathers publicly endorsed Pasloski during the leadership campaign, saying, "Darrell is the right choice for premier.”

Pasloski returned the favour by stating Cathers contributed to the Yukon Party government's success over the past 8 1/2 years, and he believes Cathers can help the party achieve a third mandate.

In August 2009, Cathers left the Yukon Party caucus and cabinet, accusing then-premier Dennis Fentie of misleading his caucus and the public about negotiations to privatize all or parts of the Yukon Energy Corp.

Teena Dickson, a longtime Yukoner who runs Dickson Outfitters with her husband and family, announced this week she will seek the Yukon Party nomination for Cathers' riding in the election.

Cathers reacted to Dickson's announcement by saying that although he will "never take anything for granted,” he will focus on his relationship with his constituents rather than his relationship with other candidates.

The Liberal party plans to run Mike Simon, a government electrician, in the same riding.

Neither the New Democrats nor the Green Party have announced any potential candidates in the riding.

Cathers recently returned from Ottawa, where he attended the Conservative Party's annual convention.

The former federal Reform party loyalist said he had the opportunity to reconnect with friends, ministers and members of Parliament, as well as spend time at 24 Sussex Dr. with Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

"Harper said he was very pleased with Pasloski becoming premier,” said Cathers.

He emphasized that both he and Pasloski are committed to working on the territory's relationship of "mutual respect” with the federal government.

The election must be called by October.