Health care would be a top priority for a Yukon Party government led by Brad Cathers, says the candidate for the party’s leadership .

That would include a committed to exploring options for hemodialysis in the Yukon if elected party leader and eventually to office.

As the Star reported Wednesday, Whitehorse resident Terry Coventry, 74, has opted to return home to die rather than leave the Yukon for a city like Vancouver to receive hemodialysis treatment for kidney failure.

Pat Living, the Department of Health and Social Services’ communications director, said Wednesday the Yukon doesn’t have the population required to support hemodialysis treatment.

“What’s happening is heartbreaking,” Cathers told the Star Wednesday afternoon.

In a statement issued earlier in the week, the Lake Laberge MLA said, “My vision for health care includes working with Yukon health care professionals to determine the needs and agree on priorities for our hospitals, health centres, continuing care facilities, and EMS stations.”

He announced his leadership bid on Dec. 5.

If he wins the party’s helm on May 23, 2020 and the election set for 2021, Cathers said, he would:

• ensure proper funding for the Yukon Hospital Corp. every year;

• work with Yukon health professionals to set priorities for new equipment, technology and improved facilities; and

• invest in reducing wait times for Yukon patients.

During the leadership campaign, Cathers plans to reach out to health professionals across the Yukon and listen to their ideas and priorities.

“If I am elected as leader, we will invite health professionals to help the Yukon Party build an election platform that sets out a clear plan for improving our health care system, and meeting the needs of Yukon citizens now and for years to come,” said Cathers.

He is a former minister of Health and Social Services. When he held that portfolio, he said, the government worked with public servants and health professionals, and took action to improve the Yukon’s health care system including:

• starting the 811 Yukon Healthline;

• the Telehealth network expanded to all Yukon communities;

• a $12.7 million Health Human Resources Strategy, with bursaries for doctors, nurses, and other health professionals that have helped 158 Yukon students since 2006;

• starting the Family Physician Incentive Program for New Graduates, to encourage doctors to move here;

• increased funding for the Yukon Hospital Corp.; and

• opening new continuing care beds.

“The current government has fumbled the ball on Yukon health care,” said Cathers.

“If I am elected as your leader, a Yukon Party government will work closely with our health professionals and the organizations representing them, and with the Yukon Hospital Corporation, to improve our health care system.

“We will also ensure that patient feedback helps guide those decisions.”

Currie Dixon, who served with Cathers in former premier Darrell Pasloski’s cabinet, is also contesting the Yukon Party leadership. He did not run in the 2016 election, which the Liberals won.