Jean-Francois Des Lauriers isn't giving up.

After losing the NDP nomination to Kate White in Takhini-Kopper Kingon Aug. 18, he has re-entered the race —this time in the riding he actually lives in.

"I don't give up easily,” Des Lauriers told the Star Wednesday.

"I've been in lots of battles over the years, and I know that if you don't succeed the first time, you try, try, try again.”

Only seconds after it was announced that he'd lost to White, Des Lauriers threw his support behind the new candidate, calling the decision "unanimous”.

" I have a lot of respect for Kate,” he said. "It was a fair but intense campaign.”

The recently retired labour activist said that for the first three days after losing the nomination, he had to think hard about which riding he'd try to run in next.

"It was never a question of whether or not I would run again,” he said.

"After a career of advocating on behalf of hard-working families in Yukon and throughout Northern Canada, I am ready to devote myself full-time to representing the people of Porter Creek North in the legislative assembly,” Des Lauriers said in a statement.

"I will speak up for the concerns that affect people most: will our adult children have access to reliable jobs and affordable homes? Will our aging parents receive the health care and other support they need?

"Will our grandchildren have access to quality daycare and an education that equips them for a rapidly-changing world?”

Des Lauriers is now up against first-time candidate Cam Kos for the nomination in Porter Creek Centre. A meeting date has yet to be set.

Kos is the chief operating officer of the Yukon Government Fleet Vehicle Agency and a volunteer with the Porter Creek Community Association.

He has lived in the North for the past 19 years, and in Whitehorse for the past 18 months.

During his time in the North, he has worked for a variety of governmental departments, including Environment Canada and the Northwest Territories Department of Health and Social Services.

Des Lauriers recently retired from his post as executive vice-president of the Public Service Alliance of Canada North.

He said he has no qualms about entering another contested nomination.

"That's the reason we're called the democratic party,” he said. "We don't favour any one person.”

The NDP has not yet set a date for the Porter Creek Centre nomination meeting

Tonight, the party will host an unofficial start to the election campaign at The Old Fire Hall.

Either Des Lauriers or Kos will be up against the Yukon Party's David Laxton and the Liberals' Kerry Huff in Porter Creek Centre.

The married father of two said he looks forward to joining an "exceptional” team of NDP candidates under the leadership of Liz Hanson.

"The Yukon needs the positive, caring alternative that Liz Hanson's New Democrats are offering.”

"Another strong candidate has stepped forward for the New Democrats,” Hanson said.

"Yukoners are telling us it's time for a change, and we're gearing up to run a strong campaign. It's time to do politics differently and take leadership on the issues that matter, and build a better Yukon where no one is left behind.

"Jean-Francois has a reputation for hard work, is highly skilled and has a lot of valuable experience to offer.”

Kos, meanwhile, said the Yukon NDP "understands that the democratic process must be transparent in government decision-making, and we have all witnessed what happens when it's not.

"It is time for a change,” he said. "It's time for the voices of all citizens to be heard loud and clear by the government through representatives connected with the constituents.”

Hanson, Kos said, "is the most approachable MLA I've met in the Yukon, and displays a sincere respect for the views of everyone. I will work hard to seek the nomination of the Yukon NDP in Porter Creek Centre and the chance to work beside Liz in the legislature.”

Kos said he believes he has, and will continue to build, strong connections with the riding's residents.

To ensure fairness in the nomination processes, Hanson is not endorsing either potential candidate, the NDP said.

The election must be called by next month.

Premier Darrell Pasloski is scheduled to address Yukon Chamber of Commerce luncheon delegates on Sept. 9, raising speculation he will have the writ dropped shortly afterward.

By Nadine Sander-Green

Star Reporter