Photo by Whitehorse Star
Donors support petition
An online fundraiser to pay for the legal fees of a petition filed to the Yukon Supreme Court regarding COVID-19 restrictions has raised nearly $8,000 in 15 hours.
An online fundraiser to pay for the legal fees of a petition filed to the Yukon Supreme Court regarding COVID-19 restrictions has raised nearly $8,000 in 15 hours.
The GoFundMe was launched Thursday morning by Ross Mercer, one of the seven Yukoners who filed the petition on Tuesday.
The seven petitioners are seeking several declarations from the court, including one that the order under the Civil Emergency Measures Act violates the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
According to the GoFundMe, the seven petitioners have committed $28,000 to legal fees “and will contribute more if necessary.”
The online fundraiser is seeking $100,000 to pay for the petition. In the first 15 hours of the fundraiser, 24 donors contributed a collective $8,119.
Of those 24 donors, 20 donations were made for $100 or more. There were 10 donations of $500, one of $999 and one of $1,000.
A statement posted by organizers on the online fundraiser argues that the Yukon government’s COVID-19 restrictions lack sufficient accountability and oversight.
“The government has ignored requests to debate any COVID-19 related policy in the Legislative Assembly,” the statement says.
“While few would argue against the measures put in place at the start of the pandemic, it can easily be demonstrated given what we know now that the continuation of the current Orders in place are unjustified.”
The petitioners are seeking a declaration that the government border travel restrictions violate the Charter and are inconsistent with the provisions of the Civil Emergency Measures Act.
Premier Sandy Silver said Wednesday afternoon the government is reviewing the petition – but believes that the COVID-19 rules are reasonable.
“We are confident that the decisions we made are required to protect the safety of Yukoners,” Silver said.
The petition was filed by Ross Mercer, Trent Andrew Jamieson, Douglas Craig Walker, Allan Patrick Mytrash, Martin Gregory Loos, Jan Erik Martensson and Clayton Robert Thomas.
No court date has been set yet to hear the matter.
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Comments (32)
Up 2 Down 2
Obvious on Jun 26, 2020 at 12:25 pm
Con troll, all we can do is go back into recent history and see the terrible track record that the cons have in abusing power. Their record is terrible, now taking that record and applying it to today's situation, it would be obvious to anyone (other then those that live under rocks) that they would be taking advantage of today's situation. Nuff said.
Up 4 Down 4
Such a farce on Jun 25, 2020 at 8:41 pm
There is a brotherhood that know the north and embodies its spirit. Politicians are not it.
The legislated wilderness City has arrived. Congratulations Silver, you and your party are one step closer to destroying freedom.
Up 2 Down 2
As per wikipedia on Jun 25, 2020 at 5:43 pm
Troll:
In internet slang, a troll is a person who starts flame wars or upsets people on the Internet by posting inflammatory and digressive,[1] extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community (such as a newsgroup, forum, chat room, or blog) with the intent of provoking readers into displaying emotional responses[2] and normalizing tangential discussion,[3] either for the troll's amusement or a specific gain.
"Maybe it's you who should be doing the reading."
"I didn't read about the cons anywhere in obvious's post"
You're saying things that are blatantly untrue. Why? I have no idea.
You're also putting an extra effort to predict the future "Cons would have been worse."
There isn't a single aspect of what you're posting that is capable of being verified or tested against a litmus of truth
ergo
troll
Up 11 Down 22
ihavelostinterest on Jun 25, 2020 at 12:35 pm
Clinton, bottom line, this court action would never have seen the light of day if the cons were implementing the same measures, because rest assured they would and probably be doing a lot worse, look at some of the crap they tried to pull when they had a majority.
No, there are not as many sole sourced contracts, no some folks don't have a direct line to the premier's office, we will all survive, as long as we don't vote in another con government. Look at what is happening in the States, if you had your way that is what would be happening here!!
Up 7 Down 6
itookapeek on Jun 25, 2020 at 12:18 pm
A troll is someone who tries to use the internet to intimidate folks into conforming to their ideas and initiatives. They also attempt through insult and profanity to silence those that do not believe in their way of thinking.
Personally I am none of those things, there are only certain individuals and one party in Yukon that is noted for that. Do you troll much? I am thinking most Yukon voters know who's who.
Up 7 Down 8
clinton teichroeb on Jun 25, 2020 at 5:04 am
@itookalook
Obvious on Jun 23, 2020 at 10:29 am
I am just wondering, what would these pillars (ha!) of society, who are looking out for my best interests, would be doing if the cons were in power and implementing the same measures??
Up 18 Down 7
clinton teichroeb on Jun 25, 2020 at 5:03 am
@itookalook, I have pasted obvious' comment below, the reference to the con party is there. The petition is not a left/right or red/blue discussion. Our democracy is being shelved without explanation. Our opposition is being silenced, our financial future is being leveraged, and our local private industries are being gutted by the actions of a government taken behind closed doors. So while it is your right in this free country to question whether the petition has altruistic motives, your speculation completely misses the point.
Up 26 Down 7
DMZ on Jun 24, 2020 at 9:58 pm
I've never voted for the Yukon Party, but I am very pleased that these guys, whoever they are, stuck their necks out to take the only avenue people seem to have to hold this government to account. Since court is the only option, it's a sad fact you have to have money.
People seem to think using the Civil Emergencies Management Act, closing the borders, and refusing to reconvene the Legislature or communicate with the opposition is synonymous with managing the pandemic, and to criticize the government is synonymous with being careless about people's health. That is not the case.
The Liberals are setting a precedent here that will certainly be followed by future governments of every stripe whenever they think they can get away with declaring an emergency and using the additional powers that the very poorly drafted legislation allows for any reason they like, while they take a vacation from accountability. It absolutely needs to be checked.
Up 15 Down 9
Adam Smith on Jun 24, 2020 at 8:57 pm
@Clinton You know what's actually unfortunate? That the Yukon Party is letting some of their biggest supporters down like this. I know a LOT of people who want this common sense lawsuit to succeed. I figured with a new leader they would be chomping at the bit to punch back at the government emergency orders and right away come out and support us in a big way. But so far, NOTHING. At the very least Currie, take the muzzle off of Brad, because I know HE would support us at least!! Remember, we are your base. Do not take us for granted.
Up 2 Down 6
Itookalook -- uH? on Jun 24, 2020 at 4:26 pm
the comment was
"would be doing if the cons were in power and implementing the same measures??"
Also, you can go to the other Whitehorse Star article about the petition and read the comments below.
Trolling much?
Up 18 Down 29
Dean LaRue on Jun 24, 2020 at 2:07 pm
"The petition was filed by Ross Mercer, Trent Andrew Jamieson, Douglas Craig Walker, Allan Patrick Mytrash, Martin Gregory Loos, Jan Erik Martensson and Clayton Robert Thomas."
It's hard to believe that they have the entire Yukon's interests at heart
Up 9 Down 10
Itookalook on Jun 24, 2020 at 1:44 pm
Clinton? Not that it is a big deal, perhaps the reading should be done by you. Where does it say in Obvious's comment, anything about the con party? Don't think that is the point, the point is would these folks that are looking out for all interests be doing this if the cons were in power? Simple question, I am thinking most Yukon voters know the answer.
Up 43 Down 9
clinton teichroeb on Jun 24, 2020 at 5:36 am
The commenters that question the motives and mock the "pillars of society" behind the petition really ought to read the petition. Ross has made it very clear that the petition is about democracy, and respect for our institutions. If this was a case if greedy business looking out themselves, one would expect that the lawsuit would be seeking damages. It does not.
If you don't have an issue with this government overstepping its bounds, or snubbing the parliamentary system of democracy, that is your business and your opinion. The insinuation that the Yukon Party would be resorting to the same tactics is a moot and irrelevant point for several reasons. First, this government was elected on the promises of change to "open and transparent government", and that it would be accountable for its decisions. Second, to adopt strategies that were an affront to democracy is nothing short of hypocritical. The Emporer's clothes may now be red, but there is no more respect for the voters, democracy or rule if law.
It's unfortunate that a group of individuals have to lobby the courts in order to have our leaders give an account for why they single handedly chose to extend the CEMA measures, then immediately double the territory's debt limit without debate. It is encouraging to see a few people call this out for what it is. I support this motion, and I would encourage each individual to put their political bias aside and ask themselves whether we are seeing "our" democracy at work.
Up 12 Down 19
Klaus G. on Jun 23, 2020 at 7:57 pm
Not to fear monger but we have enormous Covid19 outbreaks on either side of us and B.C. with a dramatic rise in cases within B.C. itself.
Up 8 Down 7
Itookalook on Jun 23, 2020 at 7:54 pm
@For questions about anon, agreed in those cases I can see why someone would not want to use their names. When someone is spreading hate and making racist remarks that would otherwise never see the light of day, that is BS.
Up 16 Down 5
One One-Lesser-Voice on Jun 23, 2020 at 7:23 pm
Often it's best to not use your real name.
Small town and saying how you feel can hurt you and your family whether you work in government or in the private sector.
I will donate anonymously. Not because I am in total support but because the covid crisis could have been managed with a quicker response timeline. It's possible there could have been advisors but that would mean some pressure by these advisors but being responsible would mean that the interests of all people would be considered. And of course I hope there is not an outbreak in the future which causes mortalities.
At the end of the day the government reacted similar to most provinces and many countries. And it's not over yet because there is no vaccine and not herd immunity.
If a mortality rate of 4.5 percent was used for the Yukon Model, they assumed 26,666 Yukon residents could have been infected by covid to cause 1,200 deaths.
Up 36 Down 2
For questions about anon on Jun 23, 2020 at 4:59 pm
People use anon because you risk backlash if people don't like that you supported.
"I refuse to use (insert company name) because they supported Ross Mercer."
There are also issues with vandalism or harassment.
Up 17 Down 1
The actual URL for the go fund me on Jun 23, 2020 at 4:48 pm
Not me supporting or not supporting... however, the link provided below is the "Correct URL" - You can't cut/paste Ross Mercer's this one works -
https://www.gofundme.com/f/yukoners-for-charter-rights-and-yg-accountability
Up 15 Down 31
Andy S on Jun 23, 2020 at 4:01 pm
@ Ross Mercer
Lots of gutless anonymous donors on that gofundme, eh? Speaks volumes about their commitment. Hahahaha
Up 50 Down 13
Mike House on Jun 23, 2020 at 12:50 pm
Just wanted to clear up an absolutely stupid comment above as to this group reeking of the Alberta oil industry. I am an old guy. My kids and grandkids grew up here in Yukon. A myriad of years ago, Trents dad (Dave) and I worked together on various stuff when I ran Yukon Freight Lines over 30 years ago, maybe 40. Clayton's mom and dad have been friends of ours (again, here in Yukon) before Clayton was even born. Ross started with nothing here in Yukon, and built his Yukon company into something that is truly amazing because he was smarter and harder working than anyone else/ by harder working I mean living and sleeping in his business 24/365 while trying to get established. They, like many other Yukoners (and I) have at times done work for the Alberta Oil industry, but MAKE NO MISTAKE ABOUT IT- We are talking about Yukoners in the truest sense, just trying not to lose what they have worked their whole life for. My wife and I are very proud to count them as friends, and support them entirely in their endeavor.
Up 21 Down 31
Obvious on Jun 23, 2020 at 10:29 am
I am just wondering, what would these pillars (ha!) of society, who are looking out for my best interests, would be doing if the cons were in power and implementing the same measures??
Up 38 Down 15
Ross Mercer on Jun 23, 2020 at 10:28 am
The link to our Go Fund Me page is below. On the page is an outline of our objectives as well as a link to the petition itself.
This petition has been put forward by private citizens investing their own money and time. This is not an issue of dollars over lives or convenience over public health. This is about the overall well-being of individuals, society and the economy, as well as the preservation of our democratic processes and constitutional rights. We greatly appreciate any and all support, thank you!
https://www.gofundme.com/f/yukoners-for-charter-rights-and-yg-accountability?teamInvite=hcSyEpOILj5nTxbenmMXpp9fv8OB49my0cp9T01HtKP7woXEzDZzcyuWRboJ1f7R
Up 25 Down 30
Wilf Carter's Sensible Twin on Jun 22, 2020 at 7:40 pm
"The petition was filed by Ross Mercer, Trent Andrew Jamieson, Douglas Craig Walker, Allan Patrick Mytrash, Martin Gregory Loos, Jan Erik Martensson and Clayton Robert Thomas."
This herd reeks of the Alberta Oil Industry that tried to buy the Yukon riding in the last federal election.
Up 37 Down 3
Moose on Jun 21, 2020 at 11:29 pm
What is the Yukon Party's position on this? Do they support the lawsuit or not?
Up 21 Down 28
Juniper Jackson on Jun 21, 2020 at 8:35 pm
I will say before, and will say again. If you do not feel comfortable resuming a life, then stay home. Have your groceries delivered. No one is going to force you out the door. But, give me the same curtesy. Do not try to live my life for me by trying to make sure i can't live a life. I want my freedom. Trudeau is trialing an app that will track every move you make, everyone you talk to, where you go, how long you stay. He is saying..oh yeah..we want to track Covid. Euthanasia just wanted to give people the option to delete themselves from the program. Everyone, even me, said..yup. Now? teenagers can opt for euthanasia without telling their parents, a dr can decide if you should die..consent not needed.. IF Trudeau's bill is passed. He holds a majority government with Singh, and the Bloc. I hope he stays on vacation forever.
That being said.. I am not going to let the wolf in the door with a tracking app. That's me and I don't do a damned thing. You? You go to the hotel to meet up with a 'friend'..in the divorce, the spouse can subpoena those little trips..go to buy drugs? bang..nailed.. go racing down the hiway? the government will know where you went, who went with you, and how long you were racing. There are so many people who can't leave their house, are going to say..thank God, I'm safe. No you aren't. Especially if you buy a little dope on the side, send a taxi for a bottle of rum here and there. The Gov is going to say..hey, conspiracy theorist.. give it a rest..it's only about covid. That's how it is going to be forced on everyone. Extreme fear of covid will cause everyone to race for that app. Surprise when you find it can't be deleted.. the app will not be effective for covid anyway. I don't have a cell phone, are they going to give me one? and pay for it? 14% of the people who contract covid have NO symptoms. For many people who value their privacy, they are going to balk at a tracking device, the government will either legislate it and arrest people who refuse..Bill Gates is in favor of every human having a microchip? Even I don't believe that one.. but that's today, if the app even half works to track dealers and pushers, or me, because I irritate everyone, who is to say it won't be shot into your neck tomorrow?
Up 44 Down 16
Mike Power on Jun 21, 2020 at 2:12 pm
There are no COVID cases in the Yukon. There have been none since early May. Nobody has died. Our hospitals were never overwhelmed; in fact is appears perhaps all those who caught it were able to recover at home.
We are told there are currently no COVID cases in the Yukon. The government is refusing to institute widespread testing. How can they declare the Territory COVID free when they have no data to back it up?
The immediate government overreaction when the pandemic hit would be excusable if they subsequently came to their senses and reversed themselves. Instead most of our Territorial politicians and bureaucrats seem quite comfortable being firmly in command of everything, using fear as a lever to remain in control with no accountability. Their response has been completely out of proportion to the problem and they show no sign of coming to their senses. They've wrecked our economy, up-ended our communities, spread needless fear and division, and indefinitely suspended our legislature with rolling extensions of the emergency measures.
Someone has to hold them accountable and fight this and I'm glad these folks stepped up.
Up 44 Down 33
Brant Gibbon on Jun 20, 2020 at 8:32 pm
Please read up on the Spanish flu in 1918. History could be repeating itself. Please be patient so we can all be safe.
Up 23 Down 31
Brad Mercier on Jun 20, 2020 at 7:49 pm
Haha right. Elvis hasn’t raised 8 grand in 15 years, let alone 15 hours. Thank you to the petitioners for their bravery and their initiative.
Up 40 Down 36
drum on Jun 20, 2020 at 3:11 pm
These restrictions have kept us safe. Look at what is happening in Toronto! Do you want this to be happening here?
Up 20 Down 38
Tagish Elvis on Jun 19, 2020 at 6:57 pm
Hahahaha! If these people wanted a favorable judgement they should have hired me as lead investigator. Chuck Barris will be making a command appearance to gong these proponents off stage one at a time. Hahahahaha!
Up 50 Down 28
Jc on Jun 19, 2020 at 5:35 pm
And where did Silver get his advice from? Teresa Tam? Or JT?
Up 57 Down 50
Dave on Jun 19, 2020 at 5:05 pm
Thanks Whitehorse Star for putting this story up and spreading the news so we know where to go to donate and support these Yukoners who are taking a stand.