Barbara Dunlop may be facing an uphill battle to become the Yukon’s next MP, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Dunlop is the Conservative Party of Canada candidate. She’s taken over for Jonas J. Smith, who found himself at odds with the party last month over mandatory vaccines.

After Smith was unceremoniously turfed, Dunlop was parachuted in a few days later to take his place.

That put her at an immediate disadvantage, as did Smith’s decision to run as an independent candidate, which seems likely to split the conservative vote in the territory.

Dunlop said she’s not seeing much evidence of that affecting the campaign.

“Talking at the door and to people in the community, our team is hearing staunch and loyal support for the Conservative Party,” she said.

“We’re also hearing from people interested in being represented by me as a moderate, pragmatic member of Parliament. 

“People seem to understand how difficult it is for an independent candidate to win the race. They also understand the severe limitations of being an independent MP—virtually no opportunities in question period, no committee assignments, and no allies.”

Conversely, “a Conservative Party MP representing Yukon would sit in caucus and have a seat at the table,” she said.

“Whether the party forms government or is in opposition, a Conservative Party MP would be in a position to gather support and put Yukon issues on the national agenda.”

Dunlop said her decision to run is far from a whim.

“I’ve been interested in politics most of my life, with conservative leanings as far back as I can remember,” Dunlop said.

“During elections, I’d listen to the local candidates, learn about the issues, and talk about the campaign with my friends. Then, on election night, I’d pop the popcorn, tune in the television, and find out what the people were thinking. 

“We need to govern ourselves somehow,” she continued. “A civil debate on issues and policy perspectives, followed by one person, one vote, seemed to me like the ultimate in fairness—where the defeated bow out gracefully, and the winners represent everyone to the best of their ability until they face the electorate again. I’m excited to be participating this time.”

Dunlop decided to step into the void left by Smith after some careful reflection.

“I’ve considered running for political office in the past, admired candidates of all stripes who stepped up to offer representation to constituents. But while working in the public service, raising two children, and building my writing career, the timing was never quite right,” the author said. 

“It became clear the Conservative Party needed a candidate very quickly, and I was at a point in my life where I could change direction. A few friends and party members knew I had considered running in the past and approached me about putting my name forward.

“I found I couldn’t tolerate the idea of leaving Yukoners without the option to vote for one of our two major political parties—the Conservatives.”

The writing career Dunlop referred to is her string of more than 50 romance novels, most issued by the Harlequin publishing house.

The sideline has garnered some awards, and has been both a lucrative and rewarding side career from the time she’s spent working for the Yukon government.

“I’ve lived in the Yukon for 32 years, both in Whitehorse and outside the city in rural residential,” she said.

“I’ve raised two children and been a volunteer in the arts community and in the education system. I’ve worked in the private sector. And I’ve managed my own writing business, working with publishers in Toronto, New York City and Los Angeles.”

As a director in the Department of Economic Development, she added, she supported local businesses and industry organizations to advance the territory’s economy.

“As Yukon’s Film and Sound Commissioner, I promoted Yukon to international film companies—our spectacular wilderness location, of course, but also our film crew, local goods and services.  

That’s given Dunlop an array of experience to draw from.

“I headed the branch that negotiated inter-provincial and international trade agreements, giving me experience at coming up to speed on a wide variety of Yukon issues, framing them, presenting them to Ottawa, and gaining concessions and considerations specific to Yukon,” she said. 

“I am confident that the range and depth of my understanding of Yukon life and my experience advocating for our territory will enable me to effectively represent Yukoners in Ottawa.”

If Dunlop wins the seat, she said, “There is a lot for Yukon to work with in the Conservative Party platform: Canada’s Recovery Plan, but I’ve only scratched the surface in learning about the specific needs and aspirations of Yukoners. 

“The housing crisis is top of mind for many, as is an economic recovery following the pandemic especially for the hardest-hit sectors and including needed infrastructure like broadband,” the candidate said.

“Reconciliation with First Nations along with mental health and addictions challenges have also been identified by many people. And people in the resource sector are looking for a more streamlined assessment process.

“Ideas are a starting point, but execution is vital. I would push for federal involvement, policies, or resources to help implement successful Yukon projects. 

“I will listen. I will learn. And I will advocate for my fellow Yukoners to help them achieve their goals and improve our quality of life.”

So far, Dunlop said, she’s not thinking of the future beyond the election.

“That’s not something I’ve been thinking about,” she said.

“Launching my candidacy and the campaign has taken all my concentration. I’ve been busy meeting with Yukoners and focusing on becoming the next member of Parliament for Yukon, because that’s what I’m planning to do.”