Federal candidates’ forum organized
The Canadian-Filipino Association of the Yukon (CFAY) is organizing a federal elections candidates’ forum.
The Canadian-Filipino Association of the Yukon (CFAY) is organizing a federal elections candidates’ forum.
The event will take place from 6-8 p.m. Sept. 10 at the Multicultural Centre of the Yukon on Fourth Avenue.
With rapidly growing immigrant communities of which Filipinos make up the largest group in the Yukon (approximately 10 per cent of the territory’s total population), the CFAY said it felt obligated to help raise awareness and educate newcomers and new Canadian citizens.
It wants to relay information about the political parties and ideologies, the election process, and the importance of political engagement – in particular, the power of the vote.
“New Canadian citizens need to understand that voting is not just a right you acquire upon citizenship,” said association president Aurora Viernes.
“It is also a duty and a privilege to be able to choose who you want to represent you in the government.
“This important decision should be taken seriously because the government is responsible for ensuring the well-being and the quality of life for all residents of Canada,” she added.
“Not every country honours this democratic process.”
An invitation has been sent out to all five federal candidates, the association said, “and they have expressed their eagerness to participate.”
While respecting COVID-19 public health measures, there will be an informal meet-and-greet with the candidates followed by a question-and-answer forum, where all candidates will be given the opportunity to address each question.
Though the event is targeted to immigrants and new Canadians, anyone is welcome to attend.
Seating may be limited by the virus restrictions.
Comments (30)
Up 9 Down 6
Mary on Sep 1, 2021 at 12:55 pm
@ EJ
Yes, that was 13 years ago that the YP contracted him (and looking back his contracts were much smaller then); but as he got more and more comfortable with his big fat contracts (especially those in the last 17 months) he realized 6 years ago the largess of the Liberal Party as being a sources for some great pork barrelling. He didn't want to miss the opportunity and viola - he jumped right in bed with them. No, by the way he did not mirror what the other jurisdictions advocated - in fact he always stayed true to the party line coming from King Trudeau.
Oh by the way - while you like to obviously think that everyone who does not like him is from the "other" parties - this is one gal who holds no allegiance to any of them. I must admit though I do not like the Liberals - they are just too sleazy for me. Their attitudes and entitlement is way too much for me.
Up 7 Down 8
George on Sep 1, 2021 at 12:52 pm
Hey EJ, nobody said he was always a liberal. What is being said by many Yukoners is that it appears he used his public position as an advantage to further his political career and this may have been a set play. Perception, you know when something just looks wrong. He should resign.
Up 7 Down 10
EJ on Aug 31, 2021 at 9:04 pm
Hey George, if Hanley was always a Liberal, how come he was appointed to be the CMOH by the Yukon Party 13 years ago? Inconvenient fact I know.
Also, if he was making decisions during the pandemic based on politics and not science, how come his recommendations were mostly in line with what every other CMOH in the country recommended, including in Conservative run provinces? You can spin and twist this fact all you like, but it shows that either all of the CMOH offices in every province were in the bag for the liberals, OR the more likely case that they were all making decisions based upon the best evidence at the time.
The vast majority of people attacking him for going into politics just happen to be die hard supporters of the other political parties. Funny that.
Up 18 Down 10
george on Aug 31, 2021 at 3:31 pm
I hope someone asks Dr. Shamley why he fooled us all. His actions clearly appear to be politically motivation and self serving. Need to ask the question of how long he has been working this liberal spin and why he hasn't resigned.
Up 14 Down 10
Al on Aug 31, 2021 at 2:28 pm
@north of 60
Actually my friend, his name for many months has been a mix between Dr Fear and/or Dr Death. He is a very arrogant man. He portrays an ego the size of a bus. My assumption is that he fits right in with the Liberals sense of entitlement.
An MP he is not - he will advocate for Hanley first and foremost.
Up 20 Down 7
Rational Thot on Aug 31, 2021 at 10:52 am
Hanley was in a position of public trust (yes, overpaid but now isn’t the time for that talk). He didn’t even have the integrity to vacate the CMOH office to run for the Libs. They’ve lined his pockets beautifully so far. And there is no difference between the territorial and federal parties. Staff are lent out during election periods and their playbooks are almost identical.
Up 4 Down 3
The Charter on Aug 31, 2021 at 6:30 am
I'm no lawyer - but sifting through Section 7 (Life, Liberty, Security of Person) "The Supreme Court has repeatedly stated that infringements of section 7 are not easily saved by section 1 and has in some cases suggested that section 1 justification may only be possible in cases arising out of exceptional conditions, such as natural disasters, the outbreak of war, epidemics, and the like” and going back to Section 1 (individual rights) which says "Section 1 effects a balance between the rights of the individual and the interests of society by permitting limits to be placed on guaranteed rights and freedoms. Most modern constitutions recognize that rights are not absolute and can be limited if this is necessary to achieve an important objective and if the limit is appropriately tailored, or proportionate." It'll be interesting to see what comes of legal challenges, and also interesting that Section 7 specifically mentions 'epidemics', long before the current state.
Up 9 Down 5
Clear the air on Aug 30, 2021 at 10:03 pm
Thanks for the explanation John. I'm sure someone at one of the forums will ask whether or not the candidates and their immediate families are vaccinated, so at that time, Jonas can just confirm that he and his wife are vaccinated and that will put an end to all of the speculation about him being an anti-vaxxer.
Up 16 Down 11
North_of_60 on Aug 30, 2021 at 6:48 pm
Only an elite narcissist puts their professional title on a campaign sign. As if any voter in the Yukon doesn't know he is a doctor by now.
We should call him Dr Hubris.
Up 4 Down 3
Question for you, John on Aug 30, 2021 at 4:03 pm
I keep seeing references to Section 15 of the charter, which deals with discrimination. It very clearly says "the list of grounds “enumerated” in section 15 (1) (race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability)" can be added to, but so far only marital status, sexual orientation, non-residence (Aboriginal people living off reserves) have been added to the very narrow set of what can be considered discrimination. Are you and the others who point to this really proposing that 'unvaccinated' be added to the list of groups when it comes to discrimination/equality? If so, I'm curious to see how far it goes,
Up 4 Down 1
John on Aug 30, 2021 at 2:05 pm
@Anie
I may have misspoke regarding the Charter - it should have read Section 7. My error.
Up 8 Down 7
Anie on Aug 30, 2021 at 1:10 pm
John, thank you for the explanation of the CPC process. It's always good to have facts. While I disagree that proof of vaccination equates to a violation of the charter - there are lots of ways to prove vaccination without giving anyone access to medical info, and we already have to provide proof of various vaccinations to travel to several countries - I am now better informed about this candidate. Thank you.
Up 4 Down 12
Wilf on Aug 30, 2021 at 4:16 am
I was hoping the electric car fast charge network throughout the Yukon question could hit the podium, 'clunk'.
Newfoundland has just turned up their Provincial fast charge electric network and appear to be going after the eco-tourist people just as we could be and maybe already are to a certain extent after a fashion.
Up 10 Down 7
Groucho d'North on Aug 29, 2021 at 4:26 pm
Hmm, I have been pondering since the doctor announced his candidacy; remember when the vaccine inventories in Canada were sputtering along and the race to get everybody jabbed was slowing? Out of nowhere suddenly it became appropriate to mix first and second vaccine doses from a variety of brands. I have faith that the medical community chewed on this decision although there was not much media coverage of the process used for this quasi scientific decision, but the mixing policy stood none the less. Luckily the north was spared this mess because we only had Moderna available. The provinces are learning of what restrictions there may be for those who followed the mixing advice. Similalrly now there is little fuss about the relaxing of the COVID restrictions when the Delta varient is filling ICUs once again. Could an election have something to influence these activities? Back to the good doctor Hanely - where are his loyalties now and what will they be if he succeeds this MP race?
Up 16 Down 9
John on Aug 29, 2021 at 12:34 pm
@Sumpin ain’t right & Moe:
It may be difficult for you to understand simplicity. Sometimes simple is all it is. Jonas was going through the final oral vetting when the issue of mandatory identification of an employee as to their vaccination status was brought up. It was "before" the leader made a reverse decision on his previous proclaimed stance some days later. It was more than once they conversed over this subject. Jonas kept insisting that what was being advocated crossed the line with our Charter rights - in particular chapter 15. The right of privacy. This was the point in which there was no give by Jonas - he was firm in his stance. He would not support any intrusion by the state into a persons medical profile. The decision to not validate Jonas was not made verbally but rather by email, which has been disclosed by the association. There was zero contact between the committee and any of the local people - all correspondence and vetting was between the candidate and them.
Now I shall give you some insight into how the vetting process works within the CPC. There is a committee at arms length from the Leader that vets candidates based on a criteria established from the National Board. A candidate must meet some criteria without exception and other criteria may have some flexibility. It is that candidate selection committee that makes the final decision - no one else. As a follow-up there is an automatic appeal process when a candidate is nominated by the local riding association when the committee vets out a candidate. However, politics being the beast it is it is rare that the appeal group would overturn the original decision.
So you can stop with your little conspiracy theories. They hold no water and are nothing more than speculative at best.
Frankly I don't care if you accept the truth or not. This note is to make it clear to other readers how the cookie crumbled.
It takes a lot of courage in this day and age to stand up for your principles - and Jonas knew that. For him it was a line in the sand - and personally for that I admire his position. In my opinion we need more people to stand firm on our rights. They are too easily trod on by those who may wish to do so. Too bad other political hopefuls are not as principled. Hanley for one stands out as a good example. How he can support a party that has down many a injustice in this country over the past 6 years. You have to shake your head in wonderment...
Up 9 Down 1
Tim Rutherford on Aug 29, 2021 at 12:27 pm
"moe on Aug 28, 2021 at 1:15 pm"
Excellent post. !
" I would like some smart reporter to ask some questions. "
I as well - where are our local "Lois Lanes" and "Bob Woodwards" ?
Up 17 Down 6
moe on Aug 28, 2021 at 1:15 pm
The blurred lines between 'Dr.' Hanley the 3/4 million dollar man, and the Liberal party both territorially and federally, are disturbing.
Jonas Smith was not shown the door simply because he disagrees with mandatory vaccination, vaccine passports, or coersion to get vaccinated. O'Toole says much of the same. So why was he suddenly thrown out as a candidate? Being that he is running as an independent, I'd like to know.
Lenore Morris for the Greens, Lisa Vollens-Leduc for the NDP, and Barbara Dunlop for the CPC seem to be uncomplicated candidates.
I'm glad the Filipino center has arranged this. I would like some smart reporter to ask some questions.
Up 38 Down 13
Jersey Fleming on Aug 28, 2021 at 8:50 am
What I do strongly object to is political staff from the Cabinet Offices actively working on Hanley's campaign, while at the same time being paid by the government. Can we say Campaign Manager....! Can we say.......? This is plain wrong.
My second objection is that Hanley is the only candidate I know of who has the arrogance to put the abbreviation DR. on campaign signs. There are other very good people who have run in the past and who were well educated. They certainly did not campaign in this manner.
I have never seen this in the Yukon ever before at any level. It smacks of arrogance of the highest level. For these very important two reasons I will not be voting Liberal this election, even though traditionally I have.
Up 17 Down 4
TheHammer on Aug 27, 2021 at 6:08 pm
Wilf Carter@ Your question about the "brother' statement is an easy one. All Christian males are brothers in Christ. Because of the death of our traditional myth, we no longer identify ourselves with Christ. it's the same in Islam. If you want to know about 'brother' in Islam, google it. The more significant question, is why are these murderers, rapists, barbarian thugs, that don't know the difference between war and Jihad, even recognized as Muslims?
Up 20 Down 7
Well, Wilf may not have gotten many votes on Aug 27, 2021 at 4:45 pm
But at least he stepped up and ran. Not many people do that, and no wonder - have to be pretty thick-skinned to take the abuse handed out these days.
Up 17 Down 4
Charlie's Aunt on Aug 27, 2021 at 4:35 pm
@ Wilf. Once in a while I give you a thumbs up, but you really lose credibility with your claims of having worked everywhere. Maybe you are as old as Methuselah because it is impossible for anyone to have had so many places of employment unless each was for a few days. I have said it before; quit blowing your own trumpet and you might have better responses.
Up 19 Down 12
Sumpin ain’t right on Aug 27, 2021 at 4:28 pm
Jonas needs to come clean on why he was dumped from the CPC right out of the starting blocks. Clearly his version of what happened differs greatly from reality.
Or maybe Jonas just likes losing elections. He’ll have more losses racked up than Michael Phelps has Olympic medals.
Up 9 Down 25
Wilf Carter on Aug 27, 2021 at 2:37 pm
Politico I have worked with and for Saudi's Iranians and with many people from the middle east. I have worked with Europeans on projects in Canada. I have worked with Chinese on many projects in industrial programs. Tell us who you are politico you must be a liberal or NDP which are destroying Canada.
Up 12 Down 7
Ginger Johnson on Aug 27, 2021 at 1:07 pm
"Politico on Aug 27, 2021 at 11:33 am"
YEP - and the 163 people who voted for Wilfaroo when he ran for Mayor of WH
are having second thoughts again.
Up 21 Down 17
Politico on Aug 27, 2021 at 11:33 am
Wilf your understanding of other cultures and the way they treat each other is incomprehensible. Do you know anything except white man culture?
Up 40 Down 6
Richard Ablanalp on Aug 27, 2021 at 10:05 am
The National Conservative Party approved Smith as a candidate 2 years ago.
This election they got rid of him as quickly and as quietly as possible.
SOMETHING IS GOING ON HERE !
People people attending this meeting need to demand to know what it is.
Up 11 Down 16
bonanzajoe on Aug 26, 2021 at 8:28 pm
'Wilf Carter: It's just a precursor to the takeover. You can be sure JT understands perfectly.
Up 26 Down 25
Gilles Fortin on Aug 26, 2021 at 5:08 pm
"Grant Duff on Aug 26, 2021 at 2:36 pm"
YEP - Smith's no content, overbearing campaign ads are already showing up
in huge numbers.
How DID and "Independent" (SMIRK) candidate get so much cash so fast ?
Who is pulling Smith's puppet strings ?
Up 67 Down 21
TMYK on Aug 26, 2021 at 2:47 pm
Will someone please ask Hanley how long he was in talks with the Liberals to run? How long was he playing politics with our health?
Up 39 Down 35
Wilf Carter on Aug 26, 2021 at 2:40 pm
I have a question for candidates. The Trudeau minister from Afghanistan stated that Taliban is her brothers can you explain this? Trudeau states he is a feminist but lets Taliban men take over Afghanistan where women are subject to all types of abuse based on Canadian laws. Can liberal candidates defend those actions of Trudeau, his minister and Taliban?