Photo by Photo Submitted
LOOKING TO RE-ENTER POLITICS – Currie Dixon, who is seeking the leadership of the Yukon Party, is seen with his wife, Brittany, and their two children.
Former minister announces bid for the Yukon Party leadership
The day after the Yukon Party announced its date for choosing a new leader, the first candidate emerged.
The day after the Yukon Party announced its date for choosing a new leader, the first candidate emerged.
Currie Dixon, a minister in former premier Darrell Pasloski’s government, announced his leadership bid Thursday afternoon.
“While the Yukon Party has an incredible history of strong leaders, it’s time for a new generation of leadership,” said the 34-year-old Dixon.
“I want to bring a new energy and a fresh approach to grow and build our party in 2020 and beyond.”
From 2011 to 2016, Dixon was the party’s MLA for Copperbelt North. He defeated then-Liberal opposition leader Arthur Mitchell by more than 100 votes for the seat.
Dixon also held the cabinet portfolios of Economic Development, Environment, Community Services, and the Public Service Commission. He was the youngest cabinet minister in Yukon history and among the youngest in Canadian history.
In June 2016, Dixon announced he was leaving politics after just a single term. “Serving Yukoners as a minister and serving my constituents as MLA over the past five years has been an incredible honour,” Dixon told the Star at the time.
“But after five years in this role, I’m ready to explore new opportunities and take a new path.”
He said then he wasn’t entirely sure where that new path might lead him – but didn’t rule out a later return to politics.
While he’d enjoyed and is proud of the work of the Yukon Party over the last five years, he said in 2016, he was ready to move on to something new “outside the world of politics.”
Since then, Dixon has spent time working in both the public service and the private sector: as a senior policy advisor in the Department of Economic Development and in his current role, as the business development director for ALX Exploration and Mining Supplies.
“Under my leadership, the Yukon Party will be grounded in fiscal conservatism, will focus intently on growing and diversifying the economy, and will continue to promote access to the wilderness for hunting, fishing, and recreation,” said Dixon.
“Equally so, I will push us to be a party that is progressive, inclusive, and a party that respects the role of First Nations in the governance of this territory and the role of First Nations people in our economy.”
Stacey Hassard has led the party on an interim basis since Jeanie Dendys, now a Liberal cabinet minister, defeated Pasloski in the Mountainview riding.
Hassard does not plan to seek the leadership on a permanent basis.
The party said Wednesday its members will choose a leader on May 23, 2020. No further details were disclosed.
Dixon holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree with Honours in Political Science from St. Francis Xavier University and a Master of Arts Degree in Political Science from the University of Northern British Columbia.
His master’s project examined the relationship between Yukon First Nations governments and the Yukon Government in the field of education. He is currently undertaking postgraduate studies in International Law through the University of London.
“I believe that my experience as a cabinet minister, my time working in both the private sector and in the public service, and my academic background all combine to give me the right set of skills to be a strong and effective leader,” Dixon added.
The candidate and his wife, Brittany, are lifelong Yukoners who live in Copper Ridge with their two children.
Add your comments or reply via Twitter @whitehorsestar
In order to encourage thoughtful and responsible discussion, website comments will not be visible until a moderator approves them. Please add comments judiciously and refrain from maligning any individual or institution. Read about our user comment and privacy policies.
Your name and email address are required before your comment is posted. Otherwise, your comment will not be posted.
Comments (29)
Up 1 Down 9
Yukoner75 on Nov 28, 2019 at 7:15 pm
@Downtown Resident. If he is well educated, he won't do well as a conservative since conservatives see education as "left-wing brainwashing". This is why none of the current Yukon Party MLAs have anything more than a high school education. If anything, Currie belongs more with the educated folks in the Liberal party - lol. The Yukon Party base will never trust him since he is an educated person who also spent time in the civil service.
Up 16 Down 8
Downtown resident on Nov 28, 2019 at 2:33 pm
Here's the thing. Every party needs a leader. Mr. Dixon is the first to step up and put his name forward for the job. From what I can tell, every negative comment being thrown forward is from a person who does not even support the party. Any chance to put them and their potential leader down, they will take. So really - any and all comments of this nature are irrelevant. The ones that count, are from Yukon Party supporters who will be voting Mr. Dixon, or another, into the position of leader.
People who are knocking him for being a "Pasloski puppet" really don't have a leg to stand on. He was not a "puppet", but rather a very well-respected Minister of many departments. He got along very well with officials, with bureaucrats and staff. He was well-liked by those who worked with him inside and outside of government (myself included). I was enthralled by his brains and his candor. He was respectful, succinct, and listened to people. He worked hard as an MLA, and would have won his riding again and again had he stayed in the game. For this reason, I am willing to become a YP member to have a chance to vote for him. He is young, better educated than the majority of politicians with more "life experience", personable and very wonderful to work with. So perhaps, rather than trying to come up with cons, people should look at the pros. I would be proud to have Mr. Dixon as our Premier.
Up 8 Down 11
CJ on Nov 28, 2019 at 11:18 am
I quite like Stacey Hassard. It was so nice to hear the warmth between him and Kate White on the CBC yesterday, and both were very civil in general.
What I remember about Currie Dixon was that he was often making reprehensible, sexist, even cruel, remarks, especially to Elizabeth Hanson, in the Legislature, in a way that even a few short years later, would not go as unnoticed now as they did then. I guess he was only in his 20s then, which made it worse, somehow. He also had a tendency to pompousness and an inflated sense of his own intellectual abilities, which coloured my impression of that version of the Yukon Party. Safe to say, I'm not a fan.
Was he ever in opposition? Because that experience can be more character-building for a politician, from what I've seen.
Up 18 Down 9
Obi on Nov 27, 2019 at 4:12 pm
Hey Clifford,
If memory serves me right, I think that Justin Trudeau’s father, Pierre, holds the record for the national debt. Your other PM, Jean Cretin, wanted to rename our Mt. Logan after Trudeau, which I think would have been a great idea naming our highest mountain after the yahoo, as he was the one who created the highest debt ever.
Up 11 Down 17
Clifford on Nov 26, 2019 at 6:04 pm
Hey OBI very heart rendering but you are aware (or maybe you're not) that Bulroney and Harper by far hold the records for governments that added staggering amounts to the National Debt.
Up 14 Down 23
Studebaker Dunlop on Nov 26, 2019 at 4:07 pm
"working in his current role, as the business development director for ALX Exploration and Mining Supplies"
SOOOO - as Yukon Premier he would be yet another toadie for mining interests?
The Yukon does NOT need Pasloski 2.0 !
Up 10 Down 14
Gordon of Riverdale on Nov 26, 2019 at 3:15 pm
So has the Oil or Mining Company that gave $500,000 to his recent Federal Election campaign also given "Rusty Pasloski" (Darryl's red-headed stepchild) his first real job ?
Up 5 Down 7
Bob Ablanalp on Nov 26, 2019 at 3:01 pm
"Wilf Carter on Nov 26, 2019 at 3:01 am
I find it interesting all the arm chair brain waves telling Yukoners what's wrong with politics."
HILLARIOUS - the Wilfster is dumping on the other members of the "club" that he founded!
Up 31 Down 16
Obi on Nov 26, 2019 at 12:27 pm
Hey Marylaker, speaking of tools take look in the mirror!
I suppose getting all your political funding from Cpaws, and the like is ok.
At least Mining provides jobs for the many people that can’t or don’t want to work for some form of government in the Yukon. Not everybody, and I’m thinking of you, are blessed with a guaranteed paycheque, can’t be fired, pension, gold plated health care coverage, stress leave, lifestyle that you are used to.
Some people have to create real wealth, which is what mining companies do and the people that work for them. It is those taxes that pay your salary, and not the false economy created by the Federal government and its constant inclination to increasing our national debt.
I also think that the Yukon Party has a better philosophy towards improving everybody’s lifestyle, by providing a more diversified economy and not spending money the way the Liberal party has been doing these past years.
And with regards to the Peel situation, if you want to protect it, then protect it.
Right now it’s nothing but a piggy bank for eco tourism operators, most who are from the US, and not employing Yukoners. They provide a playground for world elite sharebabies who enjoy our wilderness and do nothing for the people who live here.
I say, the Peel should outlaw all motorized means of accessing it. That means no planes, helicopters, boats, ATV’s ,skidoo’s. if you want to go in, go by horse or walk and this applies to First Nations as well.
Let me know if Cpaws agrees with that.
I congratulate Currie Dixon, for having the courage to put his name forward and fight the good fight for everybody in the Yukon. His place will never be with those cold and timid souls that know neither victory nor defeat.
Up 16 Down 19
Wilf Carter on Nov 26, 2019 at 3:01 am
I find it interesting all the arm chair brain waves telling Yukoners what's wrong with politics. Stand up and do something about it or give some positive and constructive views.
Currie is a great young man trying to make Yukon better for all of us. Like Sandy who comes from Antigonish area we do what we think is is right but liberals are having hard time due to weak support.
Up 24 Down 22
Yukoner123 on Nov 25, 2019 at 7:13 pm
@Jim - Sorry but it's not about them just picking a leader. It's about the Old Boys club in the Yukon Party. There are about 4 or 5 families who control the Yukon Party typically and Currie is simply their latest champion. Look at the past 15 years they controlled the Yukon while the YP was in power. Ask yourself why contracts were sole sourced to party donors even if it meant Yukon taxpayers losing money; Ask why YTG would pay over market amount for many properties in town owned by these families; look at the bailout for the Old Boys golf club; look at the waterfront properties around lakes in Carcross and Teslin where "random" lotteries ended up with members of the old boys club and their families getting beautiful lots all next to one another. I could go on but you get the picture. We all know who put Currie forward last time and I'm sure he has the same backers again because they don't like having the Liberals in government.
Let's hope either the Yukon Party re-invents itself. Or simply stays out of power for a few more elections.
Up 51 Down 14
Max Mack on Nov 25, 2019 at 4:51 pm
Good luck, Currie Dixon. You are far braver than I, or many other politicians for that matter. Just look at the animosity being spewed at you, the Yukon Party, and other party leaders in these threads. Who would want to be subjected to such vitriole?
Up 18 Down 19
I agree with somebody like Joe, Jody, or Jack on Nov 25, 2019 at 3:19 pm
I agree with somebody like Joe Sparling running. (Not Joe though; Air North is the best and we need him there!) Joe has proven that honestly, hard work and not gouging your customers reaps serious benefits. Now if some politicians could apply this, you just might get my vote. Jack Layton would have been a wonderful prime minister. Or Jody Wilson-Raybolt-not scared to stand up to corruption. Somebody like Joe, Jody or Jack-- integrity in a J vote.
Up 40 Down 12
Jim on Nov 25, 2019 at 3:01 pm
There are some real stupid comments here about Yukon Party, poison Pasloski, raping the Peel, etc, etc. It’s pretty simple, Currie Dixon is running for a leadership role in the Yukon Party. Are some of you shocked that they are picking a leader? All the parties have them in case you weren’t aware. And before you live the fantasy that the majority wanted the Yukon Liberals to form government, look at the numbers. If memory serve correct, they didn’t have much more than 30%. Also not everyone was in favour of the decision on the Peel. Some people are in favour of development in a lot of areas, and that definitely is not Liberal or NDP. All these social programs, from low cost or free housing to the enabling centre cost money. The government doesn’t have any money, they are just spending yours. And when they run out, they come get some more. Let them pick a leader, then all parties can be judged when the writ is dropped. We don’t need to know who you're not voting for.
Up 28 Down 32
marylaker on Nov 24, 2019 at 1:00 pm
The 'Yukon' Party is a tool of the mining industry. Look at who donates to them, (not to mention who many former Yukon Party politicians work for when they leave politics, including Curry!) The Yukon is one of the few remaining jurisdictions in Canada where corporations, unions, people from out of the territory, can all compete with voters to 'buy' politicians and parties' way into power. In most places, if you are not a resident or are not eligible to vote in the election, you are not eligible to donate to politicians / political parties in the election. And the limits on personal donations are lower too.
The Yukon party is the main recipient of corporate donations, and that's who they work for. The Peel showed how much they gave a --- about what the majority of Yukoners wanted. All the better because it got them kicked out! Despite having lots of money to spend on campaign posters.
Note to the Liberals: Do something lasting for the territory and change our electoral finance laws! Make the politicians of all parties listen to the voters!
Up 29 Down 21
Dean LaRue on Nov 24, 2019 at 12:08 pm
“the Yukon Party has an incredible history of strong leaders"
LMAO !
The GREAT Darrly Pasloski finished LAST in his own riding when he sought reelection !
Up 27 Down 23
Ginger Johnson on Nov 24, 2019 at 12:04 pm
YEESH - yet another career politician
I want to vote for someone like Joe Sparling to be Premier
Up 24 Down 32
Miles Epanhauser on Nov 23, 2019 at 9:17 pm
We need another Yukon Party government asap.
They have to overturn the YESAB process and this ridiculous notion of having placer miners protect valuable wetlands. The golf course also needs another cash fusion.
Up 35 Down 25
Joe on Nov 23, 2019 at 3:42 pm
No thanks
Up 44 Down 23
Shirlee Fraser on Nov 23, 2019 at 7:01 am
When voting for someone I like to know a bit about them. I think it’s a great picture. He’s obviously a family man & has a supportive wife & they are united in this decision. Good Luck to you.
It was just fine that Jonas did the same & Larry Bagnell does it too. It tells their story.
Up 38 Down 37
PSG on Nov 23, 2019 at 4:06 am
"Make Cronyism Great Again!"
Up 60 Down 47
Henry Wensleydale on Nov 22, 2019 at 7:52 pm
NO THANKS !
Dixon was the main leader of Pasloski's "Rape the Peel" effort.
Up 52 Down 44
EJ on Nov 22, 2019 at 7:15 pm
No thanks. Hopefully a fresh face steps forward to challenge him. Mr. Dixon would be a return to Pasloski government politics. The disastrous Peel Plan which he put forward ran roughshod over First Nations and created endless fights and court battles. A return to this kind of politics would be a huge mistake and step backward.
Up 35 Down 62
Yukoner75 on Nov 22, 2019 at 7:11 pm
Sorry, despite your resume Currie, you are still too young to be Premier of the territory. 34 means you don't have enough life experience yet. Come back and try again when you are at least in your 40's.
Up 33 Down 26
Juniper Jackson on Nov 22, 2019 at 5:39 pm
I get it.. you're a family man. The Paslowski government was pure poison..all of them.. Jonas was not popular either. I'll see what you come up with for party direction, electoral changes is important to me.. and not the lip service bulls**it the Liberals are peddling atm. If there are not significant changes, we will be looking at another Liberal mandate.
Up 28 Down 31
Winston on Nov 22, 2019 at 5:05 pm
So he's never really been off of the dole then. That would make two of them with Kent being another.
Up 41 Down 33
jc on Nov 22, 2019 at 4:23 pm
Best of luck Currie. So far, your issues are interesting. Politics seems to be in your blood. We need more politicians with degrees in Political Sciences.
Up 43 Down 40
Next Gen Yukoner on Nov 22, 2019 at 4:16 pm
“While the Yukon Party has an incredible history of strong leaders, it’s time for a new generation of leadership,” said the 34-year-old Dixon
Enough Said! Got my vote
Up 70 Down 96
Johnson on Nov 22, 2019 at 3:58 pm
I hate when aspiring politicians put their kids and partners out on parade like that, Jonas Smith was always doing it too.
It's not the 50s anymore guys.