The premier has confirmed there have been discussions on expanding gambling in the Yukon.

During question period in the legislature last Thursday, Liberal Leader Pat Duncan asked Premier Dennis Fentie about the possibility of some legal blackjack being played next to the Yukon River in Whitehorse.

'There has been some discussion that the new Kwanlin Dun (First Nation) cultural centre on the waterfront will include a casino,' Duncan told the legislature.

'If the Kwanlin Dun choose to proceed, they would have to get a licence from the Government of Yukon. Is the government willing to grant that licence? It's a yes-or-no question, Mr. Speaker.'

Fentie talked about the situation with the Whitehorse-based first nation.

'As I understand it and this is very important to the Kwanlin Dun First Nation citizens there is a long history that dates back hundreds to thousands of years for the Kwanlin Dun First Nation when it comes to the Yukon River and the waterfront of which we speak. Their objective here is to build what is to be defined as a cultural centre to represent their history,' Fentie told MLAs.

'Yes, we had discussions about the possible expansion of gaming. It's not happening. We'll probably have discussions on other matters. That doesn't mean it's going to happen.'

Duncan said she wanted to hear a clear, unequivocal no to increased gaming come out of Fentie's mouth.

'We have no plans whatsoever to expand gambling,' Fentie told the legislature.

Duncan felt the premier was not clear enough on saying there would not be more gaming in the territory.

'He didn't give a clear, unequivocal no,' she said.

She noted that Fentie said it's not going to happen, but he was not clear on what was meant by that.

She said the premier should have elaborated on the statement.

She's heard rumours there could be a casino or at least bingo, as part of the waterfront complex the first nation is looking at building.

Duncan doesn't want to see more gambling in the territory.

'There is an enormous cost to society,' she said.

She said other governments that have permitted more gambling have seen an increase in the social ills that arise from addiction.

Duncan noted that both her 2000-02 government and the NDP regime before that made a clear stance against more gambling.

She said the Yukon Party has not been as clear.

'It wasn't unequivocal,' she said. 'I want to know why he wouldn't give me an unequivocal answer.'

Fentie dismissed Duncan's complaint.

'Considering all that's going on in the Yukon, we hardly have time to even worry about expanding gambling. It's not happening.'

The premier added: ' We are not going to consult with anybody, because there is no expansion taking place; there is nothing to consult on. What the member opposite might want to do is consult our platform, listen to what we do here in the legislature when we articulate to the public what it is their government is doing, reflect on the many announcements we have made and all the things that are happening in today's territory, the investments across the spectrum, whether it be on the social side of the ledger or in developing jobs and opportunities for Yukoners.

'None of those things, in any way, shape or form, are even closely linked to the expansion of gaming. The member opposite might want to try another tack and another question.'

The Star tried to speak with Fentie today on the matter. However, he would only speak through his spokesman, Peter Carr.

Carr indicated that Fentie had not and would not say anything about the discussions with the Kwanlin Dun.

The chief of the Kwanlin Dun was unavailable as well.