Whitehorse Daily Star

Government doing its part, premier says

The territorial government is "deploying all necessary resources” to help Yukoners affected by the road closures, washouts and flooding in several areas.

By Whitehorse Star on June 12, 2012

The territorial government is "deploying all necessary resources” to help Yukoners affected by the road closures, washouts and flooding in several areas.

The government is also offering assistance to those affected by devastating flooding in Lower Post, B.C.

"Yukoners are experiencing unique and historical challenges as a result of what has been called a ‘perfect storm' of weather conditions, leading to significant flooding and damage to roads and homes,” Premier Darrell Pasloski said in a statement Monday, exactly a year after he was sworn into office in Dawson City.

"Responding to this unprecedented situation is our highest priority, and we will continue to focus efforts on helping those in need and restoring transportation and other infrastructure as quickly as possible.”

Throughout last weekend, Pasloski, ministers and MLAs for the affected areas were briefed by senior government officials.

Pasloski and Highways and Public Works Minister Wade Istchenko drove a portion of the North Alaska Highway Monday morning and visited sites in southeast Yukon in the afternoon to get a first-hand understanding of the developing situation.

Community Services Minister Elaine Taylor also joined an operational flight over the South Alaska Highway to the Watson Lake and Upper Liard areas last Sunday to survey the damage and deliver supplies, equipment and personnel.

"I am very proud of how Yukon government workers have come together across departments and geography to work around the clock and throughout the weekend in a concerted and co-ordinated effort to ensure the health and safety of Yukoners,” Pasloski added.

"This speaks to the professionalism and expertise of our public service. I want to express my appreciation to all Yukon government employees involved in this undertaking, as well as the RCMP, and representatives of municipal, federal, province of British Columbia and First Nation governments and organizations who have worked together with us.

"I want Yukoners and travellers affected by these events to know that we understand and appreciate their challenges as well as their patience and resilience in these difficult circumstances.”

Comments (5)

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Lisa on Jun 14, 2012 at 3:12 pm

Linda I agree one hundred percent with you. Some people were knuckleheads during this few days road closure.

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Dianna Raketti on Jun 14, 2012 at 10:36 am

i would like to thank the Government of Yukon, Dept of Highways, Department of Community Services, the RCMP, the Town of Watson Lake, EMO , the citizens of Watson Lake and all others that were involved in making the situation we were in safe, providing comfort and great information to our visitors and Yukoners. You all showed our true community and Yukon Spirit that we don't always get recognized for. You should all be very proud of yourselves. Thank you

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Linda on Jun 14, 2012 at 1:27 am

I don't think we were anywhere close to the point where the government needed to hire people to fly supplies in for us. I think that if people hadn't gotten all nutty and greedy there would have been enough food for everyone. Most people I know have at least a week's worth of food in their house, even if it's not food they want to eat all week, I don't think we were seriously close to running out.

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Maureen N on Jun 13, 2012 at 7:02 am

It is my understanding that the Hercules aircraft that brought in supplies for Superstore and Extra foods was paid for by these private businesses. They supplied us. Why didn't the government hire planes to do this?

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Patrick on Jun 12, 2012 at 10:43 am

I do think highways did well and contrary to many people stranded who had complaints about the communication on the washouts, the message was that it would take several days for repairs which was correct.

Its too bad our federal representative will not vote against bill C-38. This bill has direct relevance to weather forecasting and extreme weather events which cause washouts and food and fuel shortages. This is not a stretch since we are isolated and vulnerable whenever our transportation links are disrupted.

Thanks Yukon Highways, and shame on Ryan Leef. Teaching bullied children to fight will not win you support after turning your back on your constituents. Please do not serve cake at Canada, you will only taint the taste of it.

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