The newly formed territorial Green Party hopes to run six candidates in the next election, expected this fall.

"Our focus is on quality candidates, rather than number of candidates,” Kristina Calhoun, one of the interim co-leaders of the territorial Greens, said in an interview this morning.

"It doesn't take a lot of seats in the Yukon to make a profound impact.”

An executive meeting was held Monday night. Members discussed their strategies for the upcoming election, including how to recruit candidates and how to build support throughout the Yukon.

"We might end up finding 10, 15 candidates,” said the other co-leader Mike Ivens.

"There could be lots of good people out there just waiting for us to come along. Or we might be dreaming. We need to get out there and talk face-to-face with Yukoners to see if they'll support a Green Party.”

The territorial Greens are riding the momentum from the May 2 federal election, which saw federal leader Elizabeth May elected in the Saanich-Gulf Islands district in B.C.

John Streicker, the territory's Green candidate in that election, had an impressive showing, garnering the second-highest percentage of votes of all the Green candidates nationwide, said Calhoun.

"We're enthused the Greens did so well in the election. It's certainly a big boost,” said Ivens.

"Yukoners are definitely receptive to our message. I think you'll find that the Yukon lifestyle aligns very closely with Green Party ideals,” said Calhoun.

Ivens noted many Yukoners are already interested in living within their means and pursuing a sustainable lifestyle, both staples of the Green Party's platform.

"It's not a difficult sell,” he said.

The Green Party's main objective in the coming months will be to let people know the party exists and to clear up any misinformation.

"The standard misconception is that we're a one-issue party,” said Calhoun. "But we're verywell-rounded, and our policies cover every facet of government.”

The issues the Green Party will tackle in the election include affordable housing, stewardship of natural resources, the economy and food sovereignty.

Calhoun feels food security has been overlooked as a pressing issue in the past. She hopes it will be addressed in a meaningful way by the territorial government.

"We want to know, what is our plan up here? How long would it take for us to run out of food? We're an isolated territory,” she said.

Calhoun said the current federal transfer payments total approximately $84 million ($20,000 per person, per year) and though that's great, she thinks the Green Party can help brainstorm strategies to make the Yukon more independent.

Ivens and Calhoun emphasized they are looking to work collaboratively with the other parties in the legislature.

"We will support other parties' good legislation, and we hope they'll look at our legislation. We have a lot of really great things to offer,” said Calhoun.

Ivens declined to criticize the current administration.

"We're not here to criticize. We're here to offer ideas on how we might go forward from here,” he said.

"It's all about fairness for everyone,” Calhoun said.

"We're not about power. We think everyone should be equal, and should have an equal opportunity to enjoy the benefits this great territory has to offer. Not just the few people at the top.”

Rumours about Streicker's involvement in the party are premature, said Streicker.

"I'm taking time with my wife,” he said this morning. "It will take a while for me to figure out what kind of involvement I'll have.

"I'm taking a breath,” he said. "I'm not making any decisions yet.”

Ivens and Calhoun declined to name potential leadership candidates, and said their primary focus is on an upcoming policy convention.

They said their leadership convention could potentially happen in the next few months.

"I think most people are happy with the interim co-leader situation, so that gives us some time,” said Calhoun.

Neither would confirm whether they intend to run as leaders of the territorial Green Party.