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NDP Leader Kate White, Yukon Party Leader Currie Dixon and Liberal Leader Sandy Silver

Leaders review their stances during CBC forum

A generally bland, if not outright congenial, leaders’ forum late Wednesday afternoon produced few fireworks.

By Tim Giilck on April 8, 2021

A generally bland, if not outright congenial, leaders’ forum late Wednesday afternoon produced few fireworks.

The forum, hosted and aired by CBC Yukon, featured a round-table question and answer session that didn’t allow for a debate per se, or even much chance for the candidates to respond to each other.

For the most part, the leaders circled around familiar issues that have been extensively discussed in their campaigning, news releases and other public meetings.

The first series of questions dealt with COVID-19 issues.

The leaders were all pressed on whether they would “follow the advice” of chief medical officer of health Dr. Brendan Hanley.

The question was also dealt with last week at another leaders’ forum, and the answers didn’t change Wednesday.

Both Liberal Leader Sandy Silver and NDP Leader Kate White readily indicated they would “follow” Hanley’s recommendations.

White stated she isn’t a doctor, so “of course” she would listen to Hanley’s advice.

Silver reiterated what he’s been saying for a year: “I follow the advice of Dr. Hanley.”

Only Yukon Party Leader Currie Dixon gave a more ambivalent response. He said he and the party – if it forms the next government – would sit down and discuss the situation with Hanley as soon as possible.

He stopped short of saying he would simply follow Hanley’s advice.

Dixon added the party is still intent on having Hanley and his team provide more details on when and how the health restrictions might be lifted so a recovery could begin.

On Thursday morning, Dixon explained that position further. He said that while the party is eager to work with Hanley, the ultimate authority to make decisions on the pandemic and re-opening remains the responsibility of the government.

Hanley and his team would provide advice and consultation only, Dixon said.

One of the few moments that appeared unscripted during Wednesday’s forum came early in the discussion when Silver brought up a rally scheduled for Friday by activists who oppose the COVID-19 health measures.

Silver broached the concept twice, asking whether Dixon and White would go on the record saying they didn’t support the rally.

The event is set for noon Friday at the Yukon Government Main Administration Building. A rally by the same organizers was held about two weeks or so ago at the courthouse.

On Thursday morning, Silver posted his opposition to the rally on Facebook.

“There is a rally planned for this Friday to protest the public health measures and restrictions that are currently in place to protect Yukoners from COVID-19,” he wrote.

“I am calling on all party leaders to condemn the actions of this group, whose reckless activity could endanger us all.

“We believe there are other ways to disagree with government policy without putting lives at risk,” Silver added.

“It’s irresponsible to gather in large numbers, especially at this point in the pandemic. It shows a disregard for health care workers and the vulnerable. We have responsibilities as citizens.”

On Silver’s second question, White, after further prodding, said she would discourage anyone from attending.

Dixon didn’t directly commit himself to opposing the rally.

After the forum, and a second online session later in the evening hosted by the Early Childhood Educators of Yukon, Dixon issued a news release on attending the forums. He was the only party leader to do so.

“Showing up and being questioned on a variety of issues is a hallmark of our democracy,” Dixon said. “I was pleased to take part in both events, and I hope Yukoners got a chance to tune in and hear what the participants from all three parties had to say on these important issues.”

Dixon said he was especially pleased to take part in the childhood educators forum.

“I have two young children, and I have heard from many parents about their individual issues with early learning and child care,” Dixon said.

“While this issue is a big part of our Action Plan, I wanted to deliver our sincere commitment to early learning and child care by participating in this forum.”

Comments (12)

Up 27 Down 7

Al on Apr 9, 2021 at 3:54 pm

Part II

As I pointed out in my earlier note the statement by Silver of condemning the actions of this group who are protesting flies in the face of what they themselves are guilty of. When they called the election they exceeded the number of people permitted to gather outside. There was even a photo published in the paper (although it did not show the whole crowd) for the gathering outside. The Covid police did not issue any summons' or fines for that violation. It seems that there is one rule for the common folk and privilege to another group - e.g. the Liberals.

I will reinforce my statement that it is "our" right to hold peaceful demonstrations. No-one's health is in jeopardy because we do not have Covid present in the community. So Silver you should not play that fear card. In fact both of the other parties, by their silence to your "demands" fully understand what democracy means. My suggestion (one I given several times in the past) is that you folks need to get book a special course at YU that will provide some insight on what democracy means in this country. I do not hold out much hope in that regard given the arrogance that surrounds the Party...

Up 36 Down 15

Al on Apr 9, 2021 at 1:47 pm

“There is a rally planned for this Friday to protest the public health measures and restrictions that are currently in place to protect Yukoners from COVID-19,” he wrote.

“I am calling on all party leaders to condemn the actions of this group, whose reckless activity could endanger us all.
“We believe there are other ways to disagree with government policy without putting lives at risk,” Silver added.
“It’s irresponsible to gather in large numbers, especially at this point in the pandemic. It shows a disregard for health care workers and the vulnerable. We have responsibilities as citizens.”

Let me clue you in Sliver - in a free and democratic country it is "our right" to protest. If you don't like it leave - don't let the door hit you in the backside on the way out. Democracy is about us - not how you would like to see it !!!

You are bloody pathetic !

Up 13 Down 39

Old YP member on Apr 9, 2021 at 1:20 pm

I listened to the debate and Sandy is a impressive leader. Calm, articulate, steady, not wanting the limelight, there for the right reasons, that is what Yukon has needed for a long time. He does not favor any one group, he leads and let's his cabinet do their jobs and is always there ready to help.
We are in difficult times and that is the type of leadership I want.

Up 40 Down 14

12 noon at YG on Apr 9, 2021 at 10:21 am

I didn't care much about the election before, but Dixon has earned my vote for his party after the statement on protests Silver made. I have abided by all health restrictions and gone over and above what's been asked. I support the right to protest. I can't support the anti-democratic message that was sent this week by the Liberal party. They could have condemned the purpose of the protest instead of hypocritically virtue signalling that it would risk lives. They literally just promoted the Stop Asian Hate march, a cause we all agree with, 2 weeks ago. Ranj, Nils, Paolo etc were all promoting that march. Ridiculous hypocrisy.

Up 14 Down 40

Womp womp on Apr 8, 2021 at 5:48 pm

Pretty telling to see Currie be the only leader not to denounce the ‘smooth brain convention’ of anti-vax/anti-maskers coming this Friday at the YG Admin building.

Those are YP supporters. Science denying flat earthers. Headed the way of the dinosaurs.

Up 31 Down 14

bonanzajoe on Apr 8, 2021 at 5:19 pm

Silver, you and your god in Ottawa reckless activity is endangering us all. And that has already has been proven by the real experts, especially in the fields of Psychology. Expect to see me at the rally. And I may or may not be wearing a mask. With my lung problem, it won't be for long. But, I will be there.

Up 17 Down 30

Wes on Apr 8, 2021 at 5:13 pm

The liberals certainly haven't been perfect. I can't recall a Yukon government that has been. That being said, I will be voting for them in this election. Why?
The Yukons GDP has been steadily increasing since the 2016 election, and the 2020 forecast is a 9% growth.
I'll repeat that again; Our GDP has been increasing. That's despite the C-19 pandemic.
While their leadership hasn't been particularly electrifying, it has been steady and consistent and they have paid attention to health care professionals who have helped keep us relatively isolated from the worst of the pandemic. I don't want to risk what we have by having a shake up at this point.

Up 23 Down 11

Wilf Carter on Apr 8, 2021 at 3:35 pm

Recession in Yukon started 2 years ago. Evidence is unemployment rate at 32%.
Housing prices not in line with demand.
1,000's of Yukoners can't find places to live.
Government not telling Yukoners what they are doing.

Favoring one group of people over another.
Taking Yukon $100's millions into debt with no plan in place showing how it is going to help Yukoners of all ages.
Poor management of CV19 process politically.
Yukoners think before voting please and for your future not the politicians future.

Up 12 Down 14

TIRED on Apr 8, 2021 at 3:25 pm


If there is no covid in the Yukon, Not an issue.

Up 30 Down 13

Mike on Apr 8, 2021 at 2:40 pm

Dixon was by far the superior candidate. Conservative majority let's watch real Government do their job. Can't wait for April 12, 2021

Up 30 Down 11

George on Apr 8, 2021 at 2:23 pm

NDP is a non starter, Liberals had a chance and blew it (in many, many ways) let's keep going is more like” let's keep messing it up” YP is saying the right things and appear to have it together. So far the choice is easy.

Up 18 Down 15

JSM on Apr 8, 2021 at 2:02 pm

It is looking increasing likely that whoever is voted in will continue to subject us to socialist right violations. I still have faith in the Yucon party, but without them taking a strong stance for civil liberties I have some concern. I wish Wilf, JJ or Josey would have run as an independent. We need somebody who will not bow to the Elite. I am tired of having my rights infringed on.

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