Whitehorse Daily Star

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THE PRESENT BECOMES HISTORY – Jonas Smith’s campaign office is seen this morning by Third Avenue and Main Street. Inset Jonas Smith

Many lips sealed amid candidate’s ouster

In a shocking turn of events, Jonas J. Smith, the Conservative Party of Canada’s election candidate for the Yukon, has been given the boot.

By Tim Giilck on August 13, 2021

In a shocking turn of events, Jonas J. Smith, the Conservative Party of Canada’s election candidate for the Yukon, has been given the boot.

The party’s central campaign has disallowed him from running, said a news release issued by Smith late Thursday afternoon.

“He was informed of the unilateral and final decision to disallow his candidacy earlier today,” the release states. 

“This comes as shocking news to me, my family, my local campaign team and my thousands of supporters across the territory,” Smith said in the release.

“With an election call imminent, this is devastating news for the conservative movement in the Yukon, and I fear will have repercussions across the country.”

Smith’s representatives have told the Star the ex-candidate would not be made available for interviews until next Tuesday – potentially two days after the election is formally announced.

In the release, Smith said his opposition to calls for the implementation of mandated workplace vaccinations and vaccine passport requirements in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic is the cause of the party terminating his candidacy.

“I believe in standing up for the rights of all minorities, including those of the unvaccinated – be it for medical, religious or personal reasons – and that our country needs less discrimination, not more,” continued Smith.

“Generations of Canadians have fought for our Section 15 Charter rights, as well as freedom of choice when it comes to matters of bodily-autonomy, and these proposed vaccination-related restrictions will vastly alter what kind of country our children will inherit.

“In an economy struggling to recover, partially because of a shortage of skilled workers, it is unconscionable to shame or threaten to dismiss employees over their confidential medical status, particularly in those industries and populations that are already experiencing high vaccine uptake among their majorities and as such are already at a low risk of viral transmission or severe infection,” Smith added.

“We don’t tolerate that type of discrimination for a whole host of other known health risks, so there has to be a better way to protect our country’s most vulnerable without restricting the movements and livelihoods of perfectly healthy Canadians within their own country.

“A two-tiered society is not constitutional, and it is certainly not normal.”

 In the release, Smith said: “I would now ask people to respect our privacy at this time so that we may begin to process this significant turn of events.

“God Bless Canada. God Bless the Yukon.”

No one from the Conservative Party was available for comment.

Efforts to reach Cory Hann, the media director for the party, by email were met with the message: “Your email was blocked.”

Hann was also unavailable by telephone.

Attempts to contact Dr. Brendan Hanley, now the Yukon’s only confirmed candidate, were unsuccessful. He is the Liberals’ hopeful in the wake of incumbent Larry Bagnell’s pending retirement.

Yukon Party officials told the Star, “We have nothing to add at this point” as to whether any of its MLAs, particularly party leader Currie Dixon, might be interested in replacing Smith.

Jason Cunning is the Yukon’s representative on the Liberals’ national campaign committee.

He told the Star this morning the situation is unfortunate – but also raises major questions.

“On a personal note, I feel some sympathy for the guy (Smith),” Cunning said.

“But it leads to questions about the Conservative Party’s vetting processes. How did we get so deep into the process before this became an issue?”

Smith is encouraging supporters with reactions to his removal to share their comments directly with the Conservative party campaign.

No one has publicly declared an intention to seek the NDP or Green Party nominations in the territory.

See commentary on Bagnell’s career in Opinion section.

Comments (63)

Up 6 Down 5

Klaus G. on Aug 18, 2021 at 8:24 pm

Has Curry and Tim Caricature written a letter over this or are they still composing that first one with the local MLA and some school board members possibly setting up a political ambush for the current Minister of Ed.

Up 23 Down 4

marylaker on Aug 18, 2021 at 7:06 pm

To 'Lynx' - You know better than me whether or not I am a paid up member of the Liberal Party? Gee, aren't you something! I hope you aren't counting on your crystal ball to build a retirement investment portfolio. This may come as a shock to someone of your own ethical standards, but I do not feel the need to lie on the Whitehorse Star comments section. Projection is a wonderful thing though, isn't it?

I was planning to vote for Erin O'Toole, and now that Hanley has been appointed as the Liberal candidate and is talking about himself in the third person on his ad, "Vote for Dr. Hanley", it's certain.

Jonas Smith almost beat Larry last time around, and there is more reason to vote against the Liberals this time. A $450 billion dollar deficit for starters, and a self-centered, arrogant election only 2 years after the last one, because Justin needs to be a dictator.
I could add more.

As for Jonas and his 'nationalism', you say that like it's a bad thing. I'm a 'nationalist' as well, believing in the goodness and interests of my own country. That's a problem for you? That makes a person 'Not Liberal'? Keep talking. Liberal = Sell Out Canada?

The federal cons threw Jonas out the door and I'd like to know the real reason why. I do not believe it's because he said he finds forcing people to get vaccines in order to keep their jobs, go to university, ride on a plane, eat at a restaurant, etc. unneccessarily divisive. I think there is something more.

I also would like to know when Hanley supposedly approached the Liberal party to be the federal candidate for the Yukon. And did he approach the local liberals? Or the federal liberals while he was in Ottawa playing CMOH for three quarters of a million dollars a year? And who negotiated that paycheck with him? He earns more than Theresa Tam, by a long shot.

The whole thing STINKS.

Up 8 Down 21

DMZ on Aug 17, 2021 at 10:11 pm

@Lynx, Hanley as a cabinet minister?? I'd be shocked, honestly. That just wouldn't make any sense.

I'm voting for him, but taking some comfort in the almost certainty that he'd be a backbencher. Don't go spoiling his chances.

Up 39 Down 27

ProScience Greenie on Aug 17, 2021 at 1:24 pm

If O'Toole is going to start kicking out the wingnut Trumpian Reformers (even ones with super-nice hair like Jonas) then that is good news and might mean the return of the mostly reasonable Progressive Conservative Party.

Up 19 Down 10

Communism? Socialism? on Aug 17, 2021 at 12:18 pm

There's a big difference - Bonanzajoe, not sure where you fought, or during what era, but communism hasn't been a thing in Canada since 1930s. From https://www.economicshelp.org/blog/glossary/socialism-vs-communism 'Communism is a political and economic ideology – closely associated with the state Communism of the Soviet Union and China. It aimed at state control of the economy to attain greater equality – often at the expense of individual liberty' while socialism (or at least democratic socialism) = 'equality of opportunity, using the state to redistribute income from the highest earners to others. But, it does not insist on equality, only aiming for equality of opportunity. Democratic socialism combines both public sector intervention with private sector enterprise....allows private property and private ownership, but it may place a certain tax on wealth and inheritance to redistribute opportunity and wealth. Pretty much us, and not a bad thing in my opinion.

Up 27 Down 49

Lynx on Aug 16, 2021 at 9:23 pm

@Marylaker - So you were planning on voting for Jonas, the former doorman at the capital hotel who regularly rants about gun rights and nationalism? When your other choice is a pandemic medical doctor with a long career who is very likely to become a Cabinet Minister in the new government? Yeah I'm gonna call BS on you pretending to be a card carrying Liberal. Nice try though.

Up 18 Down 22

bonanzajoe on Aug 16, 2021 at 9:22 pm

Ghost of Thomas More: We know all about communism. You obviously don't. But, you will soon enough. Good luck with that.

Up 26 Down 30

bonanzajoe on Aug 16, 2021 at 9:10 pm

JC: Did you ever serve with the military in a theatre that was engaged in keeping Communism out of Canada and the west? I did. And so did thousands of others. If you want Communism, it's here and soon you will experience first hand its horrors. Talk to someone who has lived under it. I saw first hand its devastation. People like you can't see the forest for the trees. And in this case, JT's shiny black curly hair.

Up 12 Down 21

bonanzajoe on Aug 16, 2021 at 9:02 pm

Yukoner75. Come on man, we all know you're a Liberal. You're really not fooling anyone. Just come out and say it.

Up 33 Down 13

Rick Ellis on Aug 16, 2021 at 5:21 pm

HMMM !
Something doesn't smell right.
The Conservatives are getting rid of "Rusty Pasloski" as quickly and
quietly as possible.
What else aren't they telling us about him ?

Up 46 Down 4

We've only heard part of the story on Aug 16, 2021 at 5:08 pm

From what I gather, the only information released was from Jonas himself. So whether the disagreement was about vaccines, or that was only part of it, I'd be interested to learn if there's more to the story.

Up 34 Down 40

Ghost of Thomas More on Aug 16, 2021 at 11:38 am

It's hilarious that the posters in here who are screeching about "communism" don't have a clue about what it actually is.

Political Science 101 is calling boo boos !

Up 44 Down 14

YukonMax on Aug 16, 2021 at 9:46 am

I still hold a 38 year old innoculation document (same size as a passport, with a yellow cover). Presented at any borders along with my passport was the way then.
Why can't it include "Covid" ?
Or are they still valid and in use?
OMG I'm old.

Up 59 Down 5

H. Duncan on Aug 16, 2021 at 9:22 am

If Jonas was removed for being against mandatory vaccines for workers, then why did Erin O’Toole come out with a similar statement?
https://www.ctvnews.ca/mobile/politics/federal-election-2021/o-toole-comes-out-against-mandatory-vaccinations-for-federal-employees-travellers-1.5547997

Up 20 Down 18

Devlin on Aug 15, 2021 at 8:01 pm

It has been said that "conservatives eat their young". If they miss them then ...

Up 52 Down 4

Insight on Aug 15, 2021 at 7:43 pm

I will give you all some advice... whatever your gut feeling tells you about something - it’s true. Never forget it- don’t let anyone convince you to ignore what your human spirit knows is correct. Get rid of your social media.

Up 60 Down 21

marylaker on Aug 15, 2021 at 3:48 pm

Jonas wasn't great, neither is Hanley. In the end though it looks like Jonas was willing to stick his neck out for his principles. I agree that nobody should be pressured into getting a vaccine they don't want. If the vaccine works decently, people like me who have two shots do not have to worry much about. Yes, one adult in 6 who chooses to have no vaccine. They get much sicker than they otherwise would - their choice. Maybe they spread it to me, but maybe an asymptomatic vaccinated person spreads it to me. I get it but it's like a regular cold or flu. And that's the price of individual rights. I would rather get a regular level flu than have the government get used to pressuring or defacto forcing, people to get vaccines they don't want.

Next issue, Ottawa picking our candidates. Here we have the federal liberals hand picking a candidate for the Yukon with no input from the Yukon Liberal party members (maybe the elite were in on the decision making, I don't know but I do know that as a card carrying member of the Liberal party, nobody asked my opinion.)

For Jason Cunning, long time Party Hack for the Liberals, to insult the CPC for THEIR methodology in selecting a candidate is really over the top. 'My question is, how did (Smith) get this far in the vetting process', he says snidely, while HIS party dictated who the candidate would be with no democratic process!

Anyway, Hanley it is for the Liberals. Brendan has already demonstrated that he's going to go with the flow when it comes to following orders from Ottawa. He's even 'promising' to care about a small list of things Trudeau has made a priority. Very safe, very obedient to Ottawa. Going to read us the news from Ottawa when they tell him to. Justin Trudeau likes that. He is becoming more and more like Harper in that regard.

And now we have the federal Cons throwing away the Yukon's selected Conservative candidate.

I wasn't sure which one to vote for, but was leaning toward Smith after voting for Trudeau 2x in a row. Now what? I guess I'll just sit under my mushroom and wait to hear from Ottawa who the second candidate is for the Yukon.
Maybe the NDP will do things right and actually show some respect for Yukoners.

Up 30 Down 27

mandate doesn't really mean mandatory on Aug 15, 2021 at 12:56 pm

Ontario and New Brunswick have had vaccination requirements for kids attending public school since 1982, for heaven's sake. And Manitoba requires that students be vaccinated for measles. Even Alberta reserves the right to make unvaccinated students stay home in the event of a measles outbreak (and there is one every year. Nobody's going to be 'forced' to get vaccinated, but for those who choose not to, there will be choices and limits - just as there are today except for a much larger group of people.

Up 56 Down 20

Gordon of Riverdale on Aug 15, 2021 at 12:18 pm

I wish we could clone Joe Sparling.
He's great at his current job and based on his ability to interact with the Federal Government would probably be a great MP.

Up 56 Down 22

DMZ on Aug 15, 2021 at 11:53 am

I don't think the question is how did the Conservative Party get so deep into the vetting process before Jonah Smith's views became an issue, as Jason Canning said. When did vaccination passports and mandatory vaccines become so inevitable that the Conservative Party is afraid of a contrary opinion? (If that is the reason.) That's my question.

I feel like I looked away for a minute and it went from being something politicians were hesitant about and promised to review carefully, to a done deal. Any qualms about it will probably be labeled as a disinformation campaign. My goodness.

I'd rather have a passport system issued federally than piecemeal, as the Yukon government showed how intrusive it could get (what with requiring wholesale access to your health records). Internationally, it seems like something we can't avoid. But I don't know anything about what's being proposed, especially domestically. And yet here we are.

With mandatory vaccines -- is anyone ever going to talk about boundaries? Apparently, Kilrich was already encouraging all their employees to get the flu vaccine. I would have a problem with that in my workplace, and I dislike the idea that we are rapidly approaching an environment where that kind of pressure for any vaccine is unquestioned. Already people are talking about not wanting to get colds or the flu anymore. Oh, the benefits of masks! It's all benefits, no drawbacks, these days, to measures that shocked us a year and a half ago.

"Bad cases make bad law".

Up 85 Down 34

Bandit on Aug 15, 2021 at 10:57 am

This is copied directly from the Conservative Party Beliefs:
"upholding individual rights and freedom"
Jonas is not an anti vaxxer he is against Mandatory vaccinations and I for the record am vaccinated by choice but would never be forced to take it, it reminds me of a Mental Institution tying a patient to a bed to administer medication against a persons wishes. Be careful what you wish for...it's a slippery slope.

Up 43 Down 64

Gary Duff on Aug 15, 2021 at 10:36 am

Thumbs Up to the The Federal Conservatives for getting rid of Pasloski's version
of "Prince Harry"
The last thing that The Yukon needs is another round of Pasloski politics !

Up 68 Down 21

Anie on Aug 15, 2021 at 9:45 am

According to the article, Efforts to reach Cory Hann, the media director for the party, by email were met with the message: “Your email was blocked.” The media director of a federal political party blocked emails from one of the two newspapers in the Territory. How the heck did that person get his job? How the heck can a party expect to get elected if they block media? I think there's an interesting story here. Definitely this is not a party to be taken seriously in the Yukon.

Up 67 Down 33

Tyler on Aug 15, 2021 at 12:42 am

Vaccine passports are divisive by their very nature. Functionally, they are designed to highlight the differences between people, but in practice they increasingly split people on philosophical lines. The federal Liberals purposefully announce this on the eve of dropping the writ in an effort to divide, and in the end they did so expertly. It's dirty, and it's playing with fire in a country which is already at its weakest point in recent memory.

Let's ponder some other fun times when people needed papers to travel within their own country. Jews within Nazi Germany? First Nations trying to leave the reserve in 20th century Canada? You know those seem like great periods from the recent history books. Let's go for some more of that! Think critically about what is being proposed by these policies. It's loony tunes!

I am deeply concerned for the future of my country. And kudos to Jonas for having the parts to stand up against discriminatory policies. The function of what's being called for with passports and mandatory vaccines is not dissimilar to the errors of the past. I feel strongly that we are headed in an incredibly bad direction.

Whether you would have voted for Jonas or not is irrelevant at this point. Nobody can slander the man for failing to have the courage of his convictions. He walked away from a brilliant shot at the job which he wanted so as not to compromise his principles, and I can't think of another quality which I would hold in greater esteem for an elected official.

Up 66 Down 39

Max Mack on Aug 14, 2021 at 11:00 pm

If true that Smith's ouster was because of "his opposition to calls for the implementation of mandated workplace vaccinations and vaccine passport requirements", this is absolutely chilling.

The "science" to back mandatory vaccines and passports is nothing short of a concerted propaganda campaign by so-called experts in key institutions. The so-called "science" is razor thin or even contradictory.

70% used to be the goal. Now, the dial has moved in a matter of weeks to 100% for what is obviously an endemic seasonal respiratory virus -- all with vaccines that do NOT grant immunity.

Unfortunately, all major political parties seem to be on this train, major news organizations are pushing for it (e.g. CBC), public sector unions are in favour, large corporations have bought the narrative, and a majority of vaccinated citizens are all-in on forcing the rest of us to take the same risk they did.

These are frightening times. And it's not covid I'm afraid of.

Up 25 Down 60

Fence Sitter on Aug 14, 2021 at 10:24 pm

Elaine Taylor for M.P!
If it is the best interest of Elaine Taylor and her family, and Elaine would choose to run for M.P, I would vote for Elaine!

Up 65 Down 31

comen sense on Aug 14, 2021 at 10:02 pm

Please, everyone, remember how unaccountable overspending our current government is. I am speechless of how much money Justin T. has spent, unbelievable! Is he trying to break this beautiful country we use to know as Canada?

Up 53 Down 46

Grant Duff on Aug 14, 2021 at 9:40 pm

Smith is making Ryan Leef look like a genius.

Up 34 Down 33

Patti Eyre on Aug 14, 2021 at 7:47 pm

@bonanzaJoey: get off your high horse and please, get over your obsession of the elder Trudeau. He's been out of politics for years. You may not even know this, but he’s actually deceased. Time to move on.

Up 37 Down 50

JC on Aug 14, 2021 at 7:25 pm

THIS IS COMMUNISM
ALL BAD THINGS ARE COMMUNISM
COMMUNISM IS GONNA GITCHA
GONNA GIT YO MOMMA!

Some people need to seek therapy for their Red Scare. It really diminishes them

Up 42 Down 24

drum on Aug 14, 2021 at 4:11 pm

How dare Ottawa tell us what to do. Who is going to replace him at such short notice or did they have someone else in mind all along!!!! The Liberals are really desperate to get a majority government in place - was there back room illegal strategies going on!!!!!!!!!

Up 32 Down 47

Gordon of Riverdale on Aug 14, 2021 at 1:15 pm

I want to vote for Elaine Taylor again.
Elaine - if you're reading this - please come back !

You can defeat Doctor Mumble.

Up 28 Down 11

James Bond, you might want to take a break on Aug 14, 2021 at 12:57 pm

Between your accusations of communism and 'whatever', and your over-the-top rants about tests, I think you should take a few days' break from social media and recharge.

Up 87 Down 9

I don't think he's an anti-vaxxer on Aug 14, 2021 at 12:40 pm

or at least I haven't heard him say so. Being opposed to workplace mandates and vaccine passports is not the same as being opposed to vaccines in general. That said, nominated candidates have to agree to the party platform, and it seems he didn't want to do that. I wouldn't have voted for him, but no need to accuse him of things that aren't proven.

Up 95 Down 23

John on Aug 14, 2021 at 12:28 pm

@Yukon75
Jonas is not an anti-vaxxer. In fact he and his family received their vaccine in the spring. Stop spreading BS. There is enough of misinformation going around as it is !

Up 54 Down 19

Al on Aug 14, 2021 at 11:58 am

@Ginger Johnson

"When you join and run for a Federal Party you're expected to honour the Party Platform and respect the Party leader."

What is being talked about is not Party Platform but rather a philosophical point of view in regards to Charter Rights. It has been a long standing position/tradition within the Conservative Party that MP's (or those running) will be free to express their views on moral issues, without repercussions. As an example a contravention to Section 15 of the Charter. This is the sticking point with Jonas. He, and I might add others within the PC caucus, feel that mandatory inoculations may cross the Charter line. Regardless, these are issues that get resolved in caucus. It is not as cut dried as you may perceive. Towing the party line in essence to policy generally apply to those upheld by the party the membership, MP's and Senators.

Hope this helps.

Up 35 Down 47

Gilles Fortin on Aug 14, 2021 at 11:43 am

When was the last time that the Federal Conservative Party had a female candidate in the Yukon ?

Elaine Taylor.

Up 70 Down 51

Bob Nevin on Aug 14, 2021 at 11:39 am

Yukon voters need to push aside Smith's $200 haircut, New York City clothes and overbearing campaign signs.
He never talks about any accomplishments because he has NONE.
He would be a terrible MP if he ever got elected.

Up 61 Down 68

James Bond on Aug 14, 2021 at 10:44 am

The ouster of Jonas Smith for going against the idea of vaccine passports is nothing short of a communist dictate by the Conservative party of Canada. Jonas is correct. If we as Canadians accept this vaccine passport, in any form, we are accepting communism into or lives. If the vaccine passport goes online digital and is linked to your credit cards and bank account, as individuals we will then be living under a repressive, controlling regime, that can give or take from individuals.
We must stand up against the vaccine passport. It won't pass in the USA without a fight.... those patriots in the USA will never submit to communist or socialist control of their lives and neither should we... EVER!!

Up 51 Down 37

Denis on Aug 14, 2021 at 10:27 am

Just shows a lack of experience and common sense. Both are extremely important for an MP. Of Course, nobody can become a candidate without the leader's approval. Has anyone ever heard of this disappointed boy doing any meaningful volunteer work?

Up 44 Down 62

Yukoner75 on Aug 13, 2021 at 11:18 pm

I'm happy the Conservative Party did this. I was thinking about voting for him, but that was before it came out that he is an anti-vaxxer. Plus, now that the feds are making it mandatory to be vaxxed if you want to fly across provincial borders, how the heck would Jonas even get back and forth to Ottawa if he were elected? I really hope that the Conservatives move on quickly and put a real candidate in place, preferably one who supports science. His whole rockstar thing is fun, but we are talking people's lives here. If somehow Jonas is allowed to run again, I'll be voting for the doctor. Please CPC, come up with a real alternative now that the position is open!

Up 46 Down 26

Sheepchaser on Aug 13, 2021 at 9:01 pm

Yikes. Have to feel for Smith here. Man, that’s rough. Establishment scientist versus social climber would have been an embarrassing election, but this is much worse. Who, that has a stable career, skills and qualifications would step up to the plate for the conservative party now? Can the bar get any lower and the party still survive?

Up 44 Down 36

Haircutter on Aug 13, 2021 at 8:06 pm

This is too funny. This guy continues to surprise! The thousands of supporters ~ who is he kidding? The Conservative Party of Canada (Alberta) is in such disarray they are turning on themselves. Pleasssse run as an independent!

Up 50 Down 60

drum on Aug 13, 2021 at 7:29 pm

This is awful - he is such a good candidate for the YUKON.

Up 47 Down 73

Edie rue on Aug 13, 2021 at 6:24 pm

Excellent move, I recall an article he wrote about shrinking the size of the Yukon government. I don’t trust him, I need professionalism in politics. This guy is nothing more then a head banging dude who thinks covid is a farce. No thanks. Go dr Hanley!!

Up 30 Down 33

Astonished! on Aug 13, 2021 at 6:05 pm

Wow, talk about being told what to do from Ottawa. Larry was never treated like this.

Up 26 Down 24

Olav on Aug 13, 2021 at 5:59 pm

If Jonas decides to run as an independent it will assure a win for the Lib’s. Running as an independent will split the vote with the CP candidate.
The only chance he has, is if there are no other candidates, but he has already failed many with his beliefs, be they right or wrong.

Up 43 Down 8

Resident on Aug 13, 2021 at 5:46 pm

Dave, want control over the candidates? Join a party. This isn't some unilateral conspiracy, this is literally politics.

Up 12 Down 55

Nathan Living on Aug 13, 2021 at 5:16 pm

I am truly sorry that Jonas was not given an opportunity to moderate his views and run. His party is now at an incredible disadvantage in the imminent election.

The Conservatives will have to work hard to find a candidate who can challenge Dr. Hanley.
Maybe they can get Mayor Curtis to switch Parties and run. Dan gets along well with council and developers. Many people are concerned with city spending but Dan should consider running and I have not seen a bad dude in Dan and feel he is not Talisman Dan.

Up 52 Down 27

Yo on Aug 13, 2021 at 5:14 pm

Freedom ? Ya that's ending soon new order being put in place.

Up 60 Down 54

Pepper on Aug 13, 2021 at 5:11 pm

Smith is such a rube.

All three federal parties are in lockstep about incoming public safety measures. You’ll need to be double vaxxed to fly domestically and internationally and almost all Federal agencies and those funded with Federal dollar will require staff to be fully vaxxed.

Given the deep penetration of vaccinations here; 81% of adults and 67% of youth who is this guy representing? Babies and Bigfoot conspiracy theorists? What a bizarre hill to die on Jonas.

Imagine being tossed from a party that is just now accepting the fact that climate change exists and this guy is running plays out of the Republican handbook. What an utter embarrassment.

At least he didn’t make it to the House of Commons as the member from The Yukon, can you imagine a loon like that in the spot light?
I guess Linda now has to step up and lose this election, like so many her and Jonas tanked before.

Up 49 Down 56

bonanzajoe on Aug 13, 2021 at 5:07 pm

I have suspected for some months now, that Erin O'Toole is a Liberal plant. That is to say, that the Liberal Party planted him in the conservative Party to destroy it. Justin Trudeau is a devout Marxist Communist - his father raised him that way. Pierre Trudeau was a card carrying Communist before he joined the Liberal Party. That is now documented truth. And like an ideological Communist, he "divide-d and conquer-ed the historical Liberal Party. I know, I was a middle age adult when he first got elected as PM. By the way, I was a Liberal then. So, a vote for Erin O'Toole now, is just a vote for the Liberal party. As a former Soldier, I can say, that was a great tactic. Finally, for all conservatives out there, Erin O'Toole is not a conservative.

Up 28 Down 15

bonanzajoe on Aug 13, 2021 at 4:58 pm

Rick S. Sounds inviting, but now that Jonas lost his conservative funding, who is going to pay his expenses?

Up 51 Down 27

bonanzajoe on Aug 13, 2021 at 4:57 pm

Richard Ablanalp: Stay on your side of the Liberal fence. And please, get over your obsession of Pasloski. He's been out of politics for years. Time to move on.

Up 24 Down 33

bonanzajoe on Aug 13, 2021 at 4:54 pm

Alan Stanley: Congrats, you just passed your first Marxist Communist Ideology exam. Now, go for your Masters.

Up 47 Down 45

Gordon of Riverdale on Aug 13, 2021 at 4:54 pm

I doubt that Smith has ever known anyone that died of polio or tuberculosis.
He's too clueless to be an MP.

Up 36 Down 51

Matthew on Aug 13, 2021 at 4:37 pm

What's going on here.. something doesn't seem right, Smith would win, no doubt...

Up 86 Down 79

Rick S on Aug 13, 2021 at 4:21 pm

If still technically possible and time permits, hopefully Jonas will consider running as an independent.

Up 154 Down 34

Dave on Aug 13, 2021 at 4:16 pm

While I lean towards the Conservative side of politics I am not a big fan of Mr. Smith but that is beside the point. What I am a fan of is the people of Canada and Yukon deciding at every step of the way who gets to represent them. In the last few days we have now seen the Liberals arrogantly dictate to Yukoners who their new Liberal candidate is going to be, seemingly with no input whatsoever from the people of the Yukon.
Now we have the Conservative Party seemingly overturning the will of Yukoners who presumably selected Mr. Smith as their choice to run for MP. I do not like that either one of those things happened one little bit, this country and democratic process does not belong to the Liberal or Conservative parties. It is our democracy they are flippantly playing games with and seemingly us Yukoners are increasingly being shut out of our democratic process.
Now it seems our only input is to vote for who is pre determined by each party for us. Isn’t that what used to happen in Eastern block countries where you were ‘free’ to vote in whoever the party selected for you? While I’ve never done it before I think this coming election may be time to spoil my ballot, I DO NOT agree with what the Liberals or the Conservative parties have done here in Yukon concerning the candidates.

Up 81 Down 137

Richard Ablanalp on Aug 13, 2021 at 4:14 pm

EXCELLENT move by the Federal Conservatives.
They need to get rid of the "Pasloski infestation" once and for all.

Up 86 Down 64

Josey Wales on Aug 13, 2021 at 4:06 pm

Seems the CCP has already established its one party system here in our former home of Canada.
Based on what I see outta Ottawa, suggests very strong the one party system is humming strong.

When we are true East weak and feeble...we cannot be true north strong and free.
The state does not stand on guard for me, we are the furthest thing from being free, strong or true.

Up 110 Down 113

Allan Stanley on Aug 13, 2021 at 4:05 pm

So - Smith thinks that people have the right to be "Typhoid Mary" !
YEESH !
He has never had a real job, has no useful skills and has never held an elected office.
He'd be one of the 2 or 3 worst MP's in Ottawa if he ever got elected.

Up 97 Down 57

Ginger Johnson on Aug 13, 2021 at 3:58 pm

When you join and run for a Federal Party you're expected to honour the Party Platform and respect the Party leader.

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