Mayor Dan Curtis will be calling on his fellow council members to join with the members of the legislative assembly to save Parks Canada services in the territory.

At Monday night's city council meeting, Curtis brought forward his notice of motion that will be discussed at -council's next regular meeting on Jan. 14.

The mayor had taken aim at federal cuts to Parks Canada last week, arguing attractions like the SS Klondike play an important role in the city's tourism industry.

The statement came after MLAs passed a unanimous motion urging funding be restored.

Curtis was quick to criticize MP Ryan Leef for what he called Leef's lack of action on the matter, sparking words and letters between the two.

Leef continually stated he had taken action.

He pointed to meetings with Parks Canada officials as well as the past and current mayors of Dawson City and Klondike MLA Sandy Silver to discuss potential solutions.

He also took issue with Curtis' mistaken assertion that the Christmas lights which normally are lit for the festive season, wouldn't shine this year.

Both Leef and Parks Canada officials stated the lights are put up through a partnership with Yukon Electrical Co. Ltd. and hadn't been displayed yet due to the cold.

Leef also noted there would be an announcement in the new year on future plans for Parks Canada sites in the territory, an announcement Curtis said he's looking forward to hearing.

The mayor pointed out there are only five months until the busiest tourism season gets underway.

While Curtis acknowledged his error on the lights in a letter to the editor and in speaking to reporters Monday night, he continued to take issue with Leef.

He noted that while he had a "generic letter” from the MP shortly after the Oct. 18 municipal election inviting him to meet, there has been nothing to him from Leef specifically about the Parks Canada cuts.

Curtis went on to argue he'd like the courtesy of an "open dialogue” with the MP, such as the city enjoys with the Yukon government.

"We still exist,” he told reporters Monday night, addressing Leef.

At a recent meeting of Association of Yukon Communities officials, it was evident the potential cuts to Parks Canada are an issue for all municipalities in the territory.

While the SS Klondike is a major tourist attraction and cultural landmark in Whitehorse, many communities are in the same situation with Parks Canada sites.