Photo by Photo Submitted
A BREW IN THE BUSH – Environment Minister Wade Istchenko is seen enjoying a beer on his ATV over the weekend. He says the vehicle was parked at the time he imbibed. Photo credit FACEBOOK
Minister apologizes for drinking beer while sitting on an ATV
While partaking in the 21st annual Jorg Scheider Memorial Poker Run in Haines Junction over the weekend, Environment Minister Wade Istchenko became the object for an incriminating photo op.
While partaking in the 21st annual Jorg Scheider Memorial Poker Run in Haines Junction over the weekend, Environment Minister Wade Istchenko became the object for an incriminating photo op.
It depicts him parked on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) drinking what looks like a Bud Light.
Two photos of Itschenko sitting behind the wheel of an ATV holding a can of beer surfaced on Facebook, kickstarting an inevitable circulation frenzy.
The Yukon NDP is calling on Premier Darrell Pasloski to remove the Kluane MLA from the cabinet.
The NDP’s demand followed Istchenko’s apology in the legislative assembly Monday afternoon.
“I was taking part in a local charitable event, which I have helped organize and participated in for the past 20 years,” Istchenko said in response to a question about the incident from NDP MLA Kate White.
“While we were stopped for lunch on a wilderness trail, I made an error in judgment and consumed a beer while seated on my parked ATV.”
Itschenko repeated the apology three times during question period.
He also stated that safely operating off-road vehicles is something he takes very seriously and that he apologizes to all Yukoners.
Asked by the Star to comment further about the incident, Itschenko submitted the same statement.
He had no response to the call for his resignation.
Similarly, Pasloski was not made available for an interview this morning to discuss his minister’s conduct and the demand that he be fired.
White calls the incident a disappointing lapse in judgment, adding, “You can’t say you didn’t know better when you’re part of the machinery that put the laws in place.”
Istchenko has previously spoke of his experience as an off-road vehicle instructor to urge others that it is a driver’s responsibility to ensure safe driving habits are maintained.
“When I heard there was a photo of a minister drinking a beer on an ATV, I hoped it wasn’t minister Istchenko,” White in an interview this morning.
As defined in the Motor Vehicles Act, a motor vehicle is “designed to be self-propelled in any manner except solely by muscular power” but does not include a vehicle operated exclusively off-highways.
Clarification from government officials as to whether ATVs are considered motor vehicles under the Motor Vehicles Act could not be obtained by deadline this afternoon.
Since Itschenko maintains the ATV was parked when the photo was taken, the law stating the illegality of having alcohol within arm’s reach while driving a motor vehicle does not appear to apply in this case.
According to the Department of Highways and Public Works ATV vehicle safety page on its website, ATVs are considered vehicles.
It is unlawful to drive a vehicle with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or above.
Since the minister refused to be interviewed this morning, it is unclear whether he drove the ATV after the photos were taken, or what his alcohol level was at the time.
White asked further questions of Istchenko about the incident in this afternoon’s question period.
The minister repeated his apology.
See commentary in opinion sec.
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Comments (45)
Up 11 Down 1
spectrum on May 17, 2015 at 12:53 pm
As far as I am concerned the real culprit here is Facebook. Judging by proximity of the photo taken I think it would be safe to assume it was one of his friends who posted it. Way to go champ..When are people going to learn.
Although I don't condemn Wades actions I think he should be aware enough to know that everything is documented through smart phones nowadays and there is no amount of P.R. that will get rid of incriminating photos. He is after all the Minister of Environment so of course he is subject to more scrutiny then the average person out there. Although I know people who have lost a lot more for a lot less based on ''evidence'' found within the realms of Facebook. Innocent pictures like that have resulted in lost custody battles, jobs, marriages the list goes on. It's not fair by any means but unfortunately that's the direction we are moving in these days.
As for the event-Let's just call it what it is Rod. This event is a lemon, albeit a fun lemon, it is still a lemon. I've personally been to this event in Haines Junction in previous years. Nobody ever just has ''one beer with lunch''. The weekend usually starts out with heavy drinking at house parties or in the bar that spans out into the wee hours of the morning so when it's time to actually get going there are a significant amount of people already technically impaired. Everyone that I had encountered at the event (excluding a few with children) had alcohol for the stops along the way. I was one of them.
As far as I am concerned it is smart for the lions club to have an ''emergency'' fund set up as this event will result in it's need eventually. I do recall an incident in last years mud bog in which a woman was pretty badly injured which resulted in a Vancouver medevac....hopefully nobody was posting pictures of her activities the night before.
Up 17 Down 19
News on May 15, 2015 at 4:44 pm
Oh, but this IS news. Our leaders flaunting our laws. Premier sitting idly by doing nothing. This is not leadership. This is the Old Boys Club hard at 'er. This is not the kind of representation I endorse or want. Not in the least. My fingers are crossed that Harper goes and Pasloski, too! I will definitely be voting in all upcoming elections.
Up 17 Down 21
yukon er on May 15, 2015 at 3:52 pm
There are many sides to this including old school thinking, his personal commitment to Yukoners etc., but bottom line Wade is a person in authority over the exact ministries that his behavior that day was in question.
This is kind of like our other minister getting pulled over under the influence and saying " I know that law, I wrote it"
My issue here is the message, ministers can create law but feel they don't need to follow it. If he doesn't believe in the laws he creates then speak up. Otherwise follow the laws. Pretty simple.
I will admit I am part of the crew who does ride ORV summer and winter and enjoy a beer from time to time and therefore all for it but I am not one who is a part of making those laws.
Up 10 Down 3
ProScience Greenie on May 14, 2015 at 9:26 pm
s, I was thinking of mushing with big solid slower dogs hauling big loads when I included that in the post below. You are correct, much like flying, it should be 24 hours from bottle to throttle for the super fast teams you must be referring to. That is like being pulled by a bunch of rockets.
Up 34 Down 19
north_of_60 on May 14, 2015 at 8:58 pm
@ICO "... this isn't even news."
The 'news' is the NDP's ridiculous reaction, not what Mr. Istchenko did.
Up 55 Down 23
ICO on May 14, 2015 at 2:05 pm
Like who really cares, this isn't even news.
Up 44 Down 58
Mongo on May 14, 2015 at 9:56 am
Ahhhh. The old 'one beer' line. Classic.
Up 53 Down 24
YkFreedomJunkie on May 14, 2015 at 7:45 am
This has gone way beyond what any rational person would have wanted. The Neo prohibitionist movement is rearing it's ugly head again trying to control everyone's lives. If someone wants to enjoy a beverage while offroad and not intoxicated that is their right. I'm sure Mr. Itchenko was not intoxicated and was well within physical capabilities to operate an off-road vehicle.
Whoever took this picture and decided to drag him trough the mud over it is very childish indeed. Likewise it is very telling of what kind of a restrictive regime the NDP might foist on the people of the Yukon, not that I particularly think any other political party more capable.
All govt. is in essence is an agreement by us 'THE PEOPLE' to behave in certain ways as to make the functioning of society more smooth and straight forward. Unfortunately this concept has completely failed and now according to many, NDP included, govt. should be used to force us all to be treated as the lowest common denominator.
Up 39 Down 50
disturbing on May 14, 2015 at 6:45 am
What disturbs me is how complacent you are with drinking and driving. As other commenters noted, there are more pictures, on CBC, clearly indicating Wade was driving. We have the highest drinking rate per capita--boy, that sure makes me proud as a Yukoner. I enjoy the mountains, water, clean air, lower population, but I sure do not enjoy getting blitzed, drunk driving, smoking up…too many Yukoners, apparent in these comments, feel it's all normal to be a drunk northern representative. You don't represent me or people I know…it's amazing how we think because all of our friends and associates are drunks and party people that everybody does it. Everybody does not.
Set an example, premier Pasloski. When you let your MLA's drink and drive, cell phone and drive (no reprimands for DE) and go mud bogging and party it up drinking and operating a motor vehicle (see the law folks, illegal, ATV, skidoo, car or bicycle), then you are sending the message that your government allows its representatives to do whatever they want, sans following the law. And before you bash me as an NDP or liberal, this isn't about party affiliation. It's about everybody having the rules, following the rules and when you're a minister, teacher, lawyer, doctor, judge…you have to set an example, and not for being the winner of the highest drinking rate per capita either.
Election, election, time for change!
Up 107 Down 30
north_of_60 on May 13, 2015 at 3:32 pm
The most disturbing factor if this incident is the Opposition Leader's personal attacks and over-the-top response in the Legislature. She has members in her caucus who do that on-cue anytime a government member does anything that can be isolated out of context, and inflated out of proportion, as they did in this instance. The Leader shouldn't have gotten emotionally involved.
I'm more concerned with such demonstrated lack of objective leadership than I am about any government minister or politician at a charitable function on the weekend, on their own time, sipping a lite beer while having a lunch break, and sitting on the only available seat at that place on the trail. This wasn't a garden party with tables, chairs and benches. Beverages were in cans not elegant glasses.
Shouldn't the Opposition Leader use her time in the Legislature to tell voters how she would proceed with responsible resource extraction if she were to form a government. That's the sort of action that shows leadership, and convinces voters that the ability to govern is there.
Perhaps it's the Opposition Leader who should consider stepping aside and letting another more able member of the caucus lead the party.
Up 85 Down 32
Look at all the farces we have in the Yukon which call themsetves people on May 13, 2015 at 2:33 pm
Look at all the farces we have in the Yukon which call themselves people!
Man it must be nice to be perfect.
Do any member of the NDP every smoke pot?
Do the NDP want the facts?
Up 25 Down 5
s on May 13, 2015 at 2:07 pm
Proscience Greenie, I can tell you that I have never drank a beer while running a dog team. And I have never run a dog team after drinking, either. And we do not allow anyone to run our dogs if they have been drinking. Too much is at stake and dulling your senses is not what running dogs is about. I have however had a drink and gone skijoring. Worst that can happen is that I hurt myself. The dogs are tied to me and I won't lose the team, they won't get hurt. Anyhow, just clarifying that. Drinking and running a team is a stupid idea. At least for me.
Up 67 Down 40
Rod on May 13, 2015 at 12:05 pm
What!!,
Since when did it become illegal to travel through mud holes? Lol it's amazing what you think you know from a photo! There were many people on the poker run who will vouch that Wade was infact parked and enjoying lunch! And I agree..."what a disgrace", on your part for assuming he had more then one beer and assuming he was driving while drinking his beer! It's people like you who create gossip. Everyone on the poker run said Wade was parked, the article said Wade was parked...but yet you assume to know much more then everyone else! What!!, I don't even know why I'm entertaining your ridiculous comment of assumptions...maybe get the facts! Don't create stuff that you didn't see with your own eyes!
Up 47 Down 19
Another Yukoner on May 13, 2015 at 11:56 am
It seems a lot of people think this behaviour is OK. To be honest, I'm not that bothered by it. Problem is it turns out it is also against the law. So are you asking your Law and Order YP members to change the law to make this legal? Or instead, do you think following the law is only for other people doing what you disagree with? Or is it OK because he's on your team?
If you can't follow the laws you pass, you aren't really that great of a person.
Up 55 Down 33
Lawrence Bredy on May 13, 2015 at 11:21 am
Liz & cronies...how about drop it and get on with some legislative business which this is clearly not, just some time wasting mud slinging. Seriously, what are we paying you for?
Where were you volunteering on the weekend in question?
FYI... There were parties that consumed a lot more than one beer on the trail...and look at that, no reports of bad stuff happening on the trail.
What's that campaign? Oh ya...Know When To Say When.
Apparently all that participated knew!
Up 39 Down 29
Marsh Lake on May 13, 2015 at 11:11 am
BC Girl - Check the story on CBC, he is clearly driving in a picture they have (with his beer). I'ts fine so long as no one else is ever charged with drinking while driving an ATV. The standards should be the same for everyone regardless of position.
Up 38 Down 61
Minister of Environment?? on May 13, 2015 at 10:38 am
After ripping up a marsh in a side-by-side and chugging a beer, curious minds want to know: where did he toss the can?
Up 55 Down 30
NDP - LIB have any of you smoked pot or drank a beer outside? on May 13, 2015 at 9:46 am
NDP - LIB have any of you smoked pot or drank a beer outside?
Tell us the truth.
Grand standing!
Have any of you used the public for self interest?
Are you using power to create gossip and destroy someones name?
Up 34 Down 14
Stu Summer on May 13, 2015 at 9:40 am
I accept Wade's apology if he comes clean and whether he drove an ATV or vehicle after drinking.
Up 70 Down 32
smh on May 13, 2015 at 9:15 am
Exactly!!! how does this even make the news!!! Seriously GET A LIFE!
Up 45 Down 54
DO NOT drink&drive! on May 12, 2015 at 11:41 pm
Lets talk about what this is really about. That beer - that "harmless" Bud Light - is not what this is about. I see 3 problems:
1) Breaking the Law
It is illegal to consume alcohol inside a motor vehicle. To sit in the drivers seat and have alcohol within arms reach. Its not the drink - it's the way it was done
2) Lying!
Parked!! Look at the other pics - clearly not parked. But that's what the statement said. Kinda like that wilderness tourism charge .... hmmm I see a pattern here.
3) Environment Minister??
Mud bogging through the wilderness and tearing up the country side - way to represent Wade!!!
Why do the rules not apply to the Yukon Party?
Up 39 Down 38
What!! on May 12, 2015 at 7:35 pm
@ Rod. What a disgrace. The other pictures clearly show he had driven through a mudhole, likely with the beer in his hand, sure looks like drinking and driving to me. And you expect us to believe it was only one? Best to fess up, tell the truth and stop treating Yukon residents like fools. And then to trivialize this and say it's ok....
Up 40 Down 27
northern girl on May 12, 2015 at 7:18 pm
I tend to agree, let's not throw someone under the bus!! All are entitled to an opinion BUT in Canada we are presumed innocent until proven guilty!! He wasn't even charged with an offence -remember.....
Lighten the hell up and worry more about those going hungry or trying to find a place to sleep!! A beer while sitting on an ATV or sled? Really people!
Up 50 Down 28
Old School on May 12, 2015 at 7:18 pm
As Yter mentioned, it is nothing that most of the rest of us haven't done. An example of where the law has gone too far to try and cover a "one size fits all" regulation.... Perhaps it is the law that should be ammended! It should be perfectly legal to have a beer on an ATV, a snowmobile, a boat etc. It should remain illegal to be impaired. Big difference! And to the NDP, try focusing on something of actual importance to Yukoners!
Up 37 Down 26
Doc Yukon says Liberals and NDP fleece the public on May 12, 2015 at 6:47 pm
There was once a liberal MLA from Haines Junction who sold his house in the junction and had a house in the COW that was charged for housing expenses while in COW. As matter of fact he was one of the highest elected officials in YTG.
Is that moral ethics or just fleecing the tax papers.
Then you have MLA from the NDP going to events and loading up on free items paid for by the Yukon Government.
Free items were for non government people but they feel that it is their right.
Then you have the NDP leader sitting in house when the hearings were taking place on drilling and was told by security to close off her C_phone and refused to do it.
I am member of this house and I can do what I want was her response to security.
Finally she closed her c-phone because security was going to take it.
These people represent NDP-LIB people.
Think twice before voting.
Up 51 Down 18
Yukon Jack on May 12, 2015 at 6:40 pm
Was Darius Elias riding shotgun with a 6'r?
Up 34 Down 33
BnR on May 12, 2015 at 6:30 pm
You read comments like Rods and its pretty clear why HJ is kind of in decline. They could fence it and charge for dinosaur viewing. "We don't need no stinkin blue grass festival, we's gots a mud bog!"
Up 25 Down 33
Groucho d'North on May 12, 2015 at 6:12 pm
The Court of Public Opinion and the Self-Righteous is now underway it appears. As I have said here numerous times before, impaired drivers need to be dealt with in a manner that ensures they will not do it again. The key word being ‘impaired’. One light beer with a light meal for a man of his metabolism would probably be within the approved criteria for determining these things in law - .08 is the line as promoted. The rest of this is sniping at regulatory prose intended to help determine the violations clearly for examination in court. Here’s the thing: the minister was not stopped and inspected by a peace officer, no test of his sobriety was administered and no result was provided. So what’s the big deal? Political ambush by an opposition desperate for some press time to wag their fingers and tsk tsk. I agree his actions do not demonstrate a positive image for our young people and those others who drink and drive and he should pay for his sins, but in the court of public opinion- what’s the penalty? Public humiliation?
Regarding Mr. Istchenkos’s situation on his ORV with a beer, and the zeal being displayed by the official opposition calling for his seat at the cabinet table. Tell me Liz, if this is a purpose of principals what is the NDP’s position on naming Yukoners convicted of impaired, and or distracted driving? Do you believe that all should be done to combat drunk driving and public shaming is but one yet untried option to consider in changing this unlawful behaviour, or is it just when there is a political point or two to be made? Beware of iPhones in Red Square.
Up 35 Down 27
Rod on May 12, 2015 at 5:47 pm
Omg Bill! He drove through a mud hole on a poker run? What ever shall we do? Someone get the Canadian army on high alert and round up the troops! Wtf!
So now people have to avoid mud holes as well? Or just politicians haha?
Up 36 Down 26
DO NOT drink&drive! on May 12, 2015 at 5:09 pm
Parked! In the picture above - yes. In the one seen on FB and published by CBC yesterday - not so much!!!
Minister Itschtenko holds an important role that influences the next generation. Our next group of leaders. What stands out even more than that is the fact that he holds this role based out of a community. Our Yukon communities where our alcohol problems linger and get swept under the rug.
Make this an example - they will see, they will understand and they will learn.
This is the second big story on a politician drinking and driving in so much as a year. Do NOT teach our kids that our actions have no consequences.
Maybe the next slogan should be "Do as we say - not as we do" ?!?
Up 34 Down 28
DOC Yukon say on May 12, 2015 at 5:07 pm
The minister relaxing on his own time. The Minister is not driving.
Than you have the NDP-LIB anti everything party calling for him to resign when he is on private business.
Up 168 Down 69
Rod on May 12, 2015 at 4:55 pm
How does this even make the news? What a complete joke. The guy served our country, volunteers countless hours to youth, is a lions member, organized this charitable event and does so much more for our community! He had one beer for lunch and people are ready to toss him under the bus! Omg a man having a beer with lunch out in the bush....get real! Lots of you green, tree huggin, idiots as well who complain this was a "mud bog" and it "destroys the land"...get bent! These trails have been used by locals for generations. They have been used well before most of you green, tree huggers decided to move to the YUKON and try and change everything! Here's an idea...go save some other town..we don't need it nor want it!
I personally think Wade deserves a big "thank you"! Thanks Wade for organizing this event which in return $500 was donated to the local library, some money went to the lions who have set up a "emergency fund" for people with cancer or other life threating diseases, it also generated money to the community which really has no other event to draw people in, and everyone who entered had a great time!
Pretty sad day when a guy can't have one beer with his lunch, while parked and enjoying a event he helped organize! And it wasn't even a real beer! 4% !!!! Hahahah "imapred" not likely off a bud light!
Up 155 Down 62
BCgirl on May 12, 2015 at 4:45 pm
Personally what's the big deal...ATV was parked and turned off he was sitting enjoying the beer ( did you see the seats they look comfy I wouldn't want to stand )...Oh the conspiracy....seriously move on people and FYI 1 drink will not effect anyones judgement unless of course they have a reaction to it or popping pills. Smh
Up 117 Down 60
Just Say'in on May 12, 2015 at 4:37 pm
The NDP fun police are out and about. They say this while trying to get Pot legalized. Go figure. Why don't you focus on the real problems and give a guy a break "Really"
Up 62 Down 99
DO NOT drink&drive! on May 12, 2015 at 4:34 pm
It is always disappointing to see people make decisions to act in ways that endangers themselves and others. BUT when THAT person is someone in a position of power - political or otherwise - it is extremely disturbing!! An "error in judgement" is not an acceptable excuse NOR would it make an acceptable explanation to a grieving parent. Alcohol and alcohol related problems are a HUGE issue for Yukon. This needs to end and can be achieved though education and awareness that starts with LEADING BY EXAMPLE!
Up 88 Down 68
Ranger Hoodie??? on May 12, 2015 at 4:28 pm
Is that a Canadian Ranger Hoodie you're wearing?
It is not proper to be wearing your Ranger uniform or any part thereof to a non-Ranger, non military-sanctioned event. I'm pretty darn sure it's also not proper to be wearing your Ranger uniform and drinking alcohol. As a Ranger Sargeant, you should know that! Shame on you!
Drinking beer in a motor vehicle while wearing your Canadian Ranger Hoodie. Nice.
Up 100 Down 58
Yukoner on May 12, 2015 at 4:24 pm
Get a life people it's just like a guy has a beer mowing the lawn, runs out of gas runs to the service station fills a jerry can and I suppose we should just hang him LOL
Up 100 Down 64
north_of_60 on May 12, 2015 at 4:19 pm
What a pathetically lame personal attack by the NDP. Don't they have anything better to do with their time. It's actions like this which convince the voters that the NDP are not fit to govern.
Up 83 Down 71
Against the Law, Wade on May 12, 2015 at 4:19 pm
About a month ago, I was having a beer with a friend. We were sitting in his truck on a back country road (after doing some off-roading); the keys were not in the ignition, the truck was not running, we were not driving. The cops arrived unexpectedly and despite no keys in the ignition, etc., my friend was issued an expensive ticket for consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle. Apparently one cannot sit in (or on) a parked vehicle and drink alcohol. Get your facts right, Wade. One doesn't need to be driving, the vehicle doesn't even need to be running and it is still against the law to consume alcohol as you are shown to be doing in the picture. As the previous Minister of Highways, one would think you should know this. Such a fine example you aren't.
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Jim Lahey on May 12, 2015 at 4:16 pm
Resign. Sorry isn't good enough.
Up 103 Down 64
ProScience Greenie on May 12, 2015 at 4:11 pm
He wasn't drunk. No harm done. A very normal Yukon thing to do while out on the trail whether on foot, ATV, sled, dog team or even on the rivers or lakes in a boat.
The NDP here is being incredibly petty. As well, many of us that have been here for considerable time have seen more than a few NDP members do something similar around the camp fire or on the trail and never thought for a second that it was wrong. Perhaps those NDP members, that I consider to be very good people, should remind Liz and Kate not to throw rocks in a glass house.
Bottom line it wasn't an error in judgement, no need to apologize.
Up 75 Down 21
bill on May 12, 2015 at 3:42 pm
Check the other photos where it's clear he's just driven through a mud hole.
Up 94 Down 56
Tater on May 12, 2015 at 3:38 pm
So he had a beer at lunch time. Only those with idle minds and nothing better to complain about will be concerned. The rest of us say no problem, as long as it's only one.
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YTer on May 12, 2015 at 3:34 pm
The question here, is this a big deal. Well, the simple answer is no. Wade isn't doing anything that most of us, if we are honest with oursleves, haven't done in the past, whether we were on a skidoo, and atv, in a boat, even having a beer in a car. So really, it's just a Yukoner kicking back and enjoying his own time.
However, the not so simple answer is that as a minister, you are never really off the clock. Attending this public, family event, Wade is essentially representing the YG, and is supposed to be setting some sort of higher example. Yeah, our politicians are human, however, they do need to realize that in this position, they are supposed to be setting a higher standard. I feel bad for him, but as they say, he gets the big bucks.
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June Jackson on May 12, 2015 at 3:32 pm
Will Mr. Istchenko be charged like any of the rest of us would be? He had keys, he had booze..he had vehicle, he was IN vehicle with said keys and booze.. he'll probably get the same thing as the last drinking driving Minister got.. it all swept under the run and everyone is supposed to forget that there is a different law for everyone..and justice for none.