The Yukon NDP has three more people wanting to run for the party in the upcoming territorial election.

The party announced the three nominees via a Zoom conference this morning.

Colette Acheson is a Yukon-based consultant who leads and co-ordinates diverse projects for multiple NGOs and businesses in the Yukon, Alberta and the Northwest Territories, according to a backgrounder that accompanied the news conference.

She is looking to run in Porter Creek South, held by Liberal cabinet minister Ranj Pillai.

“For a total of six years, she served as executive director with the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce and the Yukon Association for Community Living (now Inclusion Yukon).

“She has served on the board for the first few years for the Whitehorse Community Thrift Store, and was past president of Options for Independence FASD housing, and a co-chair with the Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition.”

“I’m running because we can do better,” Acheson said.

“In my work, I’ve seen the cost to families and small business when the government’s plans don’t consider all Yukoners.

“Everybody deserves to take part in a healthy economy, and have options for affordable and accessible housing, transportation, and health care,” she added.

“I’m proud to be on Kate’s team,” said Acheson, referring to party leader Kate White.

“She’s always ready to listen to people and fight for what they need. I’m running to do the same.”

Saba Javed is a university student and writer. She is currently studying Peace, Conflict and Justice at the University of Toronto.

With school being online, Saba has returned home.

Growing up in the Yukon as the child of immigrants, Saba was surrounded by a community of adults and peers who supported her throughout her entire life – no matter how far away she’s moved, she always found herself coming back home.

She cares deeply about community-building, compassionate public policy, and the stories that connect us.

“I feel an immense gratitude for the welcome my family received here,” Javed said.

“I’m a student, and like a lot of people my age, the hunt for affordable housing has been almost impossible. People are getting priced out,” said Javed, wanting to become the Copperbelt North candidate.

“I’m running with Kate White and the NDP to make our housing market actually work for people.”

Liberal backbencher Ted Adel represents Copperbelt North.

Yukon Party leader Currie Dixon is also vying for the seat.

Erik Pinkerton, looking to run in Mount Lorne-Southern Lakes, is a self-employed photographer based in Whitehorse.

He and his family have made their home in Marsh Lake.

Four years ago, Pinkerton started his business and became involved in the local trades community by volunteering with Skills Yukon Canada.

He told a story about his political awakening.

After travelling internationally, Pinkerton said, he found himself in Germany with a new spouse and child, and doing apprenticeship training.

He said it was a startling awakening for him when he went to the dentist filled with apprehension about how to pay for his visit, since he wasn’t accustomed to having government health benefits covering dental work. Much to his surprise, he didn’t have to pay more than $5 for a filling.

A few years later, having moved to the Yukon, he was unpleasantly reminded he didn’t have dental coverage back in Canada.

About the same time, he met White, and when she announced she was looking for nominees, he jumped at the chance.

“People are making tough choices right now between a trip to the dentist or a trip to the grocery store, between getting a cavity filled or paying their phone bill,” Pinkerton said.

“I know that because my family has made those choices too.

“I don’t think it has to be that way, and I’m running with Kate because I know she doesn’t either. We’re going to work to make life more affordable for people.”

Mount Lorne-Southern Lakes is represented by Liberal cabinet minister John Streicker.

Thirteen potential NDP candidates have been announced for the election, whose timing Premier Sandy Silver has not specified.

“I’m proud to be building a team of candidates who understand the problems people in the Yukon face right now and are ready to do the work to find solutions,” said White.

“Together, we’re going to put people first in every decision we make. That’s how we’ll deliver the results people need.”