Whitehorse Daily Star

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Photo by Vince Fedoroff

STAYING SILENT – Education Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee is seen in the legislature on Oct. 14. She left the chamber after Wednesday’s debate on her political future began, and was not made available to reporters afterward.

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Photo by Whitehorse Star

NDP Leader Kate White and Emily Tredger

Opposition MLAs endorse motion asking McPhee to resign

“I’m the premier and I decide who is in my cabinet.”

By Whitehorse Star on October 28, 2021

“I’m the premier and I decide who is in my cabinet.”

Those were the defiant sentiments expressed by Premier Sandy Silver on Wednesday after his Liberal government lost an important – but not binding – vote in the legislature.

In a stinging rebuke to the government, the Yukon Party and the NDP teamed up to win a vote demanding the immediate resignation of Tracy-Anne McPhee, the deputy premier and minister of Health and Social Services, for her handling of the Hidden Valley Elementary School sexual abuse scandal.

Every Liberal MLA spoke against the motion, sometimes in great detail, except for Speaker Jeremy Harper, but it wasn’t close to enough, as the vote went 11-7 against the governing party.

McPhee was the minister of Education in 2019 when a former educational assistant was charged with sexual interference involving a child at the school, and an RCMP investigation began.

McPhee was also the minister when Department of Education officials drafted a letter that was intended to be distributed to the parents and families of students at the school. For unknown reasons, that letter was never sent out.

When the story of the ex-EA’s eventual conviction and jailing broke in mid-July of this year, the blowback sent the government back-pedalling to deal with the issue.

No fewer than four independent investigations into the abuse and its handling are ongoing or planned, and the scandal has dominated the fall sitting of the legislature.

McPhee has declined to answer questions in the assembly to date.

She has acknowledged during media scrums that she was aware of the situation, but has refused to go into detail on what her role was and what action she took.

Wednesday’s motion for her resignation was introduced by Yukon Party MLA Brad Cathers – but it was an NDP MLA who gave McPhee her worst savaging.

“I don’t intend to speak for long, because I think this issue is actually very simple,” Emily Tredger told the house.

“The former minister of Education made the decision not to tell families about the risk to their children. This was an appallingly bad decision, and it shows that she can’t be trusted to make decisions that centre on the needs of vulnerable Yukoners.

“As a result of her decision, children were left to deal with trauma on their own,” Tredger said.

“As a result of her poor judgment, children went without support in the worst of times. She cannot be allowed to stay in cabinet where she will make more judgment calls that will affect people’s safety.

“This is an issue of safety. It is not safe for her to be in the cabinet,” Tredger said. “It is not safe for her to be a minister. It is especially not safe for her to be the minister of Health and Social Services and of Justice, where her decisions are going to affect some of the most vulnerable Yukoners.”

For this reason, Tredger concluded, “I will be supporting this motion and joining my colleagues in calling for the resignation of the deputy premier from cabinet.”

McPhee left the chamber just as debate on the motion began. She did not return until it was time to vote, so it’s unknown if she heard Tredger’s comments directly.

McPhee herself cast one of the seven votes against the motion.

All of the ministers defended their colleague, some with notably more enthusiasm than others.

Many made the point they thought the motion was premature, and that the opposition should wait until the various reviews are complete.

“I can’t say I’m happy that this motion is on the floor today,” said current Education Minister Jeanie McLean.

“Normally, I would be thanking the member opposite (Cathers) for bringing forward a motion, but I think that it’s premature, in terms of where we’re at.”

McLean also tried to serve as a character witness, of sorts, for McPhee, as did other Liberals.

“She has a steadfast dedication to improving the lives of Yukoners,” McLean said.

“Making decisions based on no evidence is not a precedent that I want to, or that we want to, start.

“Above all, we need to be focused on the children who are at the centre of these decisions. I have confidence in the integrity and commitment of the minister.”

Silver was by far the most vocal in his support of McPhee.

“This chamber has already heard this afternoon resounding words of support for the minister, and I am glad to have an opportunity to add my words and support on the record, as well.

“In closing, I am so grateful — so grateful — to be able to work with the member for Riverdale South, and I will continue to work alongside her with pride.

“She will remain the minister of Justice, the minister of Health and Social Services, and the deputy premier, and she will remain a full and contributing member of cabinet,” Silver told the house.

NDP Leader Kate White had what was undoubtedly the most poignant statement on the subject of sexual abuse at schools.

She related an incident from her childhood where she was nearly abducted by an unknown man while she was in early grade school.

The man, she said, attempted to grab her in the basement of the school she was attending, but she managed to fight him off and escape.

“I feel compelled to speak today, especially in response to saying that it is the children at the centre of this.”

“The government uses the line that the former employee has not been in school since — like that is the answer, like that is acceptable, like that is the be-all and end-all,” White said.

“We are talking about changes that are being directed to happen in the school now, but they weren’t directed in 2019, because people didn’t know what had happened in 2019, and that is the crux of the problem.

“I am going to take people back a little bit, quite a long bit, and this is something I have not spoken about in a public fashion, but I will today, because it is important,” the NDP leader said. I have warned my parents, because it could be quite triggering for them.”

“When I was in Grade 2 or 3, I went to Whitehorse Elementary School, and there is a bathroom in the basement of that school.

“Back when I was in Grade 2 or 3, every door to a school was open. People could walk in from any direction.

“I was a tomboy; I was independent; and I didn’t think anything about the hiking boots that were underneath the stall door,” White said.

“I walked past the door, and someone grabbed me from behind, and I fought — I bit, I punched, I screamed, and I ran. There was a man in the bathroom who tried to take me out of that bathroom.”

White continued her compelling tale.

“I went to the principal, and the principal called my parents. My dad came in, and the principal said: ‘What should we do?’

“My dad was like: ‘Obviously, we should go to the RCMP.’

“So, as a small child, I looked through books of photos to see if I could recognize that man. I didn’t recognize him then, for sure. I have since recognized him — absolutely — but big changes happened.

“There was a ‘good touch, bad touch’ program that was released in my school,” White said.

“I had access to a child psychologist — or I don’t know what they were. There was this nice lady who came and would take me out of class and we would talk about it.

“I had nightmares as a child for ages, because I had this weird feeling that was like: ‘At least it was me, because I was strong enough to fight, but what about my little sister?’”

She had access to the help she needed, the NDP leader said.

“The reason why this is such a big deal is because, in 2019, there was the acknowledgement that there was a problem, that trust had been broken, and at least one child had been harmed, and this is where the issue is.”

The motion was not personal, White said.

“Had it been any other minister, had it been any other person who made the decision or didn’t make the decision, or was at the top of the pyramid of that decision, I would feel the same way, because the parents should have been informed, and kids should have had access to the support that they needed.

“So, when we get told things like we are personalizing or that we are judge and jury — a mistake was made, absolutely,” she added.

“We all here know that we try to mirror certain behavior — which is that we make mistakes, we own those mistakes, and we all move on — but you have to acknowledge them; you absolutely have to acknowledge them,” White pointed out.

McPhee was not made available afterward to speak to the media, but a fired-up Silver was.

“Today’s motion was disheartening, and the result is disappointing,” he told reporters.

“The opposition parties have assumed the role of judge and jury before all of the evidence is in.

“I am ultimately responsible for deciding who is and is not in cabinet. I have full confidence in minister Tracy-Anne McPhee. She will remain in cabinet and will continue to do the important work that Yukoners have entrusted her to do.”

Yukon Party Leader Currie Dixon said later he expects McPhee to do the “honourable” thing and show respect for the decision of the legislature by resigning as requested.

He said anything less would be “contempt of the legislature” and could lead eventually to a non-confidence vote in the minority government.

Asked about that possibility, Silver simply shrugged and said: “The opposition is going to do what it is going to do.”

Comments (54)

Up 9 Down 2

Jim on Nov 3, 2021 at 4:38 pm

@Moose, it appears you're on the wrong side of the fence on this. The bottom line is this minister does not answer questions. Usually they are very simple and requires only a couple words to answer. Even now she refused to answer if she would travel to meet residents in Watson Lake who presented a petition with over 500 signatures. It’s a simple question, yes I will or no I won’t. Makes you wonder who McPhee is actually representing when she rattles off Liberal talking points and never answers the question at hand. It’s actually pretty easy for opposition parties to score political points with an incompetent minister(s). It will be interesting to see if Silver will try and save his skin and sacrifice one of his own.

Up 17 Down 5

Groucho d'North on Nov 2, 2021 at 5:12 pm

@Moose101
If the Liberals lose a seat an election is very probable as the Yukon Party will then have eight seats while the Liberals will only have seven. The NDP's negotiated support for the government should not really matter either. I sure as hell do not have any confidence in this Liberal government, Do you? Vote with the thumbs to the right: Thumbs up you have no confidence in the Liberal leadership - Thumbs down, you have confidence in them.

Up 9 Down 1

Oya on Nov 2, 2021 at 4:57 pm

@ Moose Wow. Make assumptions much?
I was referring more to her work as a politician than as a prosecutor.
Just to set the record straight, since you chose to put words in my mouth, I also always hope pedophiles get the book thrown at them as hard as possible.

Up 21 Down 4

Moose101 on Nov 2, 2021 at 7:35 am

Silver won’t risk a non confidence vote and lose the election. Tracey will be gone within the month .

Up 33 Down 8

Bill on Oct 31, 2021 at 12:02 pm

@ SD
Ha, ha, ha - you are funny. You remind me of the characters in Alice in Wonderland. IT IS RIGHT to call her to the carpet. Waiting for dusted up facts (altered to fit their narrative) is a waste of time. If you think the children, parents and other concerned people are "low grade mob" you need find a new place to reside. This is not the Yukon I was raised in !!!

Up 30 Down 8

John on Oct 31, 2021 at 11:55 am

@ Moose

On the Liberal payroll are we? Must be by the tone of you abysmal rant in support of a "F"allen Minister and failing government.

I would suggest you take a time out and reflect on the rose-coloured lenses you wear. By the way I would also suggest you change your handle from Moose, which is an honourable creature, to something more befitting who you really represent.

Up 29 Down 5

Groucho d'North on Oct 31, 2021 at 9:28 am

Perhaps one of our intrepid media reporters could write an article on the voluminous pensions these Liberal MLAs thought were more important than the care and protection of school children. So we have a comparison on the value judgements that were on the table when these decisions were made?

Up 12 Down 35

SD on Oct 30, 2021 at 7:24 pm

It is clear you do not understand police work, the law or process. I grew up in the Yukon and am proud of it, but not reading this low grade mob discussion. You should all be ashamed of yourselves by not actually getting/waiting for facts before you slam a person who gives so much to making people's lives better. The politics of he opposition casting such a vote are not productive but I understand the egos and motivation for perceived personal gain at the expense of others- a fallacy in life.

Up 32 Down 7

drum on Oct 30, 2021 at 4:00 pm

She has to go - she is an embarrassment to the people of the Yukon. How could Mr. Silver continue to support her? When enough citizens of the Yukon stand up and demand her resignation - Silver will cut his losses and let her go.

Up 9 Down 26

Moose on Oct 30, 2021 at 1:48 pm

@Oya

"And her work helps lawyers and politicians. It does NOT help Yukoners"
You must be nuts to think prosecuting criminals especially pedophiles was somehow helping politicians and not Yukoners. Maybe you somehow think it is wrong to prosecute them, but I want pedophiles off our streets whenever they are caught. But to each their own.

Also, all of her work to support the LGBTQ community I guess did nothing to help Yukoners either. Though you are likely a conservative/Yukon Party person, so this community likely means less than nothing to you. It's funny how your political party always pays lip service to things like this but then opposes any substantial help for them. Do yourself a favour and go back and read what people like Brad Cathers and Jonas Smith have said about the LGBT community over the years. Then take into account that Brad Cathers is Currie's right hand man.

Up 10 Down 25

Moose on Oct 30, 2021 at 1:39 pm

@Actions Speak Louder

McPhee and the government are under 4 different reviews for the situation so I'm not sure what else you are suggesting they do. The only other thing they could have done is answer the politically charged amateur questions coming from the Yukon Party and what exactly would that do?
The Yukon Party is designed to do everything it can to get back into power which includes twisting, spinning and misrepresenting any answers the government gives (which is unfortunately presented as fact by local media). So answering the likes of them would only hurt the truth. This is why waiting for the Ombudsman, child advocate and others to finish their review is the rational thing to do. If you sincerely think McPhee was responsible for what happened, then you must agree that all of these reviews are pointless right? I mean you've already decided she is guilty so why wait for the facts?

Up 45 Down 8

Actions speak louder than words on Oct 30, 2021 at 8:30 am

Actions speak louder than words - Minister McPhee has refused to answer any questions and left before the debate began. Minister McPhee’s actions or lack of action says everything about her. I voted for this government- I am ashamed to acknowledge. Minister McPhee is a disgrace. This whole situation and how it has been handled is indefensible.

Up 45 Down 9

Oya on Oct 30, 2021 at 8:23 am

@ Sad Day - Doesn't mean she did a good job in ANY of those positions. And her work helps lawyers and politicians. It does NOT help Yukoners. Her reputation is ruined. There is no "might be" about it. Her legacy is safe. She's been proven to be a non-transparent, arrogant, power-tripping politician. A true Liberal. Take off your rose-coloured glasses.

@ McPhee Step down already! Yukoners have spoken loud and clear. If your boss-without-a-backbone and your boss-without-ethics won't agree to remove you, then do the right thing and step down yourself. ASAP!

Up 9 Down 32

YT on Oct 30, 2021 at 8:02 am

Would people be ok with the minister announcing this to the parents if it had resulted in it compromising the investigation and possibly resulting in the acquittal of the accused?
Are your hurt feelings more important?

Up 8 Down 16

TheHammer on Oct 29, 2021 at 7:58 pm

HVES mom @ "TheHammer is likening McPhee to the Pope" Quite the misread! I'm curious about your view on asking the Pope to apologize for genocide against FN children. Will an apology from McPhee suit you?

Up 39 Down 8

Elaine on Oct 29, 2021 at 6:15 pm

@Sad Day - your defence of Minister McPhee is disgusting. To call parents an angry mob when they find out that information about the safety of their children was withheld from them. Disgusting and I sincerely hope you have no position of power or any position of importance because to defend any of this is absolutely shameful.

Up 44 Down 11

chip on Oct 29, 2021 at 4:00 pm

Time for Kate to step to the side and let the chips fall where they will.

Up 52 Down 11

marylaker on Oct 29, 2021 at 2:18 pm

I came on here to say get a life and move on, the perpetrator was in fact dealt with promptly by the RCMP, the risk to the children was over. Enough of the political games.

However, Tracey won't answer questions, won't explain herself and her actions, and this has necessitated inquiries to get answers. I am actually more fed up with that kind of stonewalling from this government than I am of the opposition parties making big deals out of things. And after reading that the NDP is on board with this as well, it's not just Currie's usual over the top rhetoric, I had to give it a second thought.

"McPhee has declined to answer questions in the assembly to date.
She has acknowledged during media scrums that she was aware of the situation, but has refused to go into detail on what her role was and what action she took."

And she left the chambers before the debate, not just before the vote. Doesn't want to hear it. Seems pretty freaking arrogant to me.

Up 67 Down 15

Natalie on Oct 29, 2021 at 12:57 pm

@Sad Day. So parents who are rightfully livid because their kids were sexually abused by a predator at a school are now labeled an ‘Angry Mob’? Tell me, is that the position taken by Sandy Silvers government?

Up 65 Down 16

Just to clarify on Oct 29, 2021 at 12:40 pm

So, mocking public figures in a private drink & text to your friends warrants disciplinary action but covering up the sexual molestation of a disabled child does not? The Libtards ability to triage and prioritize is impressive, indeed!

Up 35 Down 11

dick on Oct 29, 2021 at 12:10 pm

@ Sad Day - impressive person and impressive accomplishments, BUT very bad judgement. Same scenario for everyone that practices it.

Up 58 Down 14

dick on Oct 29, 2021 at 11:35 am

She has to go. Not just out of Cabinet, but right out the door. This was not a mistake. But an unforgivable laps of judgement on an unforgivable crime.

Up 64 Down 12

JR on Oct 29, 2021 at 9:29 am

I admire the way that the NHL has handled the sexual assault allegations recently. Everyone from the top down has been fired/asked to resign. The same should be the case here in the Yukon. Sandy, Tracey should both be gone. Time to show some true leadership Silver!! How you guys handled this situation is truely shameful.

Up 61 Down 11

McPhee and Morgan must go on Oct 29, 2021 at 9:09 am

The only way the liberals can hold any accountability is for McPhee to go. And while you're at it, take Nicole Morgan as well. Education has had enough damage done by these two. Why would you want a minister/deputy minister who messed up so badly? This is not going away.....don't let it sink the ship by fighting against all odds for a minister who did this and then tried to throw Dendys under the bus by putting her in this portfolio.

Up 21 Down 24

stephen on Oct 29, 2021 at 9:04 am

I find it interesting that people on here point the finger at one party or the other when they are in power and say see they should have been let go. I am sure if it was the NDP or YP in power the same thing would have happened. Each party would defend their colleague instead of doing the right thing. They should have been asked to resign, period. That is LEADERSHIP and please don't tell me if you are Liberal, NDP or YP that your leader would have done the right thing in the last 30 years. We have few leaders who would have done this. I only know of two and they sure and the hell were not in the Yukon and were NDPers, one at the federal level and one in BC.

So whether you are a NDPer, Liberal or YP supporter please stop being hypocrites and think your party would have done any different if they were in power. You would need a strong ethical Leader and politicians with principals who would have done that. I am not surprised no Liberals had the backbone to support the motion, but then that is type of politicians we have now no matter their political stripe.

Up 42 Down 16

Groucho d'North on Oct 29, 2021 at 8:39 am

I am pleased that Mr. Silver has finally owned up to the responsibilities of his job: “I’m the premier and I decide who is in my cabinet.”
Now it's time for him to perform his job. But I don't have any expectations as I see the same 'Screw You' attitude from him that our Prime Miinister displays when his back is against the wall. Perhaps it's a Liberal leadership thing? Now it's time for the accountability thing to rage on.

Up 43 Down 14

Sheepchaser on Oct 29, 2021 at 8:17 am

If this is the hill Premiere Silver chooses to die on (politically), I say let him. Both parties who see themselves as entitled to the thrown of the Yukon are acting in manners undeserving of it.

Glad I donated to the NDP. I may not agree with every platform of the party, but the individuals who make up the elected representatives of the party carry the least corruption and arrogance of the bunch.

Mr, Silver, you’re going to defend the former lawyer that did everything to block investigations/reviews (even if it were to clear her name) on a topic of major public concern, cites her professional acumen in that realm and turns around days later to conveniently shrug off the legal requirements of her new portfolio at healthcare by presumptively denying thousands of Yukoners access to a family physician without hesitation? So she knows just enough about the law to get away with negligence, but not enough to honour her obligations. Right…

Relationships or competence. You can’t prioritize both.

Up 50 Down 11

Dave on Oct 29, 2021 at 7:29 am

So let me see if I have this straight. Within the last year several Yukon party MLA's shared some inappropriate texts (didn't create the texts mind you, just forwarded them) and both the Liberals including Sandy Silver and the NDP stuck their noses in the air and said those MLA's should resign. Now the Liberal party MLA/ minister either through incompetence or ignorance supposedly wasn't knowledgeable and forthcoming about the most important and criminal issue happening in her department which regarded physical sexual abuse of young school children. Sandy Silver says he unreservedly has her back on this shameful episode? By the way, the buck stops with Sandy on this, it's his government.
I am hoping against hope because I don't even want to consider it could happen in this territory that the information wasn't shared with parents and made publicly known due to political considerations concerning the upcoming election at that time. Please assure me that our elected government wouldn't sink that low because I don't care who is in power, that can't ever, ever be permitted to happen. If the current investigations point to that possibility then both the opposition parties have a responsibility to us the public to bring the government down.

Up 19 Down 68

Sad Day on Oct 28, 2021 at 11:36 pm

I have known Tracy McPhee for over 15 years and she is a strong woman of impeccable character. She was the first female president of the Yukon Law Society, won many awards, was the President of the Canadian Federation of Law and was also Yukon's Privacy Commissioner for many years. Few people can claim that kind of resume. This woman was on track to become next Premier in my honest opinion. But now her reputation and legacy might be ruined.

The emotional mob of parents with their torches and pitchforks came out demanding blood and they got it. The NDP, the media and the Yukon Party were only too happy to throw gasoline on all of this fiery rage and attempt to score as many political points as they can in an attempt to bring down the government and gain power themselves. This is nothing but the ugly side of populism playing out. There was almost nothing factual behind all of this rage. It was pure emotion because parents heard the words 'sexual abuse' and 'children'.

Ask yourself what Tracy's motivation could possibly have been in keeping this hidden in 2019 or 2020? The government removed the pedophile from the school immediately. So it would not have looked bad on the government other than possibly missing some red flags or maybe a bad hiring process back in 2014. Yes, it was heartbreaking news, but the process seems to have been followed. So what in people's wildest imagination was the motivation? Tracy spent probably 10-20 years prosecuting scumbags like this and protecting people from them, so do any of you think she suddenly turned into an evil person who stopped caring for victims? As someone very familiar with the law I'll give you my theory as to why the infamous letters never went out to inform parents after it happened.

It is standard practice for police to do a thorough investigation whenever a pedophile is discovered. They will quickly determine who else he (typically a he) had access to and talk to the children and parents to determine if any were victimized. If the department of Education had jumped the gun and sent out a letter to parents before the police did their work, there would be pandemonium and many parents would be conducting their own investigations and creating wild speculation, possibly leading to mob justice etc. SO, it is likely Tracy and her advisors in the department of Justice wrongly assumed that the police were fully investigating the matter and contacting anyone who had been in close contact with the pedophile. They would have likely decided to wait until hearing from the police that the investigation had wrapped up before sending out the letter to parents.

One last thing. The most horrible part of this article was the quote from Emily Tredger who said its not "SAFE" for her to be a Minister, especially of Health and Social Services. What an absolutely disgusting thing to say. You really had to go that extra mile to disparage her huh? After all that she has done in her roles for the LGBTQ2S+ community of which I understand you are a part of. You obviously don't know her at all!! I really hope this was just a temporary outburst that you will someday apologize for because you simply did not know the gravity of what you were saying.

Up 42 Down 11

CJ2 on Oct 28, 2021 at 9:38 pm

That was a fascinating debate. I think it was all over when Kate told her story. Although I'm actually kind of confused now. Why were things handled so differently this time, to the point where somehow it seems it was up to the deputy minister and minister if parents were told? Isn't that something the school can decide on its own?

So who defended McPhee less enthusiastically? My guess is Ranj Pillai, who did sound a little conflicted and irritated at being put in that position. Maybe Nils Clarke, who went off on a seeming tangent about the wrongfully convicted, rather inexplicably. John Streiker tried to defend McPhee by claiming it was a matter of privacy for the children, which is... absurd.

I missed most of the Yukon Party's speeches, but they should thank the NDP. Both Kate and Emily Tredger were succinct and to the point (I didn't hear Annie Blake's). The Liberals just couldn't match the clarity of their position. Brad Cathers was dignified and quite restrained in his last remarks.

McPhee doesn't like explaining herself, she seems to find the communications part of her job a nuisance. And she doesn't like answering anybody's questions, not in the House, not from reporters. But she got elected by a large margin, so a lot of people liked what she was doing.

I find it out of the ordinary that a minister no longer in the portfolio is being held to account in this way, but the opposition did an excellent job of explaining themselves.

Up 11 Down 20

TheHammer on Oct 28, 2021 at 7:48 pm

John@ 'Politics is a cut throat vocation'; my point exactly. However 'getting what she deserves' is a judgement, that puts you in the cut throat business. You forgot to mention my oblique reference to the Pope; this is to underscore that this issue has garnered more outrage on comment pages than the genocide of FN children in Yukon and across the nation.

Up 18 Down 41

PJ's Ghost on Oct 28, 2021 at 6:41 pm

Dixon’s whining about honour raises questions about his stripping of responsibilities from the two texters. Why have they been allowed to ask questions during Question Period and in budget debate, or to speak to motions and the media? Is the suspension over? How many sitting days did it last? Was Dixon upfront with Yukoners? Was it just a charade? Where’s the honour there?

Up 12 Down 48

Observer on Oct 28, 2021 at 6:37 pm

Ha ha - the arm chair con lawyers have certainly got everything figured out. I think I will stick with the Minister who is a lawyer.
All the rabid cons can go climb back under their rocks and wait until chicken little calls them again..

Up 47 Down 12

Well well on Oct 28, 2021 at 6:31 pm

Remember when Silver thought that MLAs should resign because they sent mean text messages. Now he doesn't think his own Minister should resign for hiding abuse from parents. Interesting.

Up 14 Down 28

Nathan Living on Oct 28, 2021 at 6:24 pm

I think there should be a motion to identify and fire the lawyer who advised against a letter going to all parents of children at the school. The lawyer is the person who derailed the progress of the letter, not the Minister.

Up 45 Down 11

Angry Riverdale South Voter on Oct 28, 2021 at 5:52 pm

“I’m the premier and I decide who is in my cabinet.” Fair enough.

We are the voters and will decide who is Premier. Best remember that.
McPhee- your arrogance has gone on long enough. This is no longer about partisan politics. We, the voters, are angry. I am in Riverdale South..... there is no support for you. RESIGN.

Up 38 Down 11

HVES mom on Oct 28, 2021 at 5:13 pm

TheHammer is likening McPhee to the Pope? Seriously - this is so much more than political. Both these parties are right in what they are doing. They could have asked Frost to resign like 10 times over her time in that office. They didn't. They asked for her to have her load lightened. Which they were also right to do. No - this is no one's fault but McPhee's, and she must wear it. The fact that the Premier and her other Liberal friends are standing up for her wrongs - that means they will have to wear it too. I hope these kids get some sort of justice in the end, and this guy goes away for a long time. But it has become so much more than just this EA harming those children. McPhee's lack of action and secret-keeping has damaged kids further. She should resign. If she does not, she should be removed. Silver, give your head a shake. No one takes your government seriously anymore.

Up 42 Down 11

Clint Teichroeb on Oct 28, 2021 at 5:02 pm

Premier, I remember the time you ran straight to the media with a text thread that made fun of you. I also remember minister Mclean calling for the resignations of two long serving YP MLAs. We are now talking about real sexual abuse, and you and your friends are now dismissing the questions and the results of a vote in the Legislature. What are you thinking?

Up 29 Down 9

Jim on Oct 28, 2021 at 5:01 pm

@TheHammer, do you think she would resign if found to have neglected telling parents after the investigation? How about if she just answered the question put to her in the house. Not a difficult one. Simply, when was she first made aware. But alas, in typical Liberal fashion refusing to answer is the norm. It’s getting a little nauseating that politicians refuse to answer questions that put them in bad light. And no, it’s not just a Liberal problem, although they are definitely top of the class. This motion and vote just shows Yukoners that Silver and his government don’t care about Yukoners as much as they care for their party and pensions.

Up 74 Down 16

John on Oct 28, 2021 at 4:22 pm

@ captain obvious
Now don't gnash your teeth - you have already worn them down to the gums fretting over your beloved Liberals. It is pay back time, and the two opposition parties are making your friends very, very uncomfortable. Just think, this is a 45 day fall sitting - we are just barely half way through...

Up 87 Down 14

John on Oct 28, 2021 at 4:13 pm

@ The Hammer
Poor analogy. First let us be frank - politics is a "cut throat" vocation, even within a party never mind from the opposition. Secondly - in this instance McPhee is getting what she aptly deserves. All she had to do was a answer the four simple questions asked of her - she refused and here we are. Third, the only one with an agenda is none other than McPhee - she is the master of her own destiny. She willingly has put herself in this position that she now finds herself in.

I would think, my friend, rather than swishing your sabre at the YP you sit down and have a chat with Long John Silver. He is rapidly accelerating a run away train. He could have put the brakes on much earlier to avoid a catastrophe. Now he too will have to face the fallout, not just for him, but for his whole party.

Enlightenment doesn't just come from turning the light on...

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bonanzajoe on Oct 28, 2021 at 4:09 pm

JSM: Silvers is just following the morals of his boss in Ottawa.

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bonanzajoe on Oct 28, 2021 at 4:07 pm

Silvers being a former school teacher should have more sensitivity. As well as sensibility.

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bonanzajoe on Oct 28, 2021 at 4:05 pm

“I’m the premier and I decide who is in my cabinet.” But if it were a minister of a Yukon Party government, he would the first to demand a resignation.

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Sigh on Oct 28, 2021 at 3:54 pm

“I’m the premier and I decide who is in my cabinet.” - Yes, sigh, unfortunately you are. Maybe you should start acting as one.

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JSM on Oct 28, 2021 at 3:32 pm

It is abundantly clear that the Liberals have no intention of taking responsibility in their failure of protecting our children. Mcphee failed our children and should step down. I would call into question the complicity of the Liberal Government in allowing the abuse of the hidden valley school children. Stepping down would be the only honourable thing to do at this point. Slippery Sandy could have scrapped a modicum of dignity by kicking her out of Cabinet but he wants to stick with her. How deep does the poison run in this party. sickening.

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Jayne W on Oct 28, 2021 at 3:25 pm

Election # 4 coming up for Yukon residents .

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Arrogant and defiant on Oct 28, 2021 at 3:19 pm

First off our Premiere should have demanded resignations immediately. McPhee has demonstrated nothing but arrogance and disrespect when questioned about this. This is a repeat of the group home scandal. What do you mean wait until all the information is in and these reviews are completed. You did the same with group home scandal and Minister Frost who the Premiere also stood by had to apologize having to admit what was reported happened.
The facts are the facts. This Minister knew about this and she failed to inform parents and only when a lawsuit was filed and the media reported on it did the parents find out. Nice try Liberals you have learned NOTHING. Premiere Silver is a disgrace and his arrogance and defiance are equally disgraceful always putting yourself and your ministers first above Yukoner’s and our children. Time for a no confidence vote.

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Al on Oct 28, 2021 at 2:43 pm

Ah, the petulant Premier. Like a child in Kindergarten: “I’m the premier and I decide who is in my cabinet.” is akin to "It is my sandbox and I get to decide who plays in it."

This is why people do not respect politicians,like McPhee and Silver. They simply do not get it. This is not a matter of perception - unfortunately it is like a real life reality TV show - for the Liberals it is about not getting voted off the island by the other players.

Would anyone expect the honourable thing to occur? Yes, but again unfortunately, we do not have honourable people who will. I read the Blues and noticed very clearly the lack of enthusiasm from the majority of the Liberals who spoke regarding the motion. Ah but of course, they were "ordered" to tow the party line by 'two gun sharpshooter Silver.' Remember it is his sandbox...

...and slowly like a steam engine puffing it's way uphill the outcome looks bleak in the Land of the Midnight Sun for some.

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TheHammer on Oct 28, 2021 at 2:08 pm

Night of the long knives from the opposition benches, even before the report from the Ombudsman is out. It certainly frames the political ambitions of the YP and their emerging methods of 'I'm right, you are wrong'. This is no longer about the school scandal. It's about political cut throats. May I suggest the YP declare a motion to ask the Pope to resign.

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TMYK on Oct 28, 2021 at 2:05 pm

It should be noted that this is the first time in the history of Yukon politics that a motion for a sitting member to resign has passed. McPhee won’t be going anywhere though. At least not until she has secured her pension, which is a shame. She’s basically unemployable after her career in politics due to her own actions or lack thereof. I’m not sure how she can sleep at night, but that’s just me, she probably sleeps just fine.

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Matthew on Oct 28, 2021 at 1:52 pm

“I’m the premier and I decide who is in my cabinet.” Silver Says,
That makes sense, but you need to hold people accountable! This is unforgivable, young kids were harmed! If you can't protect kids what good are you? I guess they aren't old enough to vote so liberals don't care for now.. sickening really..

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Captain Obvious on Oct 28, 2021 at 1:49 pm

T’was just another Wasted Wednesday (Woah, woah)
CBC thought it was Judgement Day (Woah, woah)
So easily lead astray (Woah, woah, woah, woah)
By the Opposition’s way (Woah, woah)
T’was just another Wasted Wednesday

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Joe on Oct 28, 2021 at 1:45 pm

Mr. Silver, who works for who? A majority of elected MLA’s representing a majority of Yukoners just sent you a clear message. You have a barely minority government supported by a liberal pension plan coalition, hopefully the NDP will bail and we can have another election. It obvious your side doesn't respect NDP. NDP will pick up significant support from their position on this motion.

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