Ed. note: here, the Star presents profiles of the territory’s five federal election candidates in alphabetical order. All five candidates’ profiles are available for free to view.

Conservative hopeful Jonas Smith is running on a platform of tax cuts, alternative energy solutions and affordability.

“I believe Yukoners should vote for me, as I will stand up and represent our priorities in Ottawa versus imposing Ottawa’s priorities on us,” Smith told the Star.

Smith, 45, said he believes the Conservative platform will resonate with Yukoners who want their money to go farther and who want flexible firearms legislation.

In a September interview, Smith said he believes Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer would be a capable leader for Canada.

“I think (Scheer) has been constantly underestimated by his opponents and his pundits,” Smith said. “I think any weaknesses perceived by people are actually strengths.”

Aligning with the party on the federal level, Smith has advocated to cut the carbon tax and remove income tax on parental leave benefits. 

Instead of imposing taxes, Smith presents the alternative of tax cuts to incentivize Canadians to make “responsible personal choices” for the environment.

“It’s not a luxury to heat your house in the Yukon,” Smith said, criticizing the tax burden.

In his visits to communities, he said, he’s learned Yukoners are concerned about the environment but are struggling to make ends meet.

“I’m hearing a lot about the environment; people say we all live here because of the environment,” he said. “But charging us more for necessities with the carbon tax isn’t going to make things any better.”

Based on his experience living off-grid, Smith has championed alternative energy solutions, including solar, wind and biomass. He said he wants to eliminate diesel use in the territory.

To increase affordability alongside renewable energy, he references the Conservative plan for tax incentives benefitting Yukoners who retrofit their homes and make other eco-friendly choices.

Smith has also advocated for deregulation and increased self-reliance for First Nations groups. At a debate in August, Smith suggested the Kwanlin Dün First Nation set aside land selections to develop housing and spur an internal income tax boost that would pay for Indigenous programming.

He told the Star he is committed to partnering with Yukon First Nations on additional hydro and green energy projects.

More infrastructure projects, particularly mines, have been a point of focus for Smith as a solution to unemployment and a booster for the economy.

At a debate Wednesday evening in Whitehorse, Smith pointed to the Victoria Gold Mine as an example of First Nations workers actively protecting land and water through their degrees at Yukon College.

Smith is the only candidate to advocate for the current first-past-the-post electoral system. Though he is pro-reform, he says, he doesn’t believe the entire system requires overhaul.

Regarding firearms, Smith told the Star he expects federal firearms legislation to be a “hot topic” for Yukoners.

“I’m hearing at the doors, (legislation) is making it harder to own firearms to feed families, not fighting gang crime in downtown Toronto,” Smith said.

Falling in step with the federal campaign, Smith has openly criticized Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government, and has urged Yukoners to make a different choice in Monday’s election.

“As we’ve seen over the past few months, the talk is cheap, and (Trudeau) has been far from the mark,” Smith said. “I can’t, in good faith, support this government any longer.”

Smith, a third-generation Yukoner, is the father to two young daughters.

He is the executive director of the Klondike Placer Miners’ Association and works for the Yukon Producers’ Group. He also volunteers with Every Student, Every Day, Victoria Gold’s student charity.

Smith has previously served as the deputy chief of staff to former premier Darrell Pasloski, and was the president of the Yukon Party. He represented the territory on the CPC’s National Council.

He is known to the music community as a former punk musician, and spent many years in the hospitality industry.

The tight-knit Yukon community has been a point of strength for Smith, who has lived here since 1999 and advertises himself as a worthy representative of all Yukoners.

“I truly believe we can balance our priorities and values,” he said.

Smith’s hobbies still include music, as well as fishing and sport shooting.