If you could have lunch with Stephen Harper, what would you say?

Alison Reid says if she gets the chance this month, tackling climate change would likely dominate the conversation.

"That's pretty big and encompassing, because I'm also interested in seeing support and development of renewable energy supplies, and support for scientists and research and post-secondary education,” the longtime Whitehorse resident said today.

"I think it means taking another look at how we're going to welcome refugees in the future because I think there's going to be more and more climate change refugees, and of course support for public transportation.”

Reid has invited the prime minister to join her and other interested Yukoners at a "people's lunch” on Monday of next week.

"One of the reasons why having a people's lunch with Stephen Harper seems particularly useful is that I do have the perception that the prime minister and the Prime Minister's Office and the federal government are receding further and further away from us ordinary folks,” said Reid.

"Having lunch together is a really nice way to break down that perception that there's this great divide among us.

"These kinds of events are really opportunities for people to show their interest by coming and of course they'll also have the opportunity to express their interest in particular issues because there will be an opportunity for them to speak there.”

Harper is planning to visit the Yukon during his annual northern tour later this month. Reid said she was told he will likely be in Whitehorse on Monday, which is a territorial holiday, but Yukon MP Ryan Leef's office could not confirm a date today for the visit.

Reid sent an invitation to lunch to Harper on Aug. 3 through Leef's Ottawa office, but has not heard back on whether he would attend.

The Star did not receive a response to queries made to the Prime Minister's Office before press time this afternoon.

Whether or not Harper decides to attend, Reid said, the lunch will go ahead.

"We invite all Yukoners to bring their noon meal, and to take the opportunity to say the things we would like (Harper) to hear.”

If the PM does attend, Reid said, she would provide his lunch.

While she hadn't confirmed the menu yet this morning, she did say she'll try to use as many local ingredients as possible.

"We've got a great garden here, and we also keep hens, so I intend to use as many things from our property as I can. I'm quite looking forward to putting it together.”

Monday's lunch will be held at noon by the miner's statue in front of the Elijah Smith Building on Main Street.