Melissa Atkinson is calling on Yukoners to consider the best candidate for the job of MP and prime minister when they head to the federal polls in just four days.

Atkinson hosted a press conference this morning surrounded by a large crew of prominent New Democrats.

They included former Yukon MP and federal leader Audrey McLaughlin, territorial leader Liz Hanson and NDP MLAs.

Atkinson suggested that anyone basing major decisions about their future on a formula should think again about taking that approach.

“Your future is at stake,” she said, standing in front of her supporters. A number were decked out in NDP orange-coloured clothes, with some wearing shirts or fleece jackets, others sporting scarves, while Atkinson wore sneakers bearing the same orange shade of her NDP campaign signs.

Those not donning the colour as part of their clothing ensemble made sure to have campaign buttons visible as they stood with Atkinson.

This morning’s statement came in response to questions from the media about strategic voting.

Last week, the Council of Yukon First Nations recommended its citizens review a strategic voting website which recommends Yukon voters mark their ballots in favour of the Liberal party if they want a change in government.

This morning, Atkinson urged voters to carefully consider the candidates and vote for who they believe is the best one – who, she argued, are herself for Yukon MP and NDP Leader Tom Mulcair for prime minister.

She backed up her arguments by pointing to proposals outlined in the NDP platform and noting support at both the local level and across the country for the party.

She also mentioned comments from former Tr’ondek Hwech’in chief Eddie Taylor; Stewart Phillip, the B.C. Union of Indian Chiefs’ president; and Don Roberts, the former Yukon Liberal Health and Social Services minister who now speaks for Yukoners Concerned About Oil and Gas Development/Exploration.

“Assembly of First Nations Grand Chief Perry Bellegarde is backing the NDP’s First Nations commitments,” Atkinson said.

“He says, ‘The NDP platform is a comprehensive response to our closing the gap agenda, and that it addresses many of our key priorities and commits to high-level engagement to work together to close the gap.’

“Grand Chief Bellegarde has not singled out any other party’s platform for such praise.”

Atkinson went on to cite the NDP commitments to relationships with First Nations governments.

She pointed first to a cabinet committee that would be struck and chaired by the prime minister that would “ensure that all legislation is in accord with Canada’s agreements with First Nation governments.”

Other priorities would see an NDP government work to close the education gap so aboriginal students receive high-quality education, action on housing, a focus on health care and investments to grow a sustainable economy.

She also cited the NDP’s efforts on Bill S-6, noting the NDP was there for First Nations from Day 1 while the Liberal senators voted for it.

“The past week has been a whirlwind for my campaign and I,” Atkinson said.

“Yukoners are fired up to give Ryan Leef his pink slip, and they’re doing it with an orange ballot.

“On October 19th, I ask Yukoners to stand with Eddie Taylor, with Don Roberts, with Stewart Phillip, and with thousands of our friends and neighbours. On election day, I am asking Yukoners to elect an NDP government that will make positive change in Ottawa.”

She was greeted with loud cheers and applause before, during and after her speech by supporters.

See election commentaries, pages 6, 7; candidate profiles in Friday’s Star.