Here’s who is running to be Yukon’s next MP

A federal polling station in Whitehorse on election day, Sept. 20, 2021. Yukoners will be heading back to the polls on April 28. (Wayne Vallevand/CBC)

By RCI, CBC News

Five candidates are in the running so far

It’s official.

Canadians will be heading to the polls on April 28, after Prime Minister Mark Carney called an election in Ottawa Sunday morning.

So far, five Candidates are confirmed to be running for Yukon’s only seat in the House of Commons. They will be representing the Liberal Party, Conservative Party, Green Party, People’s Party of Canada and the Rhinoceros Party.

The NDP has told CBC they have not yet confirmed their candidate.

Here are the candidates confirmed so far.

Gabrielle Dupont

Gabrielle Dupont will be Yukon’s Green Party candidate in the federal election.

Dupont has lived in Yukon for 18 years. For twelve of those years, she has worked as an architectural draftsperson for mining companies, contractors, and governments. She currently lives in an off-grid cabin just outside of Whitehorse.

This is her first time running for federal office.

Dupont said two areas of focus for her are improving and increasing renewable energy sources like wind and solar power in the Yukon and advocating for more affordable housing options.

“The first thing is to redefine what it means to have affordable housing,” she said. “It seems like there’s a disconnect there between what the government is funding right now under the premise that it’s affordable homes and housing, and what we see on the ground.”

André Fortin

André Fortin is the People’s Party of Canada candidate for the upcoming election.

Originally from Quebec, Fortin has lived in Whitehorse for over 40 years. He has experience in the public service, infrastructure development and energy sectors, including starting contracting firm Dynamic Systems and sitting on the Yukon Utilities Board.

Fortin said he wants to hear people’s concerns and has four major issues at the top of his mind — ensuring gun regulations don’t harm Yukoners, housing, proper funding for the RCMP and healthcare.

On the last topic, Fortin said he’s heard from Yukoners who don’t have doctors, and from nurses who have “exited the profession and will never be back” because of COVID-19 vaccine mandates.

“In Ottawa, I will fight tooth and nail for not having these kinds of mandates,” he said, adding that he isn’t “anti-vax” but considers vaccine requirements by employers “morally so reprehensible.”

Fortin also said he would like to increase funding for the RCMP in Yukon.

Brendan Hanley

Brendan Hanley has been confirmed as the Liberal candidate for Yukon in the next federal election, seeking a second term as the territory’s only MP.

Hanley first won his seat in the 2021 general election. A physician by trade, Hanley was relatively new to politics at the time but had developed a public profile as the territory’s chief public health officer through the first years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hanley said if re-elected he wants to keep focusing on issues such as housing, health care and climate change.
“And now, of course, a whole new problem with the U.S. administration, effectively a hostile administration, that is threatening all kinds of economic upheaval to our country, let alone our very sovereignty as a nation,” he said.

“This is a new issue for us that is going to require effective, strong advocacy and leadership. And I feel I can be that person.”

Jean-Michel Harvey

The Rhinoceros Party of Canada has confirmed that Jean-Michel Harvey will be running as their candidate in Yukon.

The Rhinoceros Party is known for its satirical take on Canadian politics.

On it’s website the party describes itself as offering an alternative for disillusioned voters.

“Founded in 1963, the Rhinoceros Party offers an almost credible alternative to voters disillusioned by traditional parties. Promising funnier lies of superior quality, our candidates are softer and more silky than any competitors’ brand. Voting for real politicians does not get you anywhere? Change your strategy: vote for a fake one.”

CBC has requested an interview with Harvey, but has not yet heard back.

Ryan Leef

Ryan Leef, who served a term as Yukon MP a decade ago, has been selected as the territory’s Conservative candidate in the upcoming federal election.

Leef was first elected to Parliament in 2011, unseating the longtime Liberal MP Larry Bagnell by a narrow margin. He ran again in 2015, this time losing to Bagnell and the Liberals in a landslide.