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Premier Pasloski picks new chief of staff

Yukon Premier Darrell Pasloski has named Michael Hale as his chief of staff. Hale was the assistant deputy minister of aboriginal relations and former vice president of the Yukon Housing Corporation.

Yukon Premier Darrell Pasloski has named Michael Hale as his chief of staff.

Hale was the assistant deputy minister of aboriginal relations and former vice president of the Yukon Housing Corporation. Before working a decade in various government positions, Hale was reporter at the Yukon News.

“We’re excited that Michael is joining us; we are privileged to have him take this important role in our team,” Pasloski said in a statement.

“His willingness to leave his permanent position in the Yukon government and to take over as chief of staff speaks to his commitment to Yukon. He is a valuable addition to our team with his extensive experience in Yukon government senior management and aboriginal relations.”

The job of chief of staff has been a bit of a revolving door recently.

About two weeks ago chief of staff Ric Stryde left the job abruptly, after only holding the position since the end of June last year.

A cabinet spokesperson refused to give any details on whether Stryde was fired or resigned or if he got a severance package.

Stryde was raised in the Northwest Territories. Before coming to the Yukon he worked in federal politics, including serving as senior northern advisor to Indian and Northern Affairs ministers Chuck Strahl and John Duncan.

About 24 hours after confirming Stryde’s departure, Pasloski announced that the position would be filled by Jonas Smith, who was previously the premier’s executive assistant.

The premier’s office now says that Smith was simply appointed as chief of staff on an acting basis. But when he got the job, that was less clear. At the time, a cabinet spokesperson said that as far as he knew there were no immediate plans to go through a new round of hiring.

Hale took over the position today.

“I’m excited to join Premier Pasloski’s team and to help them make Yukon the best place to live in the country,” Hale said.

“Premier Pasloski and his team are the best option to build Yukon and provide opportunities for Yukoners and their families. I’m looking forward to helping the government advance a number of issues that are important to the territory.”

Smith’s new job title is deputy chief of staff.

Spokesperson Elaine Schiman said the job will include many of the same duties he’s done for the last three and a half years as Pasloski’s executive assistant “but will also include other duties, as needed.”

Contact Ashley Joannou at

ashleyj@yukon-news.com