As many of you will know, I have been involved with Yukon politics since 1974 when you gave me the honour of being your mayor in Whitehorse.
It was only in 1980 that I joined a political party and, then, only after studying all three parties to see where I best fit.
I was a Liberal.
I believe strongly in balance. Helping those who, for whatever reason, truly need support and supporting those who provide growth and industry to keep our territory strong.
I also know the high value our environment offers. Our clear water, air and vast wilderness are second to none and are a valued resource we must carefully manage. With climate change (yes, it is changing), water will be the gold in years to come. Like the Klondike of the past, Yukon water can be our Klondike for the future.
I have known your candidate Kirk Cameron since he was born and I know he also holds these values, but he has so much more to offer.
He is the first political candidate I have seen running in the Yukon who is truly qualified, in so many ways, to be an MLA.
Most candidates, when running for office (myself included), start with high ideals, some good past experience and a desire to serve the people, but once elected you quickly find there is a steep learning curve and it will take some time before you can be fully effective. There is so much to learn. How does our Westminster form of government really work? How do you develop policy and get it through the system? How does the Legislature work and how can you make it work for you? How do all the departments work? And the list goes on.
With Cameron’s post-secondary degree from Victoria and graduate studies at Queen’s University in history and governance, his work with the Yukon government, the government of BC and the federal government developing policy and legislation for more than 20 years, and then working with environment issues for the last eight years, he can start working effectively for his constituents from day one.
Add to all this, his work with First Nation governments and the fact he was born in the riding (old Whitehorse General Hospital where the Elijah Smith Building is today) and still lives in the riding, it would truly be hard to find a more knowledgeable, dedicated Yukoner to fill the job and to serve and represent you in the legislature.
You have been well and truly served in the past; you can be well served in the future with Cameron.
Ione Christensen, former senator
Whitehorse