Is our Canadian electoral system broken? I believe the main problem with the Canadian electoral system is that many leaders who become prime ministers and premiers act like despot dictators and believe that once they are elected they do not have to go back to the people until the next election.
In the Yukon we are witnessing similar approaches to governing as the Harper Conservatives pull all the strings and the Yukon Party government dances to the federal tune. What have we witnessed during the past two years of the Pasloski regime? “It’s my way or the highway.”
Less than 40 per cent of Yukoners voted for the Yukon Party government and yet they conduct themselves as true absolute dictators. There have been numerous attempts by Yukoners to engage this government in meaningful discussion and debate about the future of the Yukon.
There are many examples where the Pasloski regime refuses to accept the will of the majority of Yukoners.
For example, the Peel Watershed Planning Commission had its report completely rejected, because it did not favour mining or oil and gas development. The original Peel watershed report must be accepted as is because it reflects what a majority of Yukoners want for future generations as determined through a truly democratic process mandated by First Nations, territorial, and federal governments.
If the Pasloski government does not believe that a majority of Yukoners support the original Peel watershed report, then have a territory-wide referendum on the commission’s report.
Another major concern for Yukoners is that the Yukon Party government wants to allow hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for oil and gas drilling. There is increasing evidence that not only does this process use and waste millions of litres of fresh water, the poisonous chemicals used in the fracking fluids pollutes fresh water and land forever.
Is this what we want to leave for future generations?
There is also the issue of changes to the oil and gas legislation that gives more power to the Yukon Party government, and takes away agreed rights of veto for oil and gas development on Kaska traditional lands.
Theses changes are being brought about with no consultations with First Nation governments and all Yukoners.
Another major issue is related to “access to information” legislation that will allow the Yukon Party government to deny access to cabinet documents until after the next territorial election. This change would be the first of its kind in Canada by any provincial or federal government.
What does the Yukon Party caucus have to hide from Yukoners?
Where are the Yukon Party MLAs in this decision making? Have you become puppets in the Pasloski regime? Do you not believe in democracy for Yukoners by Yukoners?
Do you really want to pollute our fresh water and land for future generations?
MLAs were elected by individual Yukoners and Yukoners expect you to represent them and not Premier Pasloski.
Do the right thing and represent all Yukoners for democracy’s sake.
Donald Roberts
Whitehorse