Recent resignations by members of the Yukon Energy and Development boards should concern everyone who believes in truth and justice for all citizens.
If, as rumored, the Fentie regime is considering the privatization of any of them, there should firstly be a public hearing to examine the issue.
If this process was not followed, there would be no further doubt that we no longer have a responsible government.
Resisting accountability, and shrouded in secrecy, the Fentie regime seems to have degenerated into some form of self-ruling totalitarian dictatorship, favoring some people and ignoring others. Concerned citizens must recognize this as a wake-up call.
It is in everyone’s interest, including our children’s, to examine this extremely important situation and attempt to come up with a solution. So let’s consider our options.
To remove any doubt, a new election is the only acceptable and democratic way to put an end to our current dilemma.
If the Fentie regime wishes to show it has been open and honest in its administration, it would quickly agree to call a session of the legislature just for that purpose. But this seems highly unlikely.
To resolve the issue would require a recall of the Yukon legislative assembly. It would then be possible for any member to present a motion of nonconfidence in the present government, and if it was to pass, the legislature would then be dissolved and a new election called.
The Yukon Party originally evolved from the territorial Conservative Party and it currently holds a majority of seats in the legislature. For such a motion to pass, at least two or three government members would have to withdraw from the house or, alternately, sit as Independent members. This could be accomplished if the Conservative Party decided to re-establish itself as a separate entity, and to encourage dissatisfied government MLA’s to rejoin the Conservative Party. The Conservatives could then allow these MLAs to temporarily sit as Independent members or leave the chambers for the purpose of such an important vote.
In any event, each and every MLA should consider holding public meetings to consult with their constituents about how they would wish to deal with this unusual circumstance.
I would also like to remind the general public that in spite of any possible implied threats or intimidation that might arise, there is still strength in numbers at public meetings and freedom of speech and assembly is one of our most cherished civil rights.
Please don’t be afraid to speak up and be heard!
Donald E. Taylor
Watson Lake