The recent resignation of Willard Phelps as Yukon Energy Board chairman, along with three other distinguished board members claiming unfair interference by Premier Dennis Fentie in their affairs was regrettable.
For almost a year now, by way of letters to the editor, I have repeatedly attempted to expose issues and motives behind what appears to be a host of very cleverly concealed and unfair administrative practices, principally affecting people residing in the Watson Lake area.
I have just learned that on June 11th, Premier Fentie quickly appointed Mr. Pat Irvin of Watson Lake as the new chairman of the board. No doubt you are not aware this effectively gives Fentie complete control over the board, and additional future appointments of personal friends or subordinates will likely confirm this.
Phelps and his colleagues each possessed the needed experience and credentials which proved to be of great benefit to the people of Yukon, for whom they served.
Of course, Irvin is widely known as a longtime political friend and associate of the premier, and is the person who assists Fentie when dealing with constituency affairs.
As to his credentials, in addition to being a longtime political associate of Fentie’s, he is also a director of the Watson Lake Chamber of Commerce.
More importantly, he is listed under the Business Corporations Act as secretary/treasurer, along with Karen Lang as president, of Watson Lake Foods Ltd.
He is also listed with 12864 Yukon Inc., the company involved with three Watson Lake hotels, as president, Karen Lang as director and Archibald Lang as secretary.
I can only hope you are able to publish this letter, as I feel strongly the people of Yukon should be exposed to at least some of these facts.
Only in this way will the people of Yukon be able to learn and understand just how suspect this administration has become, and demand a full, independent and public inquiry into the whole unfortunate circumstance.
Donald E. Taylor
Watson Lake