Most of the stakeholders and other interested parties in the discussion around the future of the Peel Watershed have stated their preferred outcome for the planning process: The Peel Watershed Planning Commission; the Yukon Chamber of Mines; the First Nation of the Na-Cho Nyak Dun; the Tr’ondek Hwech’in First Nation; the Tetlit Gwich’in Council; the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation; the Wilderness Tourism Association of the Yukon; the Yukon Conservation Society; the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society Yukon Chapter
In addition, through polling, a significant percentage of Yukoners have stated their position, as have most of their representatives. The Yukon Liberal Party, The Yukon New Democratic Party, and the Yukon Green Party have all made public statements concerning their positions in the debate.
The one glaring, puzzling absence in the conversation is the Yukon Party. Instead of providing some details so that voters can judge for themselves how the party’s position compares with their own, all we hear is bafflegab about not politicizing the process, or having to remain silent while consultations are ongoing.
A government might try to take that position, but let’s remember there is a distinction between the government of Yukon and the Yukon Party.
It’s a troubling situation. I for one am having a hard time coming up with a rational explanation for it.
We know that the Yukon Party is in favour of development in the region and there’s nothing wrong with having that position - it’s a time-honoured part of conservative policy and, furthermore, not unique to conservatives.
What’s weird is that they won’t say it in public.
This is a party that wants to lead the territory.
What do they think they’re doing by refusing to join the discussion?
Gord Bradshaw
Whitehorse