Taking on the "highly unpredictable and aggressive” U.S. administration under President Donald Trump has become a game-changer for Brendan Hanley ahead of the next federal elections, which have yet to be declared.
“That has really taken precedence as the issue of most concern,” he said.
“That is clearly on the mind of all people.”
The News has reported on Hanley’s intentions over the past couple of years and, as the incumbent, Hanley confirmed with the News that he is expected to officially declare another run for the Yukon Member of Parliament, or MP, seat under the Liberal Party of Canada on Feb. 19.
Hanley feels like he’s only half-way through getting the job done, so he's seeking a second term.
“There's a lot that I've invested in terms of getting to know the role, what it takes, how to be an effective advocate for the Yukon and how to make an impact in federal decision-making,” he said.
“It would almost feel like too early.”
With a change in federal Liberal leadership on the horizon, Hanley believes his party has “a lot to offer” in terms of renewed energy to meet the challenges. He said that is being reflected in how Canadians appear to be taking a “second look” at the Liberal party under new leadership.
Hanley gets the idea that some people who have turned away from the Liberals, but who are looking for a “solid alternative” to a Conservative Party of Canada government under Pierre Poilievre, are turning back.
Hanley has endorsed former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney to be the next Liberal leader.
“I just see him as a skilled, serious, experienced problem solver, and as well as a very personable person, quite humble, despite his kind of experience both in Canada and overseas,” Hanely said.
Hanley highly respects the other two “top contending candidates” for leader: Chrystia Freeland and Karina Gould.
He wants to represent the Yukon regardless of who his leader is.
“We're one team. We are going to have a strong caucus,” he said.
Hanley noted the Yukon is a swing riding that has seen close races in recent years.
“There's certainly a strong support for the Conservative party in this territory, but there's also a substantial support and enduring support for NDP,” Hanley said. He senses Yukoners put “a lot of weight” on who the local candidate is, no matter which party they represent.
The previous federal election saw Hanley take the Yukon seat with 6,471 votes. Conservative Barbara Dunlop came in next with 5,096 votes. Lisa Vollans-Leduc of the NDP got 4,354 votes. Independent Jonas Smith, who was booted as the Conservative candidate for his vaccine stance, followed up with 2,639 votes. Lenore Morris of the Green Party received 846 votes, and 142 ballots were rejected.
In terms of unfinished business, Hanley said there is work to be done on housing, climate change, the “toxic drug crisis,” access to health care and protecting the Yukon River salmon. He indicated that safeguarding and expanding federal programs like pharmacare, dental care and subsidized childcare are important to him.
“I think we need to continue to protect while we work on building an economy and helping Canada move through the energy transition that we really need to stay on track with,” he said.
Hanley suggested his party is undergoing a reset since caucus members, including Hanley, spoke out against Liberal Leader and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, with former finance minister Freeland resigning on the day of the fall economic statement.
But the "difficult" situation shook out an array of candidates for leader and brought new motivation to the party, from Hanley’s perspective.
In the meantime, Parliament remains prorogued, which means MPs aren't meeting at the House of Commons or in committees.
Hanley pointed to some new ideas coming from the Liberal leadership candidates ahead of choosing the new leader and in effect prime minister. He hinted that more concrete plans touching on Canada’s fiscal position, addressing affordability and dealing with tariffs and other “challenges thrown at us” by the Trump administration are in the pipeline.
“We're going to see more of that,” he said.
“There's a lot on our plate. There's a lot before us, and we are, I think, we're very excited about being able to come up with really solid ways to address the many challenges that we're facing today.”
Contact Dana Hatherly at dana.hatherly@yukon-news.com
