Whitehorse, YT – Four candidates are vying to represent Yukon as voters head to the polls on Monday, April 28th.
CKRW asked each where they stand on resource development, affordable housing, and how Canada should respond to U.S. tariffs.
Green Party candidate Gabrielle Dupont speaking at a federal candidates forum hosted by the Council of Yukon First Nations on April 16th. Photo Courtesy of Macklen Linke/CKRW.
Gabrielle Dupont, Green Party of Canada
Green Party candidate Gabrielle Dupont says the next government needs to act on many issues but climate change should be a top priority.
“A green vote is a strong message to be sent out about the need to fight climate change,” said Dupont.
On housing, Dupont calls for greater collaboration with the building industry and local governments to make affordable housing more viable. She says the private sector must be part of the solution, with diverse options like houses, apartments and mobile homes needed to address the housing gap.
She supports responsible mining to support the clean energy transition and says federal-territorial collaboration is needed to strengthen legislation and ensure environmental protection. She argues economic and environmental goals must go hand in hand.
Dupont says the federal government must balance short-term responses to U.S. tariffs with long-term cooperation.
Brendan Hanley speaking at the YFL All Candidates Debate on April 14th. Photo Courtesy of Macklen Linke/CKRW.
Brendan Hanley, Liberal Party of Canada
Liberal candidate Brendan Hanley says his party’s focus is on making housing more affordable, supporting the mining sector and managing U.S. tariffs.
Hanley sees housing as a top concern in Yukon. The Liberal plan includes doubling national home construction, building more affordable homes on public land and supporting prefabricated housing in the North. He’s also in favour of supports for energy retrofits and GST relief on new homes.
He says the federal government can assist with funding for critical minerals and energy infrastructure while ensuring strong environmental protections and First Nations partnerships.
Hanley says Canada is responding to tariffs with diplomacy and targeted countermeasures while providing financial support for businesses and workers. He argues that Liberal Leader Marc Carney is perfect to tackle today’s challenges and argues Yukon needs an experienced representative in Ottawa.
“We have a proven leader with a new vision for Canada,” said Hanley. “One where we’re going to need a lot of expertise in managing the economy in very difficult times and I think that I’ve shown as Yukon’s MP that I can also deliver for the territory.”
Ryan Leef speaking at the CYFN federal candidates forum on April 16th. Photo Courtesy of Macklen Linke/CKRW.
Ryan Leef, Conservative Party of Canada
Conservative candidate Ryan Leef says their party would address overlapping crises – from affordability to addiction – caused by Liberal policies.
“We have a plan in place that will end those crises and give an opportunity for Yukoners, especially our young Yukoners, to look forward to a life where they’re not saddled by oppressive debt based on decisions of governments,” said Leef. “We can bring hope. We can bring opportunity and we’re going to bring change.”
Leef links housing shortages and high costs to broader economic mismanagement and promises to cut the GST on new homes, remove the federal carbon tax and boost support for trades workers to accelerate housing construction.
He supports responsible resource development and says clear, consistent regulations are needed to protect the environment while maintaining Yukon’s competitiveness. He emphasized the importance of working with First Nations to ensure development is both sustainable and collaborative.
Leef calls for lower corporate and personal income taxes to attract investment and reverse the outflow of businesses to the U.S.
NDP candidate Katherine McCallum speaking at the YFL All Candidates Debate on April 14th. Photo Courtesy of Macklen Linke/CKRW.
Katherine McCallum, New Democratic Party
In the face of economic uncertainty, NDP candidate Katherine McCallum vows to keep healthcare, childcare and housing affordable for Yukoners.
“We’re always going to stand up against corporate interests and make sure that the big guys are paying their taxes and paying into the system so that we can provide basic social services for people that they rely on so that they can thrive instead of just survive,” said McCallum.
She supports the NDP’s plan to build three million homes over four years and proposes government-backed low-interest mortgages for low-income Yukoners.
Regarding resource development, McCallum calls for federal funding tied to land-use planning to ensure First Nations’ involvement and environmental protections.
She says social supports will help Yukoners weather the economic uncertainty surrounding U.S. tariffs.
