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Wednesday, January 3, 2018

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There was shrinkage

Hatching plans

Whitehorse residents brave -35 C to go for a dip

How Environment Yukon keeps lakes full of fish

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Libs pledge ATIPP reform this year Mostyn says government will overhaul act, while Environment Yukon chastised for witholding documents

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Crystal Schick/Yukon News

A full moon rises over the SS Klondike in December. January will have two full moons, including one on the last day of the month called a blue moon, which happens on average every two to three years. This second full moon of the month is extra special because there will also be a full lunar eclipse visible from western North America all the way across the Pacific to eastern Asia. This will be the first blue moon lunar eclipse since 1866.

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YUKON NEWS

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Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Dawson City’s Dome Road could become open year-round Ashley Joannou News Reporter

he mayor of Dawson says the city is working with the territorial government to reopen the entire Dome Road through the winter after a local contractor surprised the community by plowing it all the way to the top. The road is normally inaccessible in the winter anywhere beyond the last subdivision unless drivers have large trucks or snow machines. Last month it was cleared to the top by the contractor who normally clears the roads to the private residences. Mayor Wayne Potoroka said that wasn’t done at the request of the city or the territorial government. Potoroka believes the contractor plowed it to the top to help a motorist with a broken down vehicle get down. For a short time residents were able to drive all the way to the Dome lookout. That was until officials with both governments decided to block the route with a large pile of snow. The two sides are now discussing how to make

Aaron Woroniuk/Yukon News

Dawson City and the territorial government are in negotiations to keep the Dome Road open all winter. the road accessible year road. The road is once again closed to traffic, although the barricade appears partly cleared. Potoroka said the goal was for it to only be temporary. The unmaintained road is a joint responsibility

between the town and the territorial government. The two governments need to sort out details like who will pay to have it cared for and whether it needs precautions like guardrails, he said. The Yukon government has been promising to

investigate the feasibility of keeping the Dome Road open all winter since at least last fall. After the road was plowed, Potoroka said he had a conversation with Highways and Public Works Minister Richard Mostyn.

“He’s been in touch to say, ‘Hey, why don’t we come up with some sort of solution so the road can be open for the winter?’ to which we said, ‘Sounds great.’” Mostyn was not available for an interview for this story.

Everyone is trying to take advantage of what happened, Potoroka said. “We’re trying to reverse engineer some sort of plan to keep the road open now that its actually been open. We’re playing catchup. The fact is the road is open and now we’re trying to put in place all of those issues that need to be taken care of.” The opportunity to drive up to the Dome in the winter gave everyone a chance to see just how valuable the road can be to winter tourism, the mayor said. “People went up there and really got a look at what we know is an incredible view, especially in the winter and would make a really great viewpoint for Northern Lights.” He said it’s “really great” that the road was plowed because it showed how interested the community is in keeping it open. “Now I think we just have to figure out how to make it happen and the Yukon government so far has shown a willingness to assist.” Contact Ashley Joannou at ashleyj@yukon-news.com

Widow of Carcross/Tagish dancer sues unknown truck driver, companies for negligence Jackie Hong News Reporter

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he widow of a Carcross/Tagish First Nation man who was killed in June when a winch boomer fell off a tractor-trailer and struck his vehicle has launched a lawsuit against the truck’s unknown driver and owners. Emily Bear, the spouse of Tagish Nation Dancer Kenneth Raymond Baker, filed a statement of claim to the Yukon Supreme Court Dec. 15. The lawsuit alleges that the negligence of an unknown driver, two companies that owned the truck and semi-trailer and an Your Community Newspaper. One Click Away.

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employee who authorized the trip caused Baker’s death. Bear is seeking general damages, special damages and costs, as well as any other awards the court sees fit. The defendants are referred to simply as John Doe, Doe Corporation #1, Doe Corporation #2 and Jane Doe. Generally speaking, lawsuits can be filed against people or entities whose identities are unknown. Typically, this is done when there’s limited information on who the defendants are and in order to meet a statute of limitations. Once a defendant is properly identified, the lawsuit can be amended to include a real name. Bear’s lawsuit mirrors one filed earlier this year by Arthur Joe, who was travelling with Baker and injured in the incident. According to the statement of claim, Baker, age 58, was driving north on the Alaska Highway near Squanga Lake in a 1998

Ford Escort hatchback June 4 when a portable winch boomer “detached from or protruded from” a tractor-trailer travelling in the opposite direction. The winch boomer struck the Ford, resulting in Baker’s death. The truck did not stop following the incident. In an emailed statement Dec. 21, Teslin RCMP Detachment Commander Cpl. Geoff Peters said that despite an “extensive investigation” by police with assistance from the Yukon Coroner’s Service, Department of Highways and Public Works, British Columbia RCMP and British Columbia Commercial Vehicle Safety & Enforcement, the truck driver has not been identified. At the time, police said it was possible the driver didn’t realize what happened. The lawsuit alleges that the Baker’s death was caused or contributed to by the driver’s negligence, which includes “failing to keep a proper or any look-

out,” “driving without due care and attention,” “failing to take reasonable and proper steps to avoid an accident in the circumstances,” “driving at an excessive or improper rate of speed” and “failing to secure and inspect the Winch Boomer in an appropriate fashion” on the truck or trailer. An unknown employee for either corporation is also “vicariously liable” for the incident, the lawsuit continues, and was negligent for permitting the driver to operate the truck “when she knew, or reasonably ought to have known” that the driver was “inexperienced or … not qualified or authorized” to operate it. The employee also failed to instruct the driver “in the proper and safe operation” of the truck and trailer. “The fatal injuries suffered by … Kenneth Raymond Baker were caused by, or contributed to by the negligence of the Defendants,” the lawsuit concludes. Contact Jackie Hong at jackie.hong@yukon-news.com

YUKON NEWS

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

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Changes coming to ATIPP Act in 2018: Mostyn Lori Fox News Reporter

hanges are coming in 2018 to the ATIPP Act, according to Highways and Public Works Minister Richard Mostyn. Precisely what those changes will be isn’t yet known, but the department will be making recommendations and suggesting amendments in May 2018, at which time there will be a second public consultation. The department has a “fairly aggressive timeline,” to consider making changes to the act, Mostyn said. The present ATIPP Act is “fairly outdated” and “reflects the world of 1990,” Mostyn said. There are many new things to consider, such as social media and internet privacy, that the current act simply does not adequately address. “(The Act) is important for us, because we have … online services and things which rely on having good ATIPP rules in place,” he said. Reforming the act was one of the Liberal Party’s campaign promises. Mostyn said that while they haven’t made any “legislative changes” yet those changes are currently “in the preliminary stages.” “The culture (of government) itself will have to change and needs to change but that won’t happen overnight.” The culture of the government has previously

Crystal Schick/Yukon News

Richard Mostyn, Minister of Highways and Public Works, whispers to Premier Sandy Silver during a sitting of the legislative assembly in November. been one of “holding tightly onto the information available to them,” he said, something he wants to see “flipped on its ear.” “Anxiety has been created from a culture of withholding information for a really, really long time,” he said. “In the past, excuses would have been made, an ATIPP would have been made … most of the time the information you are talking about (in an ATIPP) is information people of the Yukon are entitled to have.” Earlier in 2017, the government conducted a

public consultation on the ATIPP act. Plans for access to information reform come on the heels of a recommendation by Diane McLeod-McKay, the Yukon’s Information and Privacy Commissioner, that Environment Yukon release 2,000 pages of documents requested under the act. The department had withheld nearly 3,000 pages of requested information, claiming it was exempt from ATIPP. The commissioner found that many of those exemptions did not actually apply and

that the department had “failed to meet its burden of proof” to withhold the information under the act. Currently, ATIPP requests are handled within departments by workers who do other jobs, not full-time ATIPP workers. McLeod-McKay said those workers need more training. “One thing I plan on doing … is to try to train ATIPP coordinators,” she said. “There are individuals with multiple hats. They often have other full time jobs as well.” In May 2018, the

government will propose amendments and changes to the act based on the initial consultation, which will be available for public input, said Heather McKay, a spokesperson for the Department of Highways and Public Works. Starting this past September, the government has started making all ATIPP requests available for pubic review online. Only the actual requests themselves are available, but a person can now ask to see all the associated information for that request, said McKay.

“They can just say ‘I want all the information associated with request number blah-blah-blah and then get it,” she said. The identity of the person who made the initial ATIPP request is never revealed, she said. Mostyn said making data more publicly available to average citizens could have positive social and business benefits. “There’s all sorts of info that the government has that’s stuck in computer systems and filing cabinets…. Who knows what value and insights will come of (opening them up?)” he said. “As we unveil more things to the public, I think it could have a lot of value to citizens in the territory.” While the commissioner can make recommendations, she does not actually have the power to enforce those recommendations if government bodies decide not to comply. The current act “doesn’t deal very well with” enforcement and what recourse to take if a party refuses her recommendations, she said. Environment Yukon has accepted McLeod-McKay’s recommendations. “This has been a valuable process to go through. The Department of Environment has accepted the recommendations, and will be applying this additional clarity in our review of future ATIPP requests,” said spokesperson Sophie Best in an email. Contact Lori Fox at lori.fox@yukon-news.com

Dawson vying for new recreation centre Ashley Joannou News Reporter

awson City’s town council has decided it would rather build a new recreation centre than try and salvage the one it has now. At a meeting in late November, council voted unanimously that it would rather build the new asset as opposed to spending an estimated $19.5 million to fix the Art and Margaret Fry Recreation Centre. Early estimates peg the cost of a new building at approximately $41 million. Until recently, rehabilitating the old building looked like the best option, said Dawson’s mayor, Wayne Potoroka. But last year parts of the

complex were temporarily shut down over structural concerns. Council cannot be guaranteed that the permafrost it thought was under the building is still there, Potoroka said. The risk of spending $20 million to fix the building, without being certain that there wouldn’t be more work needed later, is one of the reasons council decided it would prefer a new build, according to the mayor. A report to council also mentions that investing $20 million into a old building may not increase the building’s value by that much. The community has been talking about the need to upgrade its current complex, parts of which were built in the

1970s, for years. The $40 million estimate for a new building is based on the cost to build something of the same scope and size as the current recreation centre but on more solid ground, according to the report. It uses land at the bottom of the Dome Road as an example of a possible new location. The operations and maintenance cost of a new building would be lower, the report says, because fewer repairs would be necessary. If council wanted to demolish the current recreation centre and build in the same location that that would cost an additional $4.4 million and mean the community would be without a facility for one

or two winters, the report says. Potoroka said no decision on the size, scope or location of the new recreation centre has been decided yet, “but certainly nobody wants to see any cessation of ice sports in Dawson. That would not be good.” He said he expects funding for a new building would have to come through federal infrastructure money. The first step is to reach out to the territorial government because federal money flows through the territory, he said. The new building would likely be paid for with a combination of federal and territorial money, the mayor said. Most federal infrastructure pro-

grams require the Yukon cover 25 per cent of the cost of the new building. Several years ago Dawson increased its mill rate and has been setting money aside for the planning and construction of a new facility. he said. “We’ve got several hundred thousand dollars right now that we could put towards the project. Because we’re on the front end of things, that would likely be (spent on) planning.” The town is putting together a letter to the territorial government outlining its needs, Potoroka said. Many of the details will be depend on how much money the town can expect to get, he said. “You want to plan for the rec centre you want

but you also have to, I think, be tethered to reality. You want to make sure that it’s something we can afford.” Potoroka said there is some urgency to start planning soon. “We can do what we can do to mitigate any issues that we encounter now in the day-to-day. But according to the information we received, in five years it’s very possible that there would be some substantial work required under the administrative wing of the building.” He said it would be “great” if construction could start in 2019. “Frankly, the first step is making sure that we’ve got funding in place.” Contact Ashley Joannou at ashleyj@yukon-news.com

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Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Elk management about more than agricultural conﬂict: Environment Yukon Lori Fox News Reporter

anaging the Takhini and Braeburn elk herds is about more than just agriculture conflict and cost, says an Environment Yukon official. “I think this is a wildlife management challenge we are working with alongside agriculture … it’s not a new challenge. Anywhere you have agriculture, you have wildlife conflict,” said Karen Clyde, lead branch operator for Environment Yukon. “We all have a stake in trying to get through this challenge…. We have worked really closely with the agriculture industry to try to address this issue.” “This isn’t just about agriculture, this is about a population which provides hunting opportunities and wildlife viewing opportunities.” The management of Yukon’s elk has recently been the subject of some debate amongst politicians, farmers and conservationists. In late October 2017, Lake Laberge MLA Brad Cathers called for changes to the way the Yukon manages the animals, due to concerns among some of his constituents about

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recurring damage by the animals to their crops and farms. He wanted to see more hunting of the animals permitted, changes to the way problem animals are handled, and a reduction of the number of animals to 100, the population recommended in the 1990 elk management plan. Figures from Environment Yukon’s agriculture branch show a plan to compensate farmers for damage caused by the elk doled out $91,400 over the last three years. It spent another $84,600 over the same period farmers pay for elk prevention measures, such as fencing. Elk are currently managed via a permitted hunt, which is allowed only in buffer and exclusion zones. There is a closed “core area” where the animals cannot be hunted at all, buffer areas where they are open to hunting when in season via permit, and an exclusion zone where animals can be hunted year round, a step designed to limit their range. Yukon’s elk are an introduced species, with the exception of animals which occasionally migrated up from British Columbia into the southern tip of the territory. The Braeburn Lake after a tractor-trailer crashed into it at approximately 4:15 p.m on Jan. 1. No one was hurt but the truck was jack-knifed across the the Big Creek River Bridge entrance, making it impossible for traffic to get through. The highway reopened around 10:30 p.m. to single lane traffic. No charges have been laid, said the Yukon RCMP. Engineers are still on scene, according to the Yukon Department of Highways and Public Works. Until that assessment is completed, traffic on

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An access to information request filed to the Department of Environment has revealed the Yukon government spent nearly $70,000 on monitoring the Takhini River and Braeburn elk herds between April 1, 2012 and Nov. 9, 2017. and Takhini River herds were originally introduced in 1951 with imported animals in an attempt to take pressure off of other game species in the region, but the population has never grown to levels which can be sufficiently harvested to have have the original desired impact. In 2017, there were three hunting permits issued for elk. An issued permit does not guarantee a kill, only the opportunity to harvest an animal. While the “elk-agriculture conflict was a big driver in the 2016 elk management plan,” Clyde

said elk have values other than sport hunting, such as wildlife viewing, and that the animals are being managed in the public interest. “We have been through fairly extensive consultation through the management plans,” said Clyde, “There is support out there for having elk.” The Yukon government spent nearly $70,000 on monitoring the Takhini River and Braeburn elk herds between April 1, 2012 and Nov. 9, 2017. That means an average of approximately $14,000 per fiscal year.

the bridge will be limited to one lane only at speeds of 20 km/h, and all overweight vehicles will be restricted. There’s no word on when the road might open completely. Department spokesperson Heather McKay said the assessment is expected to be completed on Jan 5. After that the department will know if any work needs to be done. Drivers are asked to check yukon511.ca for updates. (Ashley Joannou)

Yukoners broke multiple power-consumption records during the most recent cold snap. The new record for the most power consumed in the territory at one time is now 92.69 megawatts which was set Dec. 30, over the dinner hour, at approximately 5:15 p.m. “Before that there had been a couple of other records broken the day before and the day before that,” said Yukon Energy spokesperson Janet Patterson. “But before this cold snap the previous record

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The most recent numbers put herd estimates at 260 animals — 200 in the Takhini herd and 60 in the Braeburn herd. That means an average annual cost of $54 per animal per fiscal year. The government also spent an additional $42,300 on elk management planning and implementation over a the four year fiscal period between 2014 and the present. The report notes that from April 1, 2017 to Nov. 9, 2018, no money was spent on monitoring, because the majority of activity for that fiscal period will occur in March 2018. The figures, obtained through an access to information request, do not include staff time. There is one full-time ungulate biologist who spends “approximately 10 per cent of their time on elk,” according to the ATIPP report and one planning person who spends approximately 20 per cent of their time on elk. The amount of time conservation officers have spent on elk since 2010 is “approximately 10 per cent of one full-time employee,” the report said. The numbers also do not include the costs associated with managing the

elk permit hunt authorization, which includes things like issuing permits and heath testing of harvested specimens, the report notes. The News filed an access to information request following several unmet requests directly to the Department of Environment. The department initially said it was too difficult to get those numbers. In an earlier interview, Clyde said that these numbers “were not a simple answer to put together.” Additionally, in 2008, winter ticks were found in the elk, causing them to be penned and overwintered for treatment and monitoring, over fears the parasite would spread to native moose. Winter ticks are a parasite which attaches to animals like deer and moose, and can harm their health when the infestation is severe. Clyde said the department was not sure if the parasites had come from the elk themselves or from horses. Managing the issue cost $270,000 between 2008 and 2013, including $100,000 in the 2009-2010 fiscal year, Clyde said.

was 88.13 megawatts and that was set on the morning of Dec. 15 2016.” One megawatt of power is about what the community of Haines Junction uses at any given time, Patterson said. The temperature in Whitehorse on Dec. 30 dipped down to a low of -36.4 C, according to Environment Canada. Officials paid attention to the forecast so that they were prepared to turn on the LNG generators as soon as they were needed, Patterson said. Of the extra juice on top of what the territory’s hydro plants could manage, about 47 per cent came from LNG and 53 per cent from diesel, she said. “We were using our LNG full out.” (Ashley Joannou)

“It will recognize individuals who make exceptional contributions to Yukon and recognizes excellence, achievement and contributions to the social, cultural and economic well-being of Yukoners,” the government said in a statement. Similar awards exist in other jurisdictions across the country. The government expects to table an act to create the award during the spring sitting. Once it is created, it will be overseen by the Yukon Commissioner’s office. The Government of Yukon conducted a survey in 2016 about the possibility of creating an Order of Yukon. In June 2016, former premier Darrell Pasloski announced plans to create the award. This year’s New Year’s Levee was Commissioner Doug Phillips’ final public event. Details about the Order of Yukon, including information about when it will be possible to submit nominations, will be announced by the next Commissioner. (Ashley Joannou)

Liberals promise new Order of Yukon The territorial Liberals have agreed to follow through on a Yukon Party promise to create a new award to recognize exceptional Yukoners. Known as the Order of Yukon, the new award will be the highest honour in Yukon.

Contact Lori Fox at lori.fox@yukon-news.com

YUKON NEWS

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

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Stories to watch in 2018 Yukon News ANWR The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was officially signed into law by President Donald Trump Dec. 22, opening up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in northeastern Alaska to oil exploration and drilling. The Porcupine caribou herd uses the environmentally sensitive 1002 Area along the coast within ANWR as its summer calving ground, and biologists and conservationists fear that development in the area could push the caribou out, ultimately harming the overall health of the herd. Gwich’in on both sides of the border have traditionally relied on the herd for sustenance, and have a strong cultural and spiritual connection to it. They consider the calving ground sacred. With the bill now in effect, Chief Bruce Charlie of the Vuntut Gwitchin of Old Crow has said that the next step is to “turn to paperwork,” specifically the Porcupine caribou management treaty between Canada and the United States. Both the Yukon government and the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation have said they feel the bill is in violation of the treaty. Carbon Tax The federal Liberals have promised to implement a carbon tax across the country sometime this year. Yukon Premier Sandy Silver told the News this past October that he believed the tax would come sometime in the summer. Silver’s government has been repeatedly criticized by the opposition for not knowing how the new tax will impact Northerners. Silver has promised to return all the money the territory gets to Yukoners and Yukon businesses but so far has not provided specifics. The premier insists he is waiting for more information from Ottawa. Federal officials have promised to look at the

North’s “unique circumstances” before introducing the tax here, but again, few details have been released. Verdict in the Darryl Sheepway murder trial Darryl Sheepway’s fourweek-long trial for first-degree murder in the 2015 slaying of Christopher Brisson revealed graphic details about Brisson’s death and the depths of Sheepway’s addiction to crack cocaine. The case is a legal oddity in that a large portion of details — including the fact that Sheepway fatally shot Brisson, his crack cocaine dealer, one a remote Whitehorse road in August 2015 — are agreed to by all parties. What’s disputed, though, is whether Sheepway committed manslaughter, as his defence team argued, or first-degree murder, as the Crown argued. Yukon Supreme Court Justice Leigh Gower is expected to deliver a verdict at the end of January. Sentencing for man who sexually abused 11 girls Described by a Crown prosecutor as one of the worst cases of child sexual abuse ever seen in the Yukon, a man who pleaded guilty to 19 charges for sexually abusing 11 girls under the age of 14 will face sentencing in late January. The man, who cannot be named in order to protect the identity of his victims, pleaded guilty to nine charges of sexual interference, eight charges of producing child pornography and two counts of voyeurism in October 2017. He committed the crimes in the Yukon between January 2008 and July 2013 and is currently incarcerated in British Columbia. Teslin Tlingit Council’s lawsuit over federal funding The Teslin Tlingit Council is suing the Attorney General of Canada for

Peter Mather/Yukon News

A Porcupine caribou in the herd’s calving grounds within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. allegedly failing to respect the Yukon First Nation’s final and self-government agreements when negotiating federal funding deals. How the case proceeds as well as its conclusion will be precedent-setting when it comes to the strength of modern treaties, and it could also set the stage for more legal action by other First Nations that are also in the process of negotiating funding agreements with Ottawa. 2018 territorial budget This March’s territorial budget will be the first since the recommendations from the Yukon’s

financial advisory panel were released. It’s not clear yet whether the Yukon will run a deficit and which, if any, of the panel’s recommendations will be implemented. As it stands now, the Yukon is on course towards incurring net debt. Premier and Finance Minister Sandy Silver has already ruled out implementing an HST, laying off government employees or changing placer royalty rates. Cannabis legalization Cannabis is expected to be legalized in Canada in the summer. The Yukon government is planning to

have at least one physical store up and running in Whitehorse by then along with an online sales option for people living in the communities. Finance officials are estimating the territory will sell 700,000 grams of cannabis per year but Premier Sandy Silver said he is not expecting to make any money in at least the first year or two. The Yukon’s municipalities have said they expect their costs to go up as well. It will be up to the territory to decide what portion of the money goes to municipalities. So far the Yukon government isn’t saying that that share will be. Whistle Bend continuing care facility The first phase Whistle Bend continuing care facility is slated to be completed in September. The 150-bed facility has been the source of controversy since nearly day one over its size and location. There is no doubt beds are needed. The Whitehorse General Hospital has been operating near and over capacity because of how many of its acute care beds are currently being filled by patients in need of continuing care. Things got so bad in 2017 that the Whitehorse hospital started sending patients — with or without their consent — to stay in community hospitals. Municipal elections It will soon be that time again — it’s an election year for the City of Whitehorse, with an official date set for Oct. 18. Mayor Dan Curtis has already gone on the record stating he intends to run again. Resource industry Several big projects have pivotal developments coming up in 2018. Casino Mining Corporation hopes to have its proposal resubmitted to the Yukon Socio-Economic Assessment Board (YESAB) by the end of 2018. The parent company of the project, Western Cop-

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per and Gold, submitted its original proposal in January 2014, but after a nearly two-year review, YESAB determined it needed more information to address a series of environmental concerns around the project. It bumped the project up to a panel review — the highest level of environmental assessment in the Yukon — largely over concerns surrounding the tailings pond. This is the first time in the territory’s history that a project has undergone this level of review. Eagle Mine, owned by Victoria Gold Corporation, officially broke ground in August 2017. The operation will be the largest gold mine in the Yukon, employing up to 400 people in the territory and encompassing 555 square kilometres. It is expected to produce 2.7 million ounces of gold in the next 10 to 15 years. John McConnell, president and CEO of Victoria Gold Corporation, said he wants to start pouring gold bars in the next two years, meaning the 2018 development phase will be pivotal to meeting that goal. The now-defunct Kotaneelee gas plant is set to have all four of its wells capped off and abandoned. Apache Canada came to own three of the wells when the plant’s previous owner, ELFO Energy, was found to be insolvent following a waste water and lubricant spill at the site in, but the fourth well — Well L-38— became the property of the Yukon Government because ELFO was the sole shareholder. The cost of abandoning L-38 is estimated at $2.4 million. EFLO Energy left a deposit of $625,000, so taxpayers are on the hook for the remaining $1.8 million. Clean up is scheduled to begin as early as April. With files from Ashley Joannou, Lori Fox and Jackie Hong

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Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Quote of the Day “They were just so happy that they made it to go play at the Canadian Tire Centre.” PNW Group peewee coach Mike Nemeth, on his team’s finals loss at the Bell Capital Cup in Ottawa. Page 17

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orthwest Territories Premier Bob McLeod was right when he issued a “red alert” in November and called for an urgent national debate on the future of the Northwest Territories. His peers, the premiers of Nunavut and the Yukon Territory, would be justified in calling for the same thing. As housing, poverty and unemployment statistics show, Northerners are at a crossroads in their efforts to find a balance between a traditional way of life that puts country food on the table and one that provides basic goods, luxuries and economic opportunities that most southerners take for granted. McLeod, however, was wrong in complaining about a “colonial” attack on the future of oil and gas development in the Arctic. If the past tells us anything about the future, forging the Arctic’s future on fossil fuel development is not the way to move forward. In Canada, Arctic oil and gas has offered no significant returns since the late 1960s when the Canadian government engineered a plan to consolidate the interests of 75 companies with holdings in the Arctic. As a major shareholder in Panarctic Oil and Gas, and then Petro-Canada, the government used its resources, regulatory control and taxpayer money to encourage oil and gas exploration in the region. Since then, government subsidization of Arctic oil and gas development has continued unabated at a very high cost. In 2008, the federal government launched a program to bring petroleum geologists to the Arctic each year. To date, this program has spent nearly $200 million of taxpayers’ money to help the energy and mining industries find new sources of fossil fuels and minerals in the region with very limited success. Another $16 million was spent to find ways to extract natural gas from methane hydrates in the Mackenzie Delta, a resource the energy industry has showed little interest in because of the technical and economic challenges associated with extracting it. The recently completed $300 million Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway, built on rapidly melting permafrost, is another example of this misguided government strategy. According to a study done by the Northwest Territories government, it promises to save the town of Tuktoyaktuk $1.5 million in cost-of-living deliveries, and increase tourism — a good thing if it weren’t for the fact that the town of 900 is sliding into the sea. Its main purpose, however, was to support energy development. It promises to deliver between $347 million and $516 million in increased cash flows from transportation savings over 45 years to resource companies operating in the Arctic. The problem is that none of this Arctic oil and gas has ever made it to market, with one exception: A few shiploads of oil that Panarctic sent out from Melville Island in the 1980s. Many have blamed the failure of Canada’s Arctic oil and gas strategy on Justice Thomas

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Jackie Hong Berger’s Mackenzie Valley Pipeline inquiry in the mid-1970s. Berger’s report recommended a 10-year moratorium on pipeline construction in the Mackenzie Valley so that First Nations could resolve their land claims with the federal government. It also led to the creation of a complex permitting process, which has slowed approvals for a more recent pipeline construction project. The inquiry cast Berger as a symbol of environmental and social justice with his recognition of Indigenous rights. But the real reason why Arctic oil and gas has never made it south is because of the high cost of piping it over land or shipping it by sea to market. The Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Project that Justice Berger considered in the 1970s was touted as “the biggest project in free enterprise history..” Had it been built, it would have been an economic disaster. Bob Blair, the Calgary-based entrepreneur who wanted to build one of two proposed pipelines, suggested as much years later when he wondered why anyone would try again to ship Arctic oil and gas south. The second Mackenzie Valley pipeline would have fared even worse. First proposed in 2004, the pipeline would have required gas prices to be in the range of $6 to $8 to break even. That looked good in the years that followed when gas prices temporarily soared to nearly $15 in June 2008. Since then, however, the price has sat largely in the range of $2 to $6. The cost of the $20 billion pipeline would now need gas prices to triple from current rates to recoup its cost. That’s why Imperial Oil, its main proponent, received permission to delay the project until 2022 at the earliest. In the meantime, Canadian governments have seemed oblivious to the fact that human-caused climate change — largely due to the burning of fossil fuels — is ending the Arctic as we know it. Since the 1970s, air temperatures in the Arctic have risen by as much as 5 C and sea ice area has declined by about 12 per cent per decade.

We are already seeing the rippling effects of some of these changes throughout the Arctic ecosystem. What the future holds for Inuit and First Nations peoples of the north, whose cultures grew out of a close association with this frigid world, is a puzzle. What will the future Arctic look like? That is a wide-open question that can only be answered by debates steered by Northerners. Here’s a list of topics worth discussing. Oil and gas development isn’t one of them. The Canadian Arctic needs an affordable and efficient air and road network that can bring in tourists and investors. It needs museums to display artifacts — such as those in the recently discovered Franklin ships — that have been routinely shipped south. It needs food security that goes beyond subsidizing the transportation of southern foods to the North. It needs renewable energy to replace diesel, which is prohibitively expensive and polluting. It needs a better form of post-secondary education that combines traditional knowledge with western scientific knowledge — and a way to convince its best students to stay home, instead of relocating to the south. It needs a forward-looking ecological conservation plan that will ensure a future for polar bears, caribou, walrus, narwhal, beluga and other Arctic species. It’s time for a road map to the future that will lead to economic advancement and improvements in the quality of life that Northerners long for and deserve. The oil and gas industry has tried and failed for more than 40 years to make a contribution. It doesn’t deserve to be part of this future. Edward Struzik is a fellow at Queen’s Institute for Energy and Environmental Policy in the School of Policy Studies at Queen’s University. This column has been edited from the original.

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Wednesday, January 3, 2018

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Teaching critical thought in the age of fake news

ver the Christmas holidays I asked my young son to go get my camera. Rather than grabbing my traditional Nikon camera (which is what I had intended) he returned with my cell phone. He can be forgiven for not knowing the difference. In the world he has grown up in the two are very often one and the same. The world in which they will grow up in will be so different from the one I — not so long ago — grew up in. Once, cellphones were prohibitively expensive and cameras were clearly distinct devices. And that world was so different from the one my parents

grew up in before me. But while my son’s confusion about cameras might serve as an interesting anecdote to illustrate the technological leaps that have occurred in our lifespans, it is of little practical consequence. It led my thoughts to more substantive new challenges they might face and specifically growing up in a world dominated by the internet and the information — and misinformation — contained on it. How will they learn to know the difference? This wasn’t a problem I had to deal with until young adulthood. My children are still too young to really know what the web is. My oldest is just wrapping his mind around the idea that he can’t access streaming episodes of Paw Patrol or whatever is on Netflix whenever we don’t have access to Wi-Fi. This means I have time to consider how to equip them for this fast-changing digital world — a vexing

challenge when we adults are only getting a grasp upon it ourselves. You could argue many of us are failing. The answer, I think, is to teach rudimentary critical thought from as early an age as possible. I must confess a certain distaste for the expression “critical thought.” It is too often used condescendingly in the context of a debate to assert the superiority of one’s own beliefs over those of others. “You would see it my way if only you thought critically about it.” This is condescending. Yet despite its widespread misuse as shorthand for “whatever fits my own preconceived notions,” critical thought is not something we can afford to jettison from the lexicon. There is a lot of bullshit in the world. Therefore, honing the skills and techniques to separate truth from misinformation is, and will continue to be, an indispensable to being

a thoughtful, engaged citizen. And I think in this new world where truth and fiction are more difficult to separate it is something we will need to work on at an even younger age. Sure, it was always helpful during our younger years to know when someone was pulling the wool over our eyes, or that anything contained in the pages of the National Enquirer or similar publications was suspect. But you could get by. Editors and publishers acted as gatekeepers to filter out the most egregious forms of misinformation. Critical thought was something we barely touched upon until high school or even university. When we did need to start thinking about it the exercise was different. You were taught to be on the lookout for when a particular narrative might be shaping the facts that were presented and those that were omitted. Back then, the concern was

about those in positions of power who used the privilege of their megaphone to defend and enhance their own power. Fox News was in its infancy when I started out in university, and it was a ripe target when in second year I was charged with writing a paper about the use of propaganda. But Fox News is the tame stuff these days in comparison to some of the nonsense being peddled as information. We have become even more unapologetic about blurring opinion and fact, and more willing to put boldfaced lies out there as truth. One well known example with real world consequences, occurred in December 2016 when Edgar Welch shot up a Washington D.C. pizzeria because widely followed websites like Alex Jones’ Infowars were peddling a far-fetched conspiracy theory that Hillary Clinton and her campaign manager John Podesta were

involved in a pedophilia ring ran out of the basement. This is how low we have sunk. We opened Pandora’s Box when we all took to the web for information. Lies and half-truths are now in their heyday. Any control over what is put out there, even if tit was desirable, is probably not even possible. All we can really do is try to equip the next generation to think critically and to separate real information from fake news in an era when anyone can create a professional looking website and attract the kind of wide following that lends an air of credibility. As we wrap up the holiday season and resolve to better our lives, our health, and our world in 2018, I am going to resolve to do my best to raise my children not to be — as we like to joke in our house — gull-a-bulls. Kyle Carruthers is a born-and-raised Yukoner who lives and practises law in Whitehorse.

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It was windy, it was -30 C, and many of the New Year’s Eve events were cancelled, but organizers braved the weather to make sure Whitehorse received one last fireworks display of the year on Dec. 31, 2017.

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Wednesday, January 3, 2018

MPs share stories of sexual misconduct on and off Parliament Hill in survey Joanna Smith Canadian Press

OTTAWA here have long been obstacles in the path of women seeking to succeed in politics — and some female MPs are now coming forward to share their own experiences with sexually inappropriate behaviour, both on and off Parliament Hill. The Canadian Press surveyed current female MPs of every political stripe last month to find out the extent to which they had been the targets of sexual harassment, assault or misconduct of all kinds, including during their time in elected office. The responses make clear that political Ottawa — long a bastion of male-dominated power relationships — is no stranger to inappropriate behaviour against women, no matter their stature, with social media being the most common source of complaints. Of 89 current female members of Parliament, 38 chose to respond to

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The House of Commons sits empty ahead the resumption of the session on Parliament Hill, in Ottawa on Sept. 12, 2014. There have long been obstacles in the path of women seeking to succeed in politics, but female MPs are now also coming forward to share their own experiences with sexually inappropriate behaviour — including on Parliament Hill. the voluntary survey, which sought their input on everything from lived experiences to their views on the global conversation growing out of allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein,

among others. Anonymity was promised to ensure MPs could share their experiences and opinions without fear of reprisal. Nearly 58 per cent of respondents said they had personally been the target

of one or more forms of sexual misconduct while in office, including inappropriate or unwanted remarks, gestures or text messages of a sexual nature. That includes three

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MPs who said they were victims of sexual assault and four who said they were the targets of sexual harassment, defined in the survey as insistent and repeated sexual advances. Nearly half of respondents — 47 per cent — said they were subjected to inappropriate comments on social media. “It’s particularly good moment for us to show leadership, to take advantage of the spotlight that we have on Parliament Hill, to affirm that sexual harassment can happen in any workplace, not only on the Hollywood casting couches,” said New Democrat MP Sheila Malcolmson, who said she opted to speak publicly out of a sense of responsibility. Some of the behaviour documented by the survey appears to have been at the hands of those within the corridors of power. Twenty-two MPs who said they had personally experienced some form of sexual misconduct in office chose to answer a question about the perpetrators, with five saying it came from an MP from her own party. Ten said it came from an MP in a different political party. Eight respondents said the perpetrator was a lobbyist, constituent or other stakeholder known to them through their role in elected politics, while 18 said it was either someone from outside the world of politics or someone who is anonymous or otherwise unknown to them. One MP, speaking on condition of anonymity to protect her personal privacy, said that while she has never experienced sexual harassment on Parliament Hill, she has heard her male colleagues share many jokes and remarks of a sexual nature about female MPs and employees. Despite her best efforts to make clear that the jokes — which her colleagues find trivial — are unwelcome and inappropriate, they have not stopped. The MPs surveyed were nonetheless hesitant to suggest they are worse off than anyone else. Sixty-three per cent of respondents said they don’t believe the level of sexual harassment in political circles is any different than any other workplace. “I sincerely think it’s not any different than anywhere else,” said Que-

bec Liberal MP Alexandra Mendes. “I think it’s part of something that is deeply in the male mentality, this sort of undermining of women’s capabilities and talents and always sexualizing just about everything.” One MP recalled a voter slipping his hand onto her buttocks when they posed for a photo together during the 2015 federal election campaign. “I remember the discomfort of having to push his hand away after,” she said, but decided to stay silent. “What does one do with that? Tell him he’s disgusting and that it’s nauseating?” she said, noting she was on the campaign trail. “No, I let it go and it’s over.” There was a higher number of MPs who said they had either witnessed, or been told about, sexual misconduct targeting another woman in their entourage, be it a staffer, page, intern, House of Commons employee or MP. Two-thirds of respondents said such behaviour had occurred rarely, while another four said it happened often. The vast majority said they had never heard about the same things happening to a man, although six respondents did say they had either witnessed or been told about sexual misconduct directed at men in their entourage. They described the instances as rare. Diane Lebouthillier, the minister for national revenue, said in an interview that she encouraged two young female staffers to file a complaint after she noticed their discomfort with someone in a position of authority. The House of Commons would not confirm whether it received the complaint. Lebouthillier, who would not divulge further details, said she told the staffers to add her own name to the complaint and later, they told her they would not have done it without her encouragement, because they did not want to cause her any embarrassment. She said she told them not to think like that. “The best friend of violence is silence, so if someone ever says, ‘You’re going to embarrass me,’ that person is not there to help you,” she said.

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‘It hurts my heart:’ Social worker pushing for Alex Alerts for at-risk children Bill Graveland Canadian Press

CALGARY British Columbia social worker says she won’t abandon her fight for a national alert system to prevent at-risk children from disappearing when their families unexpectedly relocate to different jurisdictions. “Absolutely I’m frustrated,” said Patricia MacDonald, who has worked for B.C. Children’s Services for over 20 years, and had asked a judge not to return Alexandru Radita to his family. Emil and Rodica Radita were found guilty nearly a year ago in Calgary of first-degree murder of the 15-year-old, who weighed just 37 pounds when he died in 2013. The trial heard that the boy, who was covered

with bedsores and riddled with infection, died of complications due to untreated diabetes and starvation. B.C. social workers apprehended Alexandru after an October 2003 hospital admission because his parents refused to treat his disease. He was placed in foster care, where he thrived for nearly a year before he was returned to his family, which eventually moved to Alberta. MacDonald has proposed a system of “Alex Alerts” that would notify other provinces when at-risk children move. In Radita’s case, the court heard B.C. social services had an address for the family in Alberta but didn’t pass it along. “It hurts my heart that the social worker let him down and didn’t call Calgary because they had an address for them in Calgary appar-

ently,” said MacDonald. “If they had called the Calgary social workers they would have been on it.” MacDonald said she has contacted a number of provincial and federal agencies, including the office of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pushing for the alerts. But she said she has been referred to a 2016 interprovincial child welfare protocol, which sets out the responsibilities when families move out of province. Manitoba’s deputy child advocate said the protocol works if case workers know where the at-risk child is headed. “There is a protocol in place where say the agency here would alert the system in Saskatchewan to say, ‘Hey, we have concerns about the children that are travelling with this family.’ We have

seen it work to good effect in the cases that I’m aware of,” said Ainsley Krone. But if social workers don’t know where the child has gone? “Then I’m not clear what it would be at that point,” she said. The president of the Alberta College of Social Workers agrees that even with the protocol there needs to be a better way to track at-risk children. “I think it is a problem. Part of it is because each province has its own legislation so there’s no national legislation to cover these type of situations,” said Richard Gregory. “I think it’s a fabulous idea. You hear about those cases where a family becomes aware that they’re going to be investigated by children’s services and

they take off and move to a different jurisdiction and fly under the wire for a while. There’s no way of tracking them.” Alberta’s minister of children’s services said she would be willing to discuss the issue. “If there is some action that is child centred that helps protect their safety, I’m certainly open to a conversation about that,” said Danielle Larivee. “I don’t think it’s problematic to think that we would converse with one another.” An official with the office of Ontario’s Children’s Advocate is also willing to discuss the matter. “In principle, an Alex Alert is a good idea if a social services agency in one province could send an alert to its counterparts in other prov-

inces of the child’s status or trace of whereabouts if that information is known,” said Akihiko Tse. “We realize however, that in the tragic case in question, the child was never brought to the attention of social services and was not seen or heard by those in other sectors (education, health etc.). “We hope that this is an isolated case.” MacDonald said it is not an isolated case and it’s disheartening that what would be such a simple and effective solution has been such a hard sell so far. “The government just doesn’t want to spend any money because it’s an area that doesn’t bring in any money,” MacDonald said. “It’s like they’re throwaway kids. It’s usually the lower end of the scale that gets tossed aside.”

Alberta carbon tax jumps with new year Rob Drinkwater Canadian Press

EDMONTON lberta’s carbon tax jumped on New Year’s Day, but the province’s NDP government maintains the tax played a vital role in Alberta’s improving economic outlook. Deputy premier Sarah

Hoffman told reporters there was a clear link between the approval of several pipelines last year and the tax that Alberta first introduced on carbon on January 1, 2017. Hoffman noted the federal government was clear that its approval for the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion from Alberta to the B.C. coast was due to Alberta putting a price

on carbon, as well as other pieces of its climate change policy. Alberta’s carbon levy jumped from $20 per tonne to $30 per tonne on Monday, which Hoffman says will mean an extra two-and-ahalf cents per litre at the gas pumps. Opposition Leader Jason Kenney of the United Con-

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servative Party posted a video to social media on New Year’s Eve where he gassed up his truck before the hike, similar to a video he posted last year where he did the same thing. Kenney says the tax has already killed thousands of good paying jobs, put entrepreneurs out of business and made life more expensive for families.

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“The carbon tax is all economic pain with no environmental gain,” Kenney said Monday in a statement. The province says revenue from the levy, which also includes a tax on heating bills, will continue to be invested in green infrastructure, encouraging Albertans to be energy efficient and renewable energy. It says low- and middle-income Albertans will also see an increase in rebates the province provides to offset the carbon tax. Hoffman noted that 2017 continued to be “tough,” but said Alberta has “definitely rounded the corner” and that there were ”tens of thousands of new jobs.” The government said a couple with two children earning up to $95,000 per year will receive a rebate of $540. “I don’t think it has been as shocking to Albertans on the cost side as many would want you to believe it would be. It hasn’t necessarily been easy. Any time you’re paying a bit more, it’s a challenge,” Hoffman said. “But we’ve done it in a way that protects ordinary Albertans and gets us that very important environmental leadership profile that we need to ensure we have a strong economy for future generations.” Kenney, however, noted that since the NDP announced its climate change plan, the prime minister vetoed the Northern Gateway pipeline proposal, former U.S. president Barack Obama vetoed Keystone XL and the

National Energy Board effectively killed Energy East. He added the NDP government in B.C. was also trying to stop Trans Mountain from proceeding. “Not one single government, party or special interest group has gone from ‘no’ to ‘yes’ on pipelines as a result of the NDP’s failed tax on everything,” Kenney said in the statement. Kenney also repeated a point that the Opposition has made since the tax was first announced — that the NDP never mentioned a carbon tax during the 2015 election campaign. But in his video, Kenney’s message was that the NDP told Albertans they wouldn’t introduce a tax. “This is the carbon tax they claimed they had no intention of imposing in the last provincial election,” Kenney said in the video. UCP spokeswoman Annie Dormuth said Monday that both messages are the same. “There is no discrepancy. The NDP implementing a carbon tax they never mentioned during the campaign is a lie by omission,” Dormuth said in an email. Hoffman responded the NDP was clear during the 2015 campaign that it was going to take leadership on the environment and that it was working on details of a plan. “Jason Kenney says a lot of things I find unusual or are contrary to the reality that we’re all living in,” she said. “He’s been cheering for Alberta to fail and he wants to pretend that only he can put the economy on the right track.”

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Trump welcomes new year with party, tweets Catherine Lucey Associated Press

PALM BEACH, FLA. resident Donald Trump bid farewell to 2017 with a lavish party at his private club, before kicking off 2018 with angry tweets about Iran and Pakistan. On Twitter Monday, Trump attacked Pakistan, saying: “The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!” It was not immediately clear why the president decided to comment on Pakistan.

The U.S. has long accused Islamabad of allowing militants to operate relatively freely in Pakistan’s border regions to carry out operations in neighbouring Afghanistan. In August, the United States said it would hold up $255 million in military assistance for Pakistan until it cracks down on extremists threatening Afghanistan. On Iran, Trump seemed to be responding to widespread anti-government protests there. He tweeted Monday that Iran is “failing at every level” and voiced support for the protesters, saying it is “TIME FOR CHANGE.” While some Iranians have shared Trump’s tweets, many there distrust him as he’s refused to re-certify the nuclear deal and because his travel

bans have blocked Iranians from getting U.S. visas. Heading into the party at Mar-a-Lago Sunday night, Trump predicted 2018 will be a “tremendous year.” Trump said the stock market will continue to rise and that companies are going to continue to come into the U.S., at “a rapid clip.” He also cited several accomplishments, including the tax overhaul, opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling, and repealing the individual mandate from the national health care law. Asked for his reaction to North Korea leader Kim Jon Un’s remarks about having a nuclear button on his desk, Trump responded by saying, “We’ll see.” Guests gathered in

the decorated ballroom included senior White House advisers Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, Trump’s sons Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. Since taking office, President Trump has made frequent visits to his for-profit properties. He has refused to divest from his real estate and hotel empire, drawing criticism from ethics experts. Earlier in the day, Trump capped 2017 with a video self-tribute touching on what he sees as the high points of his achievements and rhetoric from his first year in office. He gave a plug to American exceptionalism, too. In the video running 3 1/2 minutes, scenes of Trump with military

personnel, Border Patrol agents and other world leaders are set to a stirring soundtrack as he declares of his country: “We gave birth to the modern world and we will shape tomorrow’s world with the strength and skill of American hands.” Trump cited his success in placing a justice on the Supreme Court, his efforts to cut regulations and his big win on overhauling taxes, which he falsely described as the “largest tax cut in the history of our country.” Trump offered the video with a New Year’s Eve message: “What a year it’s been, and we’re just getting started. Together, we are MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Happy New Year!!” He later offered another Twitter message,

loaded with his signature bombast: “As our Country rapidly grows stronger and smarter, I want to wish all of my friends, supporters, enemies, haters, and even the very dishonest Fake News Media, a Happy and Healthy New Year. 2018 will be a great year for America!” The White House said Trump been briefed on New Year’s Eve security precautions around the country and will continue to monitor those efforts. Trump offered his condolences Sunday to the victims of a shooting in suburban Denver that killed one sheriff’s deputy and wounded six other people, including four deputies. He tweeted: “We love our police and law enforcement - God Bless them all!”

On the streets of Tehran, Iranians feel protesters’ pain Nasser Karimi & Amir Vahdat Associated Press

TEHRAN, IRAN s Iranians take to the streets in the biggest demonstrations in nearly a decade, residents of the increasingly tense capital say they sympathize with the protesters’ economic grievances and anger at official corruption. The Associated Press spoke to Iranians in Tehran on Tuesday, the sixth day of protests that have seen at least 21 people killed and hundreds arrested across the country. The protests, which have erupted in several cities, are the largest since those that followed the disputed 2009 presidential election. Residents cast nervous looks at the growing street presence of police and Basij, a volunteer force that played a key role in the government crackdown that ended the demonstrations nine years ago. But many residents said the country’s soaring unemployment and rising prices had driven people to the

point of desperation. “If authorities do not fight protesters, then they will have peaceful protests,” said Rahim Guravand, a 34-year-old construction worker. “I’ve been out of work for months. Who is accountable for this? The government should stop spending money on unnecessary things in Syria, Iraq and other places and allocate it for creating jobs here,” he said, referring to Iran’s support for the Syrian government and regional militant groups. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, a relative moderate who was re-elected last year, has expressed sympathy for peaceful protesters worried about how to make ends meet amid high unemployment and 10-per cent inflation. But his support appears to be slipping as many Iranians fail to see any gains from his 2015 nuclear agreement with world powers, under which Iran curbed its nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of some international sanctions. Iran has made

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billion-dollar airplane orders and resumed selling its crude oil on the international market, but the benefits have yet to trickle down. “I voted for Rouhani, but I see his hands are tied and he cannot fulfil his promises,” said Parisa Masoudi, a 23-year-old student at Tehran’s Azad University. “The government should open the political sphere if it intends to keep the people’s support.” Nasrollah Mohammadi, a mechanic near Tehran’s Enghelab Square, the site of many past protests, said he supports the demonstrators’ demands. “They are right. Corruption is high and opportunities are given to their own friends,” Mohammadi said, referring to government officials. “I have two sons, 27 and 30, at home without jobs years after graduation.” In 2009 the protests were largely centred in Tehran, led by middle and upper class supporters of reformist candidates who lost to the hard-liner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in an election best by allegations

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of fraud. The latest protests began in Mashhad, the country’s second largest city, and have flared across the provinces, with no clear leadership or political platform beyond anger at the government. Tehran has also seen protests, but the most violent clashes have been elsewhere. Not everyone in Tehran supports the latest demonstrations. Farnaz Asadi, a 31-year-old who sells goods via the popular messaging app Telegram, expressed anger at the

government’s decision to shut down the service after protesters used it to organize rallies and share photos and video. The app is used by an estimated 40 million people a day in Iran — half the country’s population. “It is not fair. Some protesters went into the streets, but why I should pay the price?” she asked. “The government shut down Telegram and my store was shut down too.” Another university student, 21-year-old Reza Nezami, described the

Telegram shutdown as another promise broken by the government. “Rouhani had said his administration would not restrict social networks,” he said. For others, the protests represent just another hardship. “I am not happy. Some protesters broke windows and damaged public property,” said Abbas Ostadi, a 45-year-old electrician. “They burned my friend’s taxi. Who is going to compensate him? How will he take home some bread for his family?”

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YUKON NEWS

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Wednesday, January 3, 2018

South Korea offers talks with North on Olympic co-operation Hyung-Jin Kim Associated Press

SEOUL outh Korea on Tuesday offered high-level talks with rival North Korea to find ways to co-operate on next month’s Winter Olympics in the South. Seoul’s quick proposal following a rare rapprochement overture from the North a day earlier offers the possibility of better ties after a year that saw a nuclear standoff increase fear of war on the Korean Peninsula. In a closely watched New Year’s address, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said Monday that he was willing to send a delegation to the Olympics, though he also repeated fiery nuclear threats against the United States. Analysts say Kim may be trying to drive a wedge between Seoul and its ally Washington in a bid to reduce international isolation and sanctions against North Korea. Kim’s overture was

Lee Jin-man/AP

A man walks by an official emblem of the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympic Winter Games, in downtown Seoul, South Korea, Friday, Dec. 29. South Korea’s Pyeongchang is the host city of the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games which will be held from February 2018. welcome news for a South Korean government led by liberal President Moon Jae-in, who favours dialogue to ease the North’s nuclear

threats and wants to use the Pyeongchang Olympics as a chance to improve inter-Korean ties. Moon’s unification minister, Cho Myoung-

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gyon, proposed in a nationally televised news conference that the two Koreas meet Jan. 9 at the shared border village of Panmunjom to discuss Olympic co-operation and how to improve overall ties. Earlier Tuesday, Moon spoke of what he described as Kim’s positive response to his earlier dialogue overtures and ordered officials to study how to restore talks with North Korea and get the North to participate in the Olympics. The International Olympic Committee welcomed the overtures. “The IOC welcomes the mutual intention of the governments of the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to start direct talks about the participation of athletes from DPRK in the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018.” The IOC said in a statement it is continuing discussions with North Korea and its invitation to North Korea to take part in the games would remain open. North Korea did not immediately react. But if there are talks, they

would be the first formal dialogue between the Koreas since December 2015. Relations between the Koreas have plunged as North Korea has expanded its weapons programs amid a hard-line stance by Moon’s conservative predecessors. Last year, North Korea conducted its sixth and most powerful nuclear test and test-launched three intercontinental ballistic missiles as part of its push to possess a nuclear missile capable of reaching anywhere in the United States. The North was subsequently hit with toughened U.N. sanctions, and Kim and President Donald Trump exchanged warlike rhetoric and crude personal insults against each other. Kim said in his speech Monday that North Korea last year achieved the historic feat of “completing” its nuclear forces. Outside experts say that it’s only a matter of time before the North acquires the ability to hurl nuclear weapons at the mainland U.S., but that the country still has a few technologies to master, such as a warhead’s ability to survive atmospheric

re-entry. Talks could provide a temporary thaw in strained inter-Korean ties, but conservative critics worry that they may only earn the North time to perfect its nuclear weapons. After the Olympics, inter-Korean ties could become frosty again because the North has made it clear it has no intention of accepting international calls for nuclear disarmament and instead wants to bolster its weapons arsenal in the face of what it considers increasing U.S. threats. “Kim Jong Un’s strategy remains the same. He’s developing nukes while trying to weaken international pressure and the South Korea-U.S. military alliance and get international sanctions lifted,” said Shin Beomchul of the Seoul-based Korea National Diplomatic Academy. He said the North might also be using its potential participation in the Pyeongchang Olympics as a chance to show its nuclear program is not intended to pose a threat to regional peace. In his address Monday, Kim said the United States should be aware that his country’s nuclear forces are now a reality, not a threat. He said he has a “nuclear button” on his office desk, warning that “the whole territory of the U.S. is within the range of our nuclear strike.” He called for improved ties and a relaxation of military tensions with South Korea, saying the Winter Olympics could showcase the status of the Korean nation. But Kim also repeated that South Korea must stop annual military exercises with the United States, which he calls an invasion rehearsal against the North. About 28,500 American troops are stationed in South Korea to help deter potential aggression from the North, a legacy of the 1950-53 Korean War, which ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty.

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Wednesday, January 3, 2018

LIFE

YUKON NEWS

yukon-news.com

Jump in! The water’s ﬁne

Crystal Schick/ Yukon News

Sophia Marnik canonballs at the inaugural Whitehorse Polar Plunge in support of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Yukon in Whitehorse on Dec. 30.

Top: Serge Michaud, CEO of Special Olympics Yukon, is shocked by the frigid water as he emerges from his polar plunge. Above: Erin Johnston waves her bat wings as she prepares to jump.

Crystal Schick/ Yukon News

Above: Sandra Soares of Team Sport Yukon takes the icy dip for charity.

lmost 30 people decided to do one last act of charity for the year on Dec. 30, along with one last act of insanity. In support of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Yukon, 28 brave souls participated in the first ever Whitehorse Polar Plunge. Some fundraisers wore fun costumes and others wore beach clothes, while

the audience dressed for the -35 C weather and cheered the plungers on into the steaming container of freezing water. Over $12,000 in pledges was raised in total. The top individual fundraiser was Terry Grabowski with $2,762 and was rewarded for her efforts with Air North tickets. The top costume prize —a framed art piece depicting a series covers from first

editions of Marvel comic books — went to Shannon Wyers. The top fundraising team was Sport Yukon with a total of $1,275, and they were rewarded with a pizza party. The event, which only lasted about an hour of that frigid afternoon, happened through the efforts of 16 volunteers who collectively put in approximately 80 hours of work. (Crystal Schick)

Crystal Schick/ Yukon News

Almost 30 people braved -35 C temperatures to raise money for charity by jumping into a bin of ice-cold water.

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YUKON NEWS

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Indigenous tourism helping keep stories alive as international interest grows Ian Bickis Canadian Press

SIKSIKA, ALTA. ion Red Gun has met and overcome a daunting series of obstacles in his efforts to preserve and share his culture. The 56-year-old member of the Siksika Reserve southeast of Calgary is deeply connected to the land. He has struggled with natural disasters, debilitating arthritis and the many challenges First Nations across Canada face in trying to start a business on the road to building his River Ranche tourism outfit. As part of a wave of Indigenous tourism growth across the country, he’s pushing ahead in part to try and preserve the stories and traditions by sharing them with those outside the community. “That’s why I’m very determined to lead a good path forward, and hopefully I’ll lead a good path for the grandchildren; share the same stories that were passed down to me as close as I can to how I’m connected to the land,” said Red Gun, seated next to the fireplace in his recently rebuilt lodge. He had to rebuild because the previous lodge, built on an island in the Bow River that made it an ideal base for fly fishing and guiding, was washed away by the devastating 2013 flood. The destruction of his business came at a difficult time. Red Gun had only just learned to walk again at the time, after undergo-

Jeff McIntosh/CP

Dion Red Gun at his River Ranche on the Siksika Nation, Alta., Wednesday, Nov. 29. He has struggled with natural disasters, debilitating arthritis and the many challenges First Nations across Canada face in trying to start a business on his River Ranche tourism outfit. ing surgery to address the arthritis that had confined him to a wheelchair. He was also focused on finishing his business degree, which was made all the more difficult because his severely arthritic hands made him unable to even hold a pen. “That was tough, tough to take. Lot of struggles.” Determined to reopen the lodge, and with help from his family, business partners, flood recovery programs and classmates at Mount Royal University, he did rebuild. “It was a challenge, and for every door I went in, there was [someone] trying

to close the door. But I had my foot in there.” The lodge is now perched on a hilltop high above the Bow River with sweeping views of the river valley, and is able to capitalize on the growing international interest in Indigenous tourism. “As far as survival mode, right now it’s global travellers coming into the neighbourhood. At Siksika, we’re now able to share our own stories through tourism.” Interest is up, especially from the U.S., Japan, China, the U.K., France, and Germany, but overall has come up against a

lack of capacity, said Keith Henry, CEO of the Indigenous Tourism Association Canada. “We’re really seeing a huge growing interest internationally…but we don’t have enough market-ready products, so we’re feeling compression right now.” The association’s five year plan is to create a minimum of 50 new export-ready businesses, as well as add more than 7,000 new jobs by 2021 to the 33,000 already there, which is up from around 12,000 people in the sector in 2002. The goal, with help

from $13 million from the federal government, is also to increase indigenous tourism revenue by $300 million from the roughly $1.4 billion it currently has. Indigenous tourism is also becoming a more significant part of marketing Canada as a whole, said David Goldstein, CEO of Destination Canada. “Once they know this culture and this experience exists, it’s a great differentiator, that’s the business side.” “There’s a softer side to this, which is the important role tourism plays as a people to people connector. And I don’t think

you can truly understand Canada unless you have lived some of these experiences.” He said that in the past, Indigenous tourism has been either seasonal or very special interest, but that sophisticated, internationally-viable travel options have emerged in Canada over the past ten years. There is still resistance and skepticism from some in the community about commodifying their culture and history, but Chief Lee Crowchild, chief of the Tsuut’ina Nation southwest of Calgary, said perspectives are changing. “We talk about tourism, about the economic benefits behind it. But more importantly, we talk about what it means for us to move our identity forward.” “We’re saying this is our land, we’re still here, we’re not invisible. We’re not the showcase Indians of the ’60s and ’50s, we’re the real people of the land. We have lots of things to show you. And more importantly, we have a lot of things to teach you.” Red Gun said that he leaves the spiritual side of teachings to the more open-minded of Siksika elders, but he is keen to share the history and stories he learned growing up, to help keep the memories alive. “It helps, that I can share it orally. I never thought I’d have the privilege to be sharing…. I lost it for a while, but it seems the older I get, the more alert I am, the more in tune I am.”

Volunteers rush to beach to help whale: ‘I had to ask people to slow down’ Alison Auld Canadian Press

HALIFAX ozens of volunteers — including surfers, police, fisheries officials and passersby — raced to a Nova Scotia beach on New Year’s Day to help return a stranded pilot whale back to sea. “The number of people that came out was great and everyone was willing to work together and give this animal its best chance,” Andrew Reid of the Marine Animal Response Society said

Tuesday. Reid said the whale, which could weigh between 1,500 to 2,000 kilograms, was first spotted at about 9 a.m. Monday on Rainbow Haven Beach in Cow Bay by someone out for a stroll. The local resident sent Reid pictures of the animal — a male pilot whale that appeared to be in fairly good condition. Reid headed to the area with his rescue gear, as a call went out on Facebook for people join in on the effort to remove the whale from the beach, which is

about a half hour from downtown Halifax. The response, he said, was surprising as roughly 100 volunteers descended on the popular beach to pitch in. “We definitely had more than enough people to pull it. I had to ask people to slow down when we were initially pulling it off the beach because we were practically jogging with the animal!” Reid inspected the whale, which showed no signs of injury or sickness and responded well to awareness tests. With

a laugh, he added that the whale was “actively defecating” during the rescue, a good sign since it indicates he had been eating. The volunteers laid a flotation pontoon next to the animal and carefully rolled it onto a mat before dragging it off the beach. Reid, some volunteers and a few surfers in wet suits walked the animal out into deeper water before releasing it. They also had to erect a windbreak to shield it from bitter winds, and cover it in blankets as it

appeared to be getting frostbite. He said the animal was breathing rapidly, which was likely due to the stress of being surrounded by people. “After the animal was refloated and left the area, we went up the coast and talked to a few people who saw the animal swimming by, heading out to deeper water,” he said. “As far as we know he left the area and can hopefully find its pod or another pod again.” Reid said the whale, a male adult, may have become stranded after trying to navigate the area’s shal-

low sandbars just offshore. He said the highly sociable species normally travel with family or in groups of up to about 50 whales. There are concerns the lone whale could return. “Given the time of year and that it was alone, we are worried it may turn up again.” Pilot whales don’t normally stay in the area at this time of year. He said they tend to feed off the western shore of Cape Breton in the summer before heading much further south to their wintering grounds.

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

YUKON NEWS

yukon-news.com

ENVIRONMENT

Getting hooked: Yukon’s stocked lakes provide fun and food

Ian Stewart/Yukon News file

Stock fish are “built” in a process involving growing fishing fry in tanks at the Whitehorse Fish Hatchery, then transporting them to stock sites via trucks where they are released into the lake. Lori Fox News Reporter

aking the upper Riverdale Trail is a casual, Sunday afternoon hike for many Whitehorse-residents, a stroll along the clay cliffs that overlook the Yukon River, cars coming and going, children walking down the street on their way home from school. Taking the trail all the way to the end, however, will take you to Hidden Lakes, a sudden and unexpected jewel nestled in the hills in the heart of Whitehorse. These pothole lakes are long, stretching out two fingers fringed by the remains of a 1970s forest fire. With a pair of resident bald eagles, a plethora of wildflowers, crocuses in spring, followed by yarrow and Jacob’s ladder in the summer, wild roses in the fall, it makes a gorgeous walk any time of year. It’s also extremely popular with local anglers,

many of whom spend afternoons fishing along the water’s edge. The lake is abundant with kokanee salmon and rainbow trout, thanks to Environment Yukon’s stocked lake program, which creates fishing opportunities in 18 lakes across the territory. Selecting a lake for stocking is a careful process, says Oliver Barker, a fisheries biologist with Environment Yukon. Only pothole lakes — that is, lakes that have an inflow but not an outflow — are eligible, so that introduced fish can’t make it into rivers, where they might become invasive. The lakes also have to be deep enough that they don’t freeze completely in the winter, because a totally frozen lake means totally frozen fish. The lake is then surveyed for productivity, which is a measure of how many fish it can support based on water temperature, depth elevation and available resources. If a lake is deemed suitable, the department then

carefully considers which type of fish to include, says Barker. “We try to think about which fish are most suited for which lake,” he says. “And we try to create a bit of variety.” Stock fish are then “built.” It’s a process of growing fishing fry in tanks at the Whitehorse Fish Hatchery, then transporting them to stock sites via trucks where they are released into the lake. The size of the fish at this point can vary, says Barker. Smaller fish means are more vulnerable to predators, resulting in higher loses, but raising fish larger is more costly and time consuming. “Our hatchery is very good at building fish…. Compared to mammals, (raising fish) is more like making a batch.” Previously, the department had been bringing in tiny fish sourced from British Columbia, Barker says, but as of this year, it will be raising fish and releasing them directly from

the hatchery. The fish are usually released in the last week of May or the first week of June, because that’s when the water is closest to the temperature they’re grown in, Barker says, which is best for the fish. Releasing them into water that is too cold or too warm can shock them, just like when you bring home a goldfish and find it floating belly up because the environment was too different from the pet store. At Hidden Lakes, the fry release is often a public event, which kids enjoy, says Barker. “We like to have the kids help.” Currently, the program stocks mainly rainbow trout and kokanee. Cantalie Lake, accessible only by snow machine, mountain bike or ATV, boasts a population of arctic char which was originally introduced, but is now self-sustaining, says Barker. Those fish haven’t had to be restocked since the 1990s. Long Lake is also home

to a stocked population of bull trout, those greenbacked, heavier beauties which are cousins to the smaller and arguably tastier rainbow trout. As many frustrated anglers will tell you, however, there are “fewer and fewer” of them in the lake, and the last time they were restocked there was in 2009, says Barker. The department is transitioning that lake to be stocked only with kokanees, a favourite with families out for a casual weekend outing, he says. “Kids especially love kokanee, they’re a very active fish, easy to catch,” he says. Perhaps most importantly, the program takes pressure off of wild fish species, such as lake trout, which reproduce extremely slowly. A female lake trout can take between nine and 12 years to reach sexual maturity, and only lays eggs once every three years. Marcella Lake, for example, is stocked with rainbows, which helps take

pressure off of the lake trout population in nearby Tarfu Lake. Lake trout fishing in that area is presently limited to catch and release only due to concerns for that population. “It’s hard to reproduce more slowly than a lake trout,” Barker says with a laugh. The lakes not only provide fishing opportunities, says Barker, but have important cultural uses as well. People who have never fished before often start with the stocked lakes, and it provides recreation close to home, he says. Many of the stocked lakes are also fishable from the shore, meaning people don’t need to have expensive boats or fancy gear to participate. “This is a tool that gets at both these mandates,” he said. “It’s an easy way to get into fishing that’s low-cost.” “There’s increasing interest in making sure we have good stocked lakes and we respond to that.” Contact Lori Fox at lori.fox@yukon-news.com

YUKON NEWS

yukon-news.com

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Getting a kick out of the new year John Hopkins-Hill News Reporter

he 2017 Insomnia Christmas Tournament happened at Vanier Catholic Secondary School over the weekend. The indoor soccer tournament with 10 men’s teams and six women’s teams kicked off on Dec. 28 and wrapped up with the finals on Dec. 31. On the men’s side of the bracket, RDFC defeated the 91 Grizzlies in the final 5-3 to win the tournament. The women’s winners were Charly’s Angels after a win against JBD in the final match. Organizer Alejandro Pulido said the tournament was again a success, and that changes to honour Donny Richardson were well received. “It was another successful tournament,” said Pulido. “There was lots of good feedback from everyone and we had a good feeling of community throughout the tournament.” The MVP trophy, awarded to the most valuable player in each division, was renamed the Donny Richardson Award and all players received shirts with Richardson’s name and number on the back. The Donny Richardson Award was given to Coty Fraser on the men’s side. Recognition was also given to the top goal scorers in the tournament, with Matthias Hartmann winning on the men’s side. After all the games were

John Hopkins-Hill/Yukon News

Charly’s Angels slot a goal past the keeper for JBD during the women’s final of the Insomnia Tournament on Dec. 31 at Vanier Catholic Secondary School. done, the tournament wrapped up with a reception at the Whitehorse Curling Club, where Pulido said many of the players were able to ring in the new year together. Contact John Hopkins-Hill at john.hopkinshill@yukon-news.com

John Hopkins-Hill/Yukon News

JBD moves the ball up the court during the women’s final.

John Hopkins-Hill/Yukon News

The 91 Grizzles’ goalkeeper challenges a striker from RDFC during the men’s final.

YUKON NEWS

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

yukon-news.com

Yukon teams crowd the podium at Hockey on the Hill in Ottawa John Hopkins-Hill News Reporter

he extreme cold wasn’t the only thing making waves in Ottawa last week as the two Yukon representatives in the Bell Capital Cup played their way to podium finishes. The PNW Group boys peewee team finished second in the Canada 150 boys division while the Yukon North Stars played their way to third place in the girls division. PNW cruised through the round robin portion of the tournament with shutout wins over Quebec and Ottawa East and a 4-1 victory against Northern Ontario. A 7-3 win against Ottawa in the quarterfinal game set up a rematch with Northern Ontario in the semifinal — a game PNW won 3-0, securing their spot in the final game on New Years Eve against Manitoba for the title at the Canadian Tire Centre, home of the NHL’s Ottawa Senators. Against a side that scored 39 goals without conceding any against, it was always going to be an uphill battle. Luckily for PNW, they were playing with house money. “We really had zero expectations,” said head coach Mike Nemeth. “ Looking back at the tournament stats, their goalie hadn’t let a goal in all tournament and they had obliterated teams. To only lose 6-0, there is really no shame in it.” A strong Manitoba side from Red River and a team case of the flu — one player had to miss the final game due to illness — were too much for the team to overcome, but spirits stayed high. “I think the kids were all perfectly happy with silver, which is usually a pretty tough medal to win,” said Nemeth. “They were just so happy that they made it to go play at the Canadian Tire Centre.” The Yukon North Stars, a girls side formed specifically for this tournament,

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opened their tournament with back-to-back wins over Quebec and Saskatchewan before dropping their last round robin game against Alberta. A 5-2 win over Nova Scotia in the quarterfinals set up another game against Alberta, with the North Stars coming out on the losing end of a 4-1 score in the semifinal. North Stars head coach Pat Tobler said it was a team effort, and some hot goaltending, that spurred their run into the elimination portion of the bracket. “The whole team played really well,” said Tobler. Goaltender Alix Walchuk played all five games for the team, and Tobler said she was a difference maker. “She is definitely a great goalie. She really kept us in all the games and she played really well,” said Tobler. Walchuk also won the goalie trophy during the breakaway challenge portion of the skills competition. Offensively, the top scorers for the North Stars were Taylor Bierlmeier and Arnica Bulmer with six goals and two assists each, good for a 1.6 points-pergame clip. For PNW, Ken Stalder stole the show with 15 goals and a helper, good for 16 points and the top spot on the division’s scoring table. Nemeth described Stalder as a “rock.” “He coaches the other players, he never gets upset, he’s just an exceptional player,” said Nemeth. Both teams had their outdoor games on the Canada 150 rink in front of Parliament Hill cancelled, but did get a chance to skate on the ice later in the tournament. “We weren’t too disappointed to be honest. The weather was pretty cold plus the wind was blowing,” said Tobler. “Even

Submitted photo

The PNW Group boys peewee team finished second in the Canada 150 boys division while the Yukon North Stars played their way to third place in the girls division at the Bell Capital Cup in Ottawa. though they didn’t get to play on it, they still got to skate and get their photos taken.” PNW was hesitant to spend too much time on the outdoor rink with competitive games still to be played, but took a moment to enjoy the opportunity. “We went out and enjoyed it a little, took in the experience and definitely got a lot of photos,” said Nemeth. Although not the ultimate winners on the scoreboard, both teams returned to Whitehorse with accomplishments to be proud of and memories to last a lifetime. “These kids are pretty proud of themselves and they deserve to be,” said Nemeth. Tobler agreed. “Everyone played really hard and everyone contributed. It was a great team effort.” Contact John Hopkins-Hill at john.hopkinshill@yukon-news.com

ATTENTION:

FIRST NATION OF NACHO NYAK DUN

Notice of General Meeting of the Assembly Date: January 27th from 10:00am – 4:30pm Place: NND Government House Breakfast served at 9:00am, and lunch at 12:30pm for participants. *Resolutions with a financial component due on January 3rd* Please contact Chrystal Lattie at 867-996-2265 ext 213 for further information.

Sarah Lewis/Submitted

Alex Walchuk was one of the stars for the Yukon North Stars, winning the goalie trophy in the breakaway challenge.

YUKON NEWS

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Wednesday, January 3, 2018

New York Times Crossword Ring out the old, ring in the new By John Lampkin Puzzles Edited by Will Shortz

ACROSS

Giant

Not just focused

Butting heads

Struggling sci-fi writer’s plea for recognition?

Have

New Deal org.

Motley

Blade runner?

“Dukes”

Hip-hop’s Shakur

V.I.P. list

Attend without a date

Lamborghini rival

Arctic people

Country that Menorca is part of

Result of a French powdered drink shortage?

If you have it, you might know what this answer is without reading the clue

1959 Ritchie Valens hit, with “La”

Hook’s right hand

Hägar the Horrible’s hound

86 88

Quenched

“Give me ____”

Fig. checked during re-tire-ment?

100 Work as a branch manager?

Legends in the automotive world

102 Flag

1920s-’30s Yankees nickname

50 56

109

110

29 34

44 51

60 63

Secures at sea

Some 1960s radicals

Treat that gives a glowing complexion?

Nincompoop

Short rows

List of things said by Siri?

Middle of a simile

78 84

Chap 85

86 93

103 Scott of “Happy Days”

104 Nasser’s successor as Egypt’s leader

103 111

100 104

105

101

102

106

107

108

Deceive

107 “What’s Opera, Doc?” antagonist

Sights at charging stations

108 Film director ____ C. Kenton

116

117

118

Thingamajig

111 Canon competitor

119

120

121

Softhead

What an infielder might field a ball on

113 Weeklong Irish vacation?

112

113

114

115

122

116 Gross

Pure

Good hunting skill

Puts forth

____ bin Laden

“Reckon so”

117 Like some turns

Couple

“Savvy?”

118 Chose to take part

Historic Mesopotamian city

Torn

Some Guinness Book records

Legitimate business practices

____ Conference

119 What if, informally

Dadaist Jean

Last Stuart queen

Washington, D.C.?

Wimbledon surface

Wand material in the Harry Potter books

120 ____ performance

Lamp polisher’s surprise?

Kind of alphabet

Thick and green

Was beaten by

“Quién ____?”

Moo goo ____ pan

Batch of Brownies?

Merchandise: Abbr.

Neighbors of Egyptians

121 Book before Esther: Abbr.

“Sh,” “th” or “ou”

122 Neuron’s ends?

“Nessun dorma,” for one

Harass incessantly

Artificial silks

1974 C.I.A. spoof

Photog’s bagful?

Grow feathers

Big name in test prep

Drift

Like the French sky

Opposite side

Statement made while crossing the fingers, maybe

Feature of Devonshire cream

Colorful quartz

Article in Der Spiegel

Makes a meal of

____ position

“March comes in like ____ …”

Some loose dancing?

Godfather after being double-crossed?

Polish, e.g.

One having trouble with basic arithmetic?

Cottonmouth’s warning

Apple app for viewing reading material

Targets in “Men in Black,” informally

Kyrgyz city

Green

Panhandle state: Abbr.

Heeds

Stars

Much of a sports recap

Childish retort

Action in FanDuel and DraftKings

Eagerly accept

Neighbor of the talus

Indiana’s state flower

61 62 65

Attribute to, in a way Three-foot 1980s sitcom character Grammy winner ____ Elliott

Cobbler, at times

Cowboy Rogers

DOWN 1 2 3 4

“Wise” sorts “Pow!” Result of a haymaker, maybe 1/20 of a ton: Abbr.

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101 County in New Mexico or Colorado

“King Lear” role

105 Court legend Arthur

“The Last Days of Pompeii” heroine

106 Eldest member of an organization

Advertising

107 Falco of “The Sopranos”

It’s good for you.

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109 The Eagles’ “____ Eyes” 110 Forever and ever 112 December 31: Abbr. 114 D.C.-based media giant 115 1st, 2nd, 3rd … ____

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

YUKON NEWS

yukon-news.com

Place your condolences online. (Visit your local newspaper website, obituary page)

Remembering Loved Ones

8489755

Remembering Loved Ones Place your condolences online. Visit www.yukon-news.com, obituary page

Arnold A rn nold Christopher Christopher

ETZERZA

George S. Wilson

October 17, 1936 December 14, 2017

January 2, 1947 December 24, 2017

Funeral Services and burial for the late Arnold Christopher Etzerza, of Whitehorse, Yukon will be held in Atlin, BC on Saturday, January 6, 2018.

George Sidney Wilson passed away suddenly at the Whitehorse General Hospital from lung complications. George was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Susan and George Arthur Wilson. He went to school and grew up in Winnipeg and spent his youth curling and becoming a top curler. In 1980, he came to the Yukon to visit his brother and got gold fever. Yukon became his home and he spent his years as a placer miner. His passion was to cnd the â&#x20AC;&#x153;big oneâ&#x20AC;?. He could have written a book on his many stories and experiences in the back country of the Carmacks area. He is survived by his brother Ken and nephews and niece. He will be sadly missed forever by Dorothy John.

You left us beautiful memories, Your love is still our guide, You left us and beautiful memories, love is see still our though weyour cannot youguide,

The service will be at the Atlin Rec Centre at 1:00pm, interment to follow at the Atlin Cemetery. A celebration of life and dinner will follow at the Rec Centre.

and though we cannot see you, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re always at our side.

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www.yukon-news.com â&#x20AC;˘ 211 Wood Street, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 2E4 â&#x20AC;˘ Phone: (867) 667-6285 â&#x20AC;˘ Fax: (867) 668-3755 Rentals Apt/Condo for Rent 3-bdrm units, Porter Creek, new, multiple move-in dates starting February 15, parking available, pet friendly depending on pet, N/S. rentwhitehorse@gmail.com for application Studio, Porter Creek, new, wheelchair accessible, multiple move-in dates starting February 15, parking available, pet friendly depending on pet, N/S. rentwhitehorse@gmail.com for application

Misc for Rent Small, self-contained bachelor apartment, downtown, heat, lights & basic cable include, N/P, no parties, available immediately, $825/mon. 668-5558

OfďŹ ce/Retail SHOP FOR RENT 40â&#x20AC;&#x2122;x60â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Industrial shop 3-phase power Mezzanine with ofďŹ ce Sewer & water, large yard Long-term only 24 Laberge, Kulan $2,500/mon wildonhorses56@gmail.com

Rentals

Employment

OfďŹ ce/Retail

Claims

Help Wanted

OfďŹ ce/retail space on Ogilvie Street, 1150 sq ft or 1350 sq ft, includes S&W, bldg ďŹ re insurances, taxes, garbage collection, Toyo stove, available late spring. Small coffee/sink area. 332-7144

Mayo District Placer Claims on a tributary of proven productive creek for sale or lease to own. Includes new ten-year class-4 water license. Map number 105M-11. Richard (867) 668-7963

HOUSE CLEANER WANTED

Rooms for Rent Large 12x24 room, Porter Creek, available January 1, shared bathroom & kitchen, separate entrance, $800/mon + DD. 334-4568 Large bedroom, free TV, laundry & power included, available immediately, $800/mon. Turk @ 667-6060

Want to Rent Japanese professional male looking for room around $600/mon, nonsmoking, non-partying, for January 1. Please contact kitchom.a.gogo@gmail.com or text 437-887-2653 Non smoking, non drinking couple with four small dogs looking to rent small home outside city limits. Water, sewer and electricity needed. Call 335-8411 or 8412. Wanted: Rural house or cabin within 40 mins of Whitehorse, prefer N. Klondike or west, 2-bdrm or large loft, F/T YG, mid-40s, F, N/S, hardworking, reliable, honest, references. 336-1133

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as soon as possible. *12 hours a week *2 or 3 times per week as preferred *Year round Please text 867-336-4112

Employment Business Opportunities OWNER OF AUTOMOTIVE SHOP looking to slow down. Will consider options to lease shop or consider contract arrangement for you to operate the current business. Open to ideas. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talk. Emailrunnorth41@gmail.com.

,OOKINGĂ&#x2013;FORĂ&#x2013;AĂ&#x2013;.%7Ă&#x2013;JOB XXX MPDBMXPSLCD DB

8491577

Pharmacist Full-time position

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career! Employers have workat-home positions available. Get online training you need from an employer-trusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855-768-3362 to start training for your work-at-home career today!

Looking for a candidate withÂ strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to build patient relationships and work well with our team

Children

Please submit resume toÂ jeff@medicinechest.ca

Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Misc Boys clothes, sizes 3T to 7X, excellent condition, including winter gear (snow pants, jackets etc), brand names and assorted. 393-2630 Toy organizer, good condition, $40. 393-2630

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YUKON NEWS

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Employment

Help Wanted

Chief Executive Of½cer and President CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

Minute Taker

Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN) is calling for expressions of interest for the position of minute taker for Chief and Council Meetings. Chief and Council Meetings take place 2-4 days per month. Expectations: • Travel will be required for meetings which take place in Haines Junction, Whitehorse or CAFN communities. • Possess a valid Yukon driver’s license and own vehicle. • Responsible for providing their own laptop for transcribing minutes. • A quick turnaround time is required for minutes. Application process: The expression of interest should include your skills for the position, an updated resume and any references. Please include an amount you would expect for the contract. Deadline for submission: Friday, January 5, 2018 at 4:30 p.m. For more information please contact: Attn: Doreen Williams, Executive Council Office Box 5310, Haines Junction, YT Y0B 1L0 Fax: (867) 634-2760 | Email: drwilliams@cafn.ca

The Chief Executive Of½cer and President for the Kluane Dana ShäĀw Limited Partnership will ful½ll the mandate of creating wealth through investments. The Chief Executive Of½cer and President will maximize ½nancial growth and returns in a manner that respects the culture and tradition of KFN. Reporting to the Kluane Dana ShäĀw Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Of½cer and President has the overall responsibility for: • Leading, directing and managing the day to day operations and administration of KDSLP; • Financial management, strategic planning, and implementation; • Supervising KDSLP’s businesses and projects; • Seeking and managing the funding and implementation for new business opportunities; • Ensuring positive and productive public relations with the community, KFN, partners and stakeholders; Kluane Dana ShäĀw Corporation is the independent, for-pro½t, business investment vehicle for the shareholders of the Kluane First Nation. Quali½ed applicants will need to submit a resume on or before the Closing Date: January 12, 2018 For a complete job description, please contact: Willow Lacosse, ¼nancemanager@kluanecorp.ca 867.668.2333 ext.0

TTC Invites resumes for

Finance Supervisor

Records Information Manager

This is a regular full time position

Reporting to the Director Finance, this position is responsible for maintaining the integrity and accuracy of Ànancial information for the Teslin Tlingit Council and for the quality and timeliness of Ànancial reports and assistance provided in the development of accounting standards, policies and procedures. This position involves the supervision and development of accounting staff responsible for accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, banking and investments and Ànance support. This position ensures the timely collection of housing rent and other accounts receivable. Duties, Education & Experience • Supervises Finance staff • Manages collection services for TTC and provides credit counselling, instructs and mentors staff in the collection process • Knowledge of and experience in reconciling accounts/statements • Knowledge of payroll practices and principles. • Reviews all inputs for posting into the general ledger of the Teslin Tlingit Housing Society (TTHS) • Oversees and ensures the accuracy and timelines of the TTHS agreement. • The Finance Supervisor assists TTC Home Ownership applicants to Ànd solutions for outstanding debt. • Oversees, reviews and monitors TTC contracts and makes sure that TTC policies have been applied to the contracts • ensuring invoices do not exceed approved contracts amounts and keeps a listing of all contractors for WCB reporting at the calendar year end Grade 12 supplemented with two years course work towards an Accounting Designation, or the equivalent in training and experience. Course work or relevant experience using various applicable software programs such as ACCPAC, Microsoft OfÀce and Ceridian Dayforce Payroll/HR module The incumbent should demonstrate great communication and supervisory skills. The successful candidate will also have a strong knowledge of TTC’s history, traditions, TTC Final Agreement, Constitution, Self – Government and Implementation Plan. For a job description please call 867.390.2532 ext 316 To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume Workforce Development, Teslin Tlingit Council Box 133,Teslin, Yukon Y0A 1B0 | F. 867.390.2176 humanresources@ttc-teslin.com

Closing Date: Thursday, January 11, 2018 **no later than 4pm**

Reporting to the Executive Manager, the Records Manager ensures effective development and administration of processes and procedures for storage and maintaining of TTC’s information and records in all formats and mediums most commonly appearing in paper and electronic. This position also develops processes for auditing compliance to the standards put in place. Main Duties & Responsibilities • The key responsibility of this position is to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and regulations regarding the creation, storage and retention of both paper and electronic records • Manages and directs the preservation of the corporate history and valuable information throughout • Manages the resources of the records management team Education & Experience • Graduation from an accredited college or university in records and document management program, information management program, archival or library science or minimum of 5 years related experience in the industry as a certiÀed records manager (ICRM). • Demonstrated experience in using records management or document management software and general information systems • Experience in establishing and scheduling records disposal protocols and procedures • Good understanding of information management principles, information systems and archives • Knowledge of electronic imaging, storing, arranging, indexing, classifying records and documents Conditions of Employment • Ability to maintain strict conÀdentiality is a mandatory requirement • Valid Class 5 Driver’s License • Sign & agree to abide by TTC Oath of ConÀdentiality & Code of Conduct For more information please call 867.390.2532 ext 316

First in Creating Opportunities

Financial Service Representative The Company: First Nations Bank of Canada (www.fnbc.ca) is a federally chartered bank primarily focused on providing financial services to the Aboriginal marketplace in Canada. We are focused on delivering superior customer service and offering a full range of personal and business banking products to Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, corporations and governments. Location: We are looking for a motivated and experienced individual to fill the position of Financial Service Representative on a Monday through Friday work week. This position is based in our Whitehorse, Yukon office. The Challenge: As Financial Service Representative you take on an important share in the overall functioning and success of the branch. You are accountable for providing professional and friendly service to customers by understanding their needs and providing the right banking solutions including; credit and credit counseling, investment products and investment counseling, opening new accounts and promoting the sale of all personal banking products and services. You will contribute to the achievement of business objectives and volume growth through developing strong customer relationships and by your continuous display of expertise and knowledge. Your effectual communication, professional image, pleasant personality, as well as strong attendance, punctuality and reliability will be important to your success. Qualifications: • Previous personal lending experience preferably in the banking industry • Ability to provide and maintain high standards of customer service • Must be sales focused with the ability to assist in achieving retail business objectives by working closely with the Branch Manager in developing new and existing business opportunities • Understanding and ability to provide strong assistance in minimizing credit and non-credit losses • Ability to maintain a high level of compliance and adhere to internal controls and procedures • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills • Highly motivated and enthusiastic with exceptional organizational skills • Flexible and willing to take on tasks as assigned with ability to adapt to changing work priorities • Must be a self-starter and supportive to a team of professionals

Make First Nations Bank of Canada Your First Choice Please submit your cover letter and resume to: alison.mclellan@fnbc.ca

Merchandise for Sale

Firewood/Fuel

DRY FIREWOOD Solid, good quality wood. Full cords, $250 per cord. Call 334-8036

Fox Lake Fire-Killed Wood for sale $190/cord for 8 cords delivered tree length $250/cord for 2.5 cords delivered at 16” length Or You Come and Get It from our yard in Whitehorse $185/cord cut your own from the pile $190/cord you pick up 8’ lengths $220/cord you pick up 16” stove lengths 333-5174 or 633-3493

• EVF FUELWOOD ENT Year Round Delivery * Dry accurate cords *1/2 Cord Orders Accepted *Clean shavings available *VISA/MC accepted Member of Yukon Wood Producers Assoc Costs will rise ORDER NOW 456-7432

HURLBURT ENTERPRISES INC. Store (867) 633-3276 Dev (867) 335-5192 Carl (867) 334-3782

Beetle-killed spruce from Haines Junction, quality guaranteed Everything over 8" split Prices as low as $250/cord Single and emergency half cord deliveries Scheduled delivery

Please quote the job title in the subject line of your email, fax and/or cover letter: Workforce Development, Teslin Tlingit Council Box 133,Teslin, Yukon Y0A 1B0 | F. 867.390.2176 humanresources@ttc-teslin.com ®

Closing Date: Thursday, January 11, 2018 **No later than 4pm**

•

MasterCard

Cheque, Cash S.A. vouchers accepted.

• • •

Firearms LICENSED TO BUY, SELL & CONSIGN riﬂes & ammo at G&R NEW & USED 1612-D Centennial St. 393-2274 BUY * SELL Marlin model 336 lever action in .35 Remington cal, open sights, c/w 2 1/2 boxes ammo, $500 obo. 3341166

Misc. for Sale 2-sided dart board, baseball on other side, hardly used, comes with 5 darts, $25. 456-7880

Little Footprints, Big Steps was founded to provide ongoing care and protection for the children of Haiti. We welcome and greatly appreciate your support. Please check our website to donate, fundraise or to get involved.

www.littlefootprintsbigsteps.com

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

YUKON NEWS

Employment

Help Wanted

32” HDTV, $85. 311B Hanson St.

Transportation

Alsek Renewable Resource Council

Duties: Reporting to the ARRC Chair or Co-Chairs, this position manages and directs the day to day activities of the Council. This position requires a dynamic individual with professional work ethics and the ability to manage and complete a wide variety of tasks on a daily basis, including: meeting coordination, minute preparation, financial management, reporting, research, communications, and proposal writing. The successful candidate will have completed an administrative program or equivalent education and experience. Salary: This is a permanent full-time position based on 37.5 hours weekly, which may include evening and weekend hours. This position is contingent upon continued government funding. Starting salary will be $24-27/ hr subject to experience. As part of your application, we request that you include a cover letter with your resume that shows how you meet each of the qualifications listed below, as interviews will be offered based on information provided. We appreciate your interest but only those individuals selected for interviews will be contacted. The job description for this position can be found at: www.alsekrrc.ca

Closing Date: 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Auto Accessories/Parts

Qualifications:

• Proven administrative ability; • Good financial management skills, including general accounting and budgeting, with experience using an accounting program (Sage preferred). • Superior oral and written communication skills; • Ability to communicate the Alsek RRC’s activities to the public using a variety of means; newsletters, social media, web presence etc. • Familiarity with Champagne Aishihik Traditional Territory • Awareness of Yukon First Nation culture and history • Strong organization and time management skills; • Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision; • Research and analytical skills; • Knowledge of the ARRC’s mandate and clear understanding of chapters 16 & 17 of the CAFN Final Agreement; • Broad knowledge of fish and wildlife issues in the Yukon; • Broad knowledge of forest and forest management issues in the Yukon; • Knowledge or experience in renewable resources management; • Strong computer skills with experience using Microsoft products. • Must be willing to work flexible hours; • A valid Class 5 Driver’s License and a criminal record check is a requirement • Preference will be given to qualified candidates residing within the Champagne Aishihik Traditional Territory

Please submit resume to: Alsek Renewable Resource Council, Attn: ARRC Co-Chairs | admin@alsekrrc.ca

Merchandise for Sale

Misc. for Sale

3” electric water pump, $1,500; new 3-yd tooth bucket, loader; Norge NSF wood stove, $200; 2.5hp Briggs & Stratton, running, $250. 667-4821

Eddie Bauer ladies black Superior down parka, fur on hood, never worn, sz large, ﬁts 12-14, $300; Ladies Calgary Flames jersey, sz XL, ﬁts sz 12, $75. 668-7383 lv msg

Books on DVD, straight trade, 1 for 1, call to check titles. No kid stuff or x-rated. 667-2607

Elastic Tattoo Arm Sleeves, $20 ea, ix/match with T-shirts or mood, unisex, comfortable, stretchable, one size ﬁts most. 333-9020

RON’S SMALL ENGINE SERVICES Repairs to Snowmobiles, Chainsaws, Lawnmowers, ATV’s, Small industrial equipment. Light automotive & welding repairs available 867-332-2333 lv msg

Canvas Tents & Wood Stoves Lowest Prices in Canada Tents will ship by Greyhound from Castlegar, BC Canvas Tent Shop www.canvastentshop.ca 1-800-234-1150 Call for Prices Chinese sky lanterns, different colours. 333-9020 Coleman Genset, 5,000 watts, 120240, new, $500; hydraulic tank, $100; steel fuel tanks, all sizes; masonry saw, $50; 30kw gen set; Cummins engine for parts. 667-4821 COLORADO BLUE SPRUCE: $0.99/each for a box of 180 ($178.20). Also full range of tree, shrub, and berry seedlings. Free shipping most of Canada. Growth guarantee. 1-866-873-3846 or TreeTime.ca.

Musical Instruments

Stereo / DVD / TV

Executive Director The Alsek Renewable Resource Council (ARRC) is established by the Champagne & Aishihik First Nations (CAFN) Final Agreement as the “primary instrument for Renewable Resources management” within the Champagne & Aishihik Traditional Territory. The Council is comprised of six community members appointed by the First Nations and Government of Yukon.

Merchandise for Sale Trevor James alto saxophone, used in band for few years, $400. 3335559

Employment Opportunity

Elliptical machine, near new, $300; used sofa-bed couch, $200, Watson Lake. 867-536-7976 KLONDIKE UPHOLSTERY We recover: * Snowmobiles * Boats * RVs * ATV seats * Restaurant seats * Heavy equipment seats We also sell DYI supplies, foam cushions and mattresses. Call or text 867-335-2301 Large stuffed white tiger, $50; cranberries; near new soft tub & pump, $300; new cabinet with glass front & shelves, drawer in bottom, from Cdn. Tire, $225. 393-1992 Puretec under sink water system, c/w everything & pressure tank, needs small repair, $60 obo. 3361133

2005 F-150 1/2 ton motor, tranny & diff; 2005 F-150 17” factory aluminum rim & tire; 4 Cavalier rims & tires, 15”; 300 Ford 6-cyl EFI & C4 auto. 667-4821 4 Jeep rims, 3 good tires, off 1994 Cherokee, $100. 334-5186 5th wheel hitch, $1000. 334-5186 TRUCK CANOPIES in stock *New Dodge long/short box *New GM long/short box *New Ford long/short box Hi-Rise & Cab Hi several in stock View at centennialmotors.com 393-8100

Cars - Domestic

2014 Ford Focus ST, well maintained, all factory options & more, winter pkg, balance of warranty/service pkg, $20,000 obo. 335-8412

Tues - Fri: 12:00pm-7:00pm Sat 10:00am-6:00pm CLOSED Sundays & Mondays

Help control the pet overpopulation problem have your pets SPAYED OR NEUTERED. FOR INFORMATION CALL

633-6019

Become A Monthly Donor... and be part of our “Proud Supporter” Group. Go to our website to donate today. AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION

Bobcat

Niro

Ned

Ronnie

Scrooge

Boots

Captain

Tyson

Pookie

Thor

Trapper

Houdini

Cobalt

Majik

Emmie

4 new studded winter tires with rims, Hercules Avalanche Extreme, 185/60 R15, ﬁts Yaris and small cars, only 200kms on them, $650. 667-4681

Motorcycles 2010 2-passenger automatic scooter, 250cc, new cover, windshield, 400kms, new condition, $2,500. 333-9020 Custom motorcycle package, $22,000 - 2006 Harley Davidson 1250 Road King, 22,000kms, Honda 750 Shadow, plus Hallmark 2-bike trailer with storage, man-door, drive ramp. 335-7335

Snowmobiles

1995 Ford Ranger, c/w canopy, safety check, $1,200. 689-9011

Trucks & Vans 1998 Chevy Cheyenne p/u, 4.3 Vortec V-6, 5-spd, manual, exc rubber, glass, brakes, steering, body etc. 334-8083 1999 GMC Jimmy SLS 4X4, Vortec 4.3 V6, 5-spd manual, box liner, tow hitch, driving lights, exc glass etc. Call/text 867-334-8083 email wolverine_tours@yahoo.com

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2018

HOURS OF OPERATION FOR THE SHELTER:

2010 Honda CRC LX, 199,000kms, Thule roof rack, exc cond, exc on fuel, service records, $10,800 obo. 336-1133

Women’s Wind River coat, med, black, $90; Women’s down jacket, med, purple, $50. 311B Hanson St.

Wanted: Mercury Quicksilver 6 gallon metal outboard fuel tank. 6335575

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3

2005 Kia Spectra, 5-dr hatchback, 137,000kms, manual, great condition, $2,750. 333-9020

Wanted: 1979-82 Moto Ski Mirage 2 or Skidoo Citation 4500 in good shape. Call Mark 334-6738

Wanted: Condensed Reader’s Digest books in paperback form. 6674540

633-6019

2005 Honda Element, 292,000kms, clean, new windshield, 2” hitch, rack, 2 sets tires, long time mechanical issue, $2,800 obo. 3361133

SAWMILLS from only $4,397 MAKE MONEY & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info & DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com/400OT 1-800566-6899 Ext:400OT.

Misc. Wanted

yukon-news.com

Go to www.yukon-news.com

aand click on the Classified link at the bottom of the home page and fill in the online form. Listings run for 4 consecutive issues. This service is for individuals and non-profit organizations only.

And more... Annabelle

Snowball

Come for a visit and meet your next furry family member!

RUNNING AT LARGE... If you have lost a pet, remember to check with City Bylaw: 668-8382

Check out our website at:

WWW.HUMANESOCIETYYUKON.CA

yukon-news.com

YUKON NEWS

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Employment

Misc Services

Announcements

Garage Sales

Volunteers

BUSY BEAVERS Hauling, Pruning, Painting Snow Shoveling General Labour Call Francois and Katherine 456-4755

Coming Events

AL-ANON

35 Cedar Cres, Porter Creek, Saturday January 6, 10am-2pm, downsizing, household items, furniture, storage cabinets, fridge, treadmill, yard items, handyman items etc

ACTIVE IN YOUR COMMUNITY Are you looking for volunteer opportunities? Please check www.volunteeryukon.ca to find more volunteer opportunities.

The Frostbite Music Society: 2018 Festival Volunteers First Call Task description: Security Staff, Stagehands, Bar Staff, Production Assistants, Kitchen Help, Kids Day Activity Volunteers. Responsibilities: Fulfilling time/shift commitments, NO alcohol or drug use for duration of shift. Respectful attitude toward public. Skills needed: Onsite orientation provided, please provide any additional skills certification ie: First Aid, Yukon BARS course, Foodsafe... Time commitment: 12 hours over 3 days. Inform team leader if not available. Max 6 hour shift. flexible hours possible. Incentive for the volunteer: Experience in festival organization environment. 12 hour commitment gets you a weekend pass and food. Exposure to some great music. frostbiteyukon@gmail.com, (867) 668-4921

Copper Ridge Place: Bus outing Volunteers Task description: Volunteers need to complete our Application Package which includes an RCMP check. All volunteer will be screened in, have an interview and take part in an orientation to our facility. Responsibilities: Help gather Residents and assist them onto our bus; Socialize with the Residents during the outings and assist the staff team when needed. Skills needed: Supporting Residents on group outings to special events in and around Whitehorse. Outings are led by professional staff.

LOG CABINS: Professional Scribe Fit log buildings at affordable rates. Contact: PF Watson, Box 40187 Whitehorse, YT Y1A 6M9 668-3632 PIANO TUNING & REPAIR by certiﬁed piano technician Call Barry Kitchen @ 633-5191 Email: bfkitchen@hotmail.com

Misc Services SPEEDY SPARKLE Professional Snow-Clearing Company Specializing in downtown sidewalks and home driveways Fully insured Call Francis 668-6481 or 334-8480

Painting & Decorating PASCAL REGINE PAINTING PASCAL AND REGINE Residential - Commercial Interior - Exterior Ceilings, Walls Textures, Floors Spray work Small drywall repair Excellent quality workmanship Free estimates pascalreginepainting@northwestel.net

633-6368

Time commitment: 6 months commitment required Incentive for the volunteer: Opportunity to give back to your community and elders; Periodic in-service training in area related to working with elders; Volunteer appreciation/recognition program Catherine Chenier, catherine.chenier@gov.yk.ca, 867-393-7508 You work for a non-profit organization and you would like to add your volunteer opportunities? Please click on http://www.volunteeryukon.ca/.

Community Services

Services Trucks & Vans 2005 Dodge Ram 1500, quad cab, c/w gooseneck hitch, rear air bags, 320,000kms, well maintained, fairly new Goodrich 10-ply tires, $8,000 obo. 334-6332 2007 Nissan Xterra 4WD, recent work, all service records, new studded winter tires, nice shape, 200,000kms, $9,000 obo, trade for compact car considered. 335-5646 or 334-9113 2010 Ford Ranger crewcab, 4WD, canopy, 2 sets tires, studded & 3-seasons, 133,000kms, service records w/synthetic ﬂuids/oil, $11,750 obo, trades considered. 335-5646 2011 BMW X5 turbocharged Diesel AWD SUV, full options incl. command start, 360d camera, panoramic sunroof, navigation, dual dvd players, too much to list, $27,500. 333-9020 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT, crew cab, Z71 suspension, 4X4, command start, bucket seats. tonneau cover, exc cond, summer/winter tires w/rims, $15,500. 689-0537

Services Boats PROFESSIONAL BOAT REPAIR Fiberglass Supplies Marine Accessories FAR NORTH FIBERGLASS 49 MacDonald Rd Whitehorse, Yukon 393-2467

Services Carpentry/ Woodwork MC RENOVATION Construction & Renovations Laminated ﬂoor, siding, decks, tiles. Kitchen, bathroom, doors, cabinets, windows, framing, board, painting. Drop ceiling, fences No job too small Free estimates Michael 336-0468 yt.mcr@hotmail.com

Home Repairs

Utility Trailers

HANDYMAN SERVICES 24-7 *Renovations * Repairs

10-man oilﬁeld camp, sleeper, kitchen, mud room, located in Haines Junction, excellent condition, 867634-2505, 332-4332, 403-862-1542

*Restorations * Maintenance

New Triton 12’ alum snowmobile trailer, 15” tires, tongue jack, spare tire and carrier, V nose, drive on, drive off. Never used, $3450. 6676752 or 332-8706 TAIT’S TRAILERS www.taittrailers.com taits@northwestel.net Quality new and used Horse * Cargo * Equipment trailers for sale or rent Call Anytime 334-2194 Southern prices delivered to the Yukon

*Furniture Repair *Small Appliance Repair *Interior/Exterior Painting *Gutter Cleaning *Pressure Washing *Window Washing

Pets

Livestock HORSE HAVEN HAY RANCH Irrigated Timothy/Brome mix No weeds or sticks Small squares 60 lbs plus 4 ft x 5 ft rounds 800 lbs Ask about free delivery for larger orders Straw and alfalfa bales available 335-5192 * 668-7218

Livestock QUALITY YUKON MEAT No hormones, steroids or additives Grass raised grain ﬁnished. Hereford beef - $5.50/lb Domestic pork - $5/lb Domestic wild boar - $6/lb Order now for guaranteed spring or fall delivery. Whole, half or custom order. Samples available 668-7218 * 335-5192

Announcements Coming Events Active Trails Whitehorse Association presents: Walking Portugal’s Coastal Rota Vicentina Trail Tuesday, January 23 Whitehorse Pubic Library Downstairs Meeting Room 7:15 pm. All welcome, free! Info: www.activetwa.org ANDREA’S CLOTHING, CRAFTS & MORE SALE Saturday January 13, Day’s Inn, 10am to 3pm Clothing from child, adult, crafts, bannock, jewelry, Avon, Tupperware and more! Breast cancer survivors: Interested in learning more about Paddlers Abreast? Meet the group, share some stories and snacks. Stay for the AGM for further info. All welcome! Info @ www.paddlersabreast.org

393-2275

SMITH’S CONTRACTING RENOVATIONS *New building renovation. *Windows, doors, siding, decks & fences. *All home repairs from footings to roof. *Over 30 years experience. Phone 867-689-2881

Chilkoot Trail/Log Cabin: Non-motorized weekend: January 19-21. Other weekends & weekdays: Multiuse. For into: 867-667-3910 Chamber Choir auditioned a capella group needs experienced tenors and basses. Rehearsals start 7:45 pm January 10 at Vanier Catholic School. See www.whitehorsechoir.org or call 688-7049.

Elijah Smith School council regular meeting is Tuesday, January 9, 2018, 6:30pm, in school library. Everyone is welcome. Coffee House Saturday January 6, 2018, featuring Katie Tait, Alana Martinson & Open Stage. Set up 6pm + open stage sign-up, 7:30pm show, $5, United Church bsmt, 6th + Main. 633-4255 Grief Discussion Group hosted at Hospice January 18, 25 and February 1, 2018. For more info call 6677429 Horaire piste Chilkoot/Log Cabin: Multi-usage sauf du 19 au 21 Janvier: activities non motorisees. 867667-3910 Hospice Yukon: Free, conﬁdential services offering compassionate support to all those facing advanced illness, death and bereavement. Visit our lending library @ 409 Jarvis, M-F, 11:30-3. 667-7429, www.hospiceyukon.net Jack Hulland School council regular meeting is Wednesday, January 3, 7pm, school library. Everyone is welcome. Neptunes non-auditioned fun choir needs tenors and basses. First rehearsal 6 pm January 8 at Whitehorse United Church. All welcome. See www.whitehorsechoir.org or call 668-7049. Porter Creek Community Association meeting Monday, January 8th, 5:15 pm, Guild Hall. All Welcome. Come show your support. Info 6334829 Porter Creek Secondary School council regular meeting is Wednesday, January 10, 2018, 6:30pm, school library. Everyone is welcome. The Yukon Schutzhund Association AGM is Sunday, January 21, 2018, 11am-1:30pm, Whitehorse Public Library meeting room. Dog enthusiasts welcome! Whitehorse Community Choir spring registration and practice January 8 & 15, 7:15 pm, Whitehorse United Church. Try a session for free and bring a friend. Come early to avoid lineups. Whitehorse Concerts presents The Bergmann Duo on Saturday, January 13, Yukon Arts Centre. Pre-concert chat at 7pm, show starts at 8pm. Yukon Hog Producers Association ﬁrst annual general meeting is on Monday, January 15, 2018, 6pm8pm, Whitehorse Library meeting room

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WEDNESDAY

12:00 Noon Sarah Steel Building on 609 Steel Street, Main Entrance

FRIDAY

7:00 PM Lutheran Church Basement Beginners Mtg (4th & Strickland) 8:00 PM Lutheran Church Basment Regular Mtg (4th & Strickland)

DO YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH FOOD? Meetings

Mondays 7:30 p.m. 4071 4th Avenue oayukon@gmail.com www.oa.org

Phone: 867-667-6283

Announcements

DRUG PROBLEM?

Narcotics

Anonymous MEETINGS: WEDNESDAYS 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm 404A Ogilvie Street < BYTE Office> FRIDAYS 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm 4071 - 4th Avenue <Many Rivers> SUNDAYS 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm 404A Ogilvie Street < BYTE Office>

ALCOHOLICS ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS ANONYMOUS MEETINGS MEETINGS in Whitehorse

MONDAY: 12 noon Joy of Living (OM) 305 Wood Street (back entrance) 8:00 pm New Beginnings Group (OM) 6210 - 6th Avenue (Downtown) TUESDAY: 12 noon Joy of Living (OM) 305 Wood Street (back entrance) 7:00 pm Juste Pour Aujourd’hui (CM) 4141B - 4th Avenue & Jarvis 8:00 pm Ugly Duckling Group (CM) 6210 - 6th Avenue (Downtown) WEDNESDAY: 12 noon Joy of Living (OM) 305 Wood Street (back entrance) 8:00 pm No Puffin Group (CM) 6210 - 6th Avenue (Downtown) 8:00 pm Porter Creek Step Meeting (CM) 1607 Birch Street THURSDAY: 12 noon Joy of Living (OM) 305 Wood Street (back entrance) 7:30 pm Polar Group (OM) 6210 - 6th Avenue (Downtown) FRIDAY: 12 noon Joy of Living (OM) 305 Wood Street (back entrance) 1:30 pm Yukon Unity Group (OM) #4 Hospital Rd. (Resource Room) 8:00 pm Whitehorse Group (OM) 305 Wood Street (back entrance) SATURDAY: 1:00 pm Detox Meeting (OM) Sarah Steele Building, 609 Steele Street, Main Entrance 2:30 pm Women’s Meeting (OM) Whitehorse General Hospital #5 Hospital Road (Board Room) 7:00 pm Hospital Meeting (OM) Whitehorse General Hospital #5 Hospital Road, boardroom SUNDAY: 1:00 pm Detox Meeting (OM) Sarah Steele Building, 609 Steele Street, Main Entrance 7:00 pm Hospital Meeting (OM) Whitehorse General Hospital #5 Hospital Road, boardroom OM - open mixed, includes anyone CM - closed mixed, includes anyone with a desire to stop drinking

Yukon Communities & Atlin, B.C.

ATLIN, B.C. THURSDAY 7:30PM 5 Mile Group (OM) Tlingit Cultural Centre 1-250-651-7799

BEAVER CREEK, YT FRIDAY