2 Yukon Party cabinet ministers back Pasloski

Two Yukon cabinet ministers are throwing their support behind Darrell Pasloski, one of three men who are vying for Premier Dennis Fentie's job as leader of the governing Yukon Party.

Health Minister Glenn Hart and Justice Minister Marian Horne announced late last week that they are endorsing Pasloski's leadership bid.

"His big issue is ensuring that Yukoners are Number 1, and they are looked after first," Hart said on Friday, adding that he likes Pasloski's focus on the economy.

"He's fully aware as a businessman that you need to have an economy to ensure that our children can and will have jobs," he said.

Hart and Horne join party stalwart Craig Tuton and Lake Laberge Independent MLA Brad Cathers in backing Pasloski, a Whitehorse businessman who ran unsuccessfully for the Conservatives in the 2008 federal election.

Pasloski is running against former cabinet minister Jim Kenyon and Whitehorse-area tourism operator Rod Taylor for the Yukon Party leadership. Party members will elect their new leader on Saturday in Whitehorse.

Fentie retiring from politics

Fentie, who announced last month thathe will be retiring from territorial politics, is interim leader until his successor is chosen.

Four other Yukon Party heavyweights have already saidthey are endorsing Taylor: cabinet ministers Elaine Taylor, Archie Lang and John Edzerza, as well as Speaker Ted Staffen.

But Horne said she was impressed by Pasloski's performance at a leadership forum held last week.

"Part of his speech emphasized the other people who would be part of his team, and I like that," she said.

Horne added that she also likes Pasloski's emphasis on helping rural Yukoners.

"I know that Darrell recognizes the importance of economic and career opportunities in all of our rural communities," she said.

Hart said Pasloski's connection with the federal Conservatives is a plus, but he thinks Pasloski's main strength comes from commitment to people in the territory.