NDP election platform promises to 'build a better Yukon'

The Yukon New Democrats unveiled a sweeping election platform on Friday in Whitehorse, promising a different style of government, protection for the environment, and a new relationship with Yukon First Nations.

• More Yukon Votes 2016 coverage from CBC North

The NDP will offer "agovernment that believes in social justice and the well-being of all Yukoners, not just a chosen few," leader Liz Hanson told reporters gathered at the Yukon Arts Centre.

The NDP was the last of the three major parties to unveil its full election platform this week, though many NDP promises have already been announced during the campaign, including $50 millionover five yearsto help jump start a renewable energy sector in the Yukon.

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After fiveyears in opposition, advocating for change, Hanson says the New Democratsareready to implement their ideas.

'A new Yukon,' Hanson promises

"It's time," proclaims the cover of the 30-page election platform, which includes other promises such as:

• modernizing Yukon mining legislation, to address conflicts which have plagued the industry;
• a ban on fracking.
• electoral reform, promising toreplace the first-past-the-post voting system, based on consultation with Yukoners
• Yukon minimum wage will rise to at least $15 per hour over their first mandate
• Aboriginal Day will be a statutory holiday
• free first year tuition at Yukon College for Yukoners

Hanson says her government would protect the Peel Watershed by assigning new "Peel-friendly" lawyers to the Supreme Court of Canada appeal hearing set for February.

A long term priority, she says, is creating "a new Yukon", akin to the vision of Elijah Smith in his 1973 Yukon land claim document, "Together today for our children tomorrow."

"If we can achieve that sense of reconciliation in the next fiveyears, that will be an amazing achievement," said Hanson.

The NDP leader says her platform promises areall affordable, including a plan to lower income taxes for Yukon's poorest, and raising taxes for those who can afford it.

Additional funding, she suggests, will come from a carbon tax, proceeds of which will be shared with Yukoners in need.

• More Yukon Votes 2016 coverage from CBC North