Yukon politics intensifies over health care issues

Yukon politics is heating up as healthcare becomes a major topic ahead of the upcoming election. Yukon Party Leader Currie Dixon faced criticism from Premier Ranj Pillai regarding his health critic, Brad Cathers. Pillai highlighted Cathers's past as the health minister, claiming he mishandled issues during his time. Pillai specifically referenced problems at the Whitehorse hospital while Cathers was in office. He described the situation as a "dumpster fire." The issues included conflicts among doctors and hospital leadership, which ultimately led to the firing of a CEO. When asked about Cathers's track record, Dixon admitted that he did not remember much from that time because it was over 20 years ago. However, he praised Cathers’s long history in the legislature and his contributions. During a week of heated discussions in the legislature, Pillai's government was pressed by the Yukon Party about healthcare reforms. The opposition has suggested recruiting U.S. doctors and forming a task force to reduce doctor workloads. Pillai responded that his government is already working on similar plans. The premier challenged the Yukon Party to offer more than criticism, urging them to present real policy ideas. He expressed that Yukoners are tired of hearing that everything is broken, a sentiment he believes has been echoed in opposition remarks. Dixon countered Pillai's claims, saying health professionals have declared the healthcare system is in crisis. He also mentioned that two motions proposed by the Yukon Party were passed in the legislature, showing some bipartisan support. Dixon affirmed that part of the opposition's role is to question government policies and present alternatives. He indicated that the Yukon Party's full platform will be revealed closer to the election, scheduled for no later than November 3.