Conservative Ryan Leef responds to CYFN questions, 1 week later
The Council of Yukon First Nations asked for candidates' responses by last week, only Leef was late
Conservative candidate Ryan Leef may have taken his time, but he has now responded to a series of questions from the Council of Yukon First Nations.
The CYFN sent a short questionnaire to all of the Yukon federal election candidates earlier this month.
Liberal Larry Bagnell, New Democrat Melissa Atkinson and the Green Party's Frank De Jong all responded last week, as requested by CYFN. Leef said he needed time to confirm the document was legitimate.
CYFN's questions focus on several issues deemed important to First Nations voters in Yukon: self government, Bill S-6, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's final report, and missing and murdered aboriginal women.
Leef said he supports an inquiry into murdered and missing aboriginal women, but said an inquiry alone is not enough. He said he supports other measures to improve the lives of aboriginal women and girls, and reduce the risks they face.
Responding to a question about the controversial Bill S-6, Leef repeated what he's often said: the final agreements prevail in the event of conflict with S-6, adding that section 2.6.2.2 of the Umbrella Final Agreement stipulates the same.
"Respect for final agreements is paramount," Leef wrote.
CYFN will host a Yukon candidates' forum in Whitehorse on Tuesday, Sep. 29. Leef, Bagnell, Atkinson and De Jong have all confirmed they will attend.