Yukon Party selects new leader

Members of the Yukon Party have chosen Darrell Pasloski as their new leader and the person who replaces Canada's longest-serving premier.

He went up against MLA Jim Kenyon and businessman Rod Taylor in the leadership race and won on the first ballot Saturday.

Pasloski is a Whitehorse pharmacist and businessman who has never held elected office. He ran unsuccessfully for the Conservatives in the 2008 federal election.

As premier, he is expected to focus on the territory's economy. Other major issues include a lack of social housing, drug and alcohol abuse and an aging energy grid.

Pasloski replaces Dennis Fentie, who is retiring from politics. Fentie led the Yukon Party to power in 2002.

Pasloski will have an opportunity to get a seat in the legislature in a general election that is widely expected to take place this fall. It will be up to Pasloski, as premier, to call that election before the Yukon Party's current mandate expires in mid-October.