A CONSPIRACY OF SILENCE
THIS SITE CONTAINS BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND DATA SUPPORTING THE NEW YUKONADVOCATE.COM, I TRULY HOPE YOU FIND IT INTERESTING AND INFORMATIVE.
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AN IMPORTANT REMINDER.
Both legally and morally, there has been an implicit definition of the meaning of conflict of interest:
"a public office holder is in a conflict of interest when he or she exercises an official power, duty or function that provides an opportunity to further his or her private interests or those of his or her relatives or friends, or to improperly further another person's private interests".
"a public office holder is in a conflict of interest when he or she exercises an official power, duty or function that provides an opportunity to further his or her private interests or those of his or her relatives or friends, or to improperly further another person's private interests".
TO EVERY YUKON CITIZEN AND TAXPAYER;
Secrecy in government makes rational democracy impossible and the exercise of your vote meaningless. In a betrayal of trust, Yukon Party cabinet ministers have been governing the territory with no transparency or accountability whatsoever. Yukon electors and taxpayers have been deceived and manipulated by several of these self-serving ministers. There have been unlimited opportunities for widespread patronage and personal financial gain.
My name is Donald Taylor, I have lived in Yukon since 1949, and reside in Watson Lake. I was honored to serve this riding as MLA for 24 years, the last 11 as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, and retired in 1985. Politically, I am a free-enterprising conservative. This presentation was initially motivated as a response to the intentional destruction of Watson Lake’s economic and social structures for person reasons by a few Yukon cabinet ministers.
While somewhat lengthy, it nonetheless offers you with important information and insight into the secrecy and longstanding corrupt practices of the present Yukon Party administration. These facts are presented without prejudice for your personal consideration and evaluation.
At first they may appear to be unbelievable; however they are well documented and true. I leave it to you to make your own judgments. If you have any additional information or comment to add or contribute, either good or bad, it would be in the public interest to contact a newspaper of your choice. I am confident they will protect your confidentiality if requested.
Secrecy in government makes rational democracy impossible and the exercise of your vote meaningless. In a betrayal of trust, Yukon Party cabinet ministers have been governing the territory with no transparency or accountability whatsoever. Yukon electors and taxpayers have been deceived and manipulated by several of these self-serving ministers. There have been unlimited opportunities for widespread patronage and personal financial gain.
My name is Donald Taylor, I have lived in Yukon since 1949, and reside in Watson Lake. I was honored to serve this riding as MLA for 24 years, the last 11 as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, and retired in 1985. Politically, I am a free-enterprising conservative. This presentation was initially motivated as a response to the intentional destruction of Watson Lake’s economic and social structures for person reasons by a few Yukon cabinet ministers.
While somewhat lengthy, it nonetheless offers you with important information and insight into the secrecy and longstanding corrupt practices of the present Yukon Party administration. These facts are presented without prejudice for your personal consideration and evaluation.
At first they may appear to be unbelievable; however they are well documented and true. I leave it to you to make your own judgments. If you have any additional information or comment to add or contribute, either good or bad, it would be in the public interest to contact a newspaper of your choice. I am confident they will protect your confidentiality if requested.
Text Introduction.
Secrecy in government makes rational democracy impossible and the exercise of your vote meaningless. In a betrayal of trust, Yukon Party cabinet ministers have been governing the territory with no transparency or accountability whatsoever. Yukon electors and taxpayers have been deceived and manipulated by several of these self-serving ministers. There have been unlimited opportunities for widespread patronage and personal financial gain.
My name is Donald Taylor, I have been in Yukon since 1949, and reside in Watson Lake. I was honored to serve this riding as MLA for 24 years, the last 11 as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, and retired in 1985. Politically, I am a free-enterprising conservative. This presentation was initially motivated as a response to the intentional destruction of Watson Lake’s economic and social structures for person reasons by a few Yukon cabinet ministers.
While somewhat lengthy, it nonetheless offers you important information and insight into the secrecy and longstanding corrupt practices of the present Yukon Party administration. These facts are presented without prejudice for your personal consideration and evaluation.
At first they may appear to be unbelievable; however they are well documented and true. I leave it to you to make your own judgments. If you have any additional information or comment to add or contribute, either good or bad, it would be in the public interest to contact a newspaper of your choice. I am confident they will protect your confidentiality if requested.
And I wish to make it abundantly clear to most of the honest, well meaning and loyal members of the Yukon Part itself, that I can understand what it feels like to be duped by experts. That's why I eventually withdrew my support and cut my life membership card in two quite a while ago. But someday I hope that a territorial conservative party can be re-instituted by honest and concerned fellow conservatives, so that we can make a fresh start all over again.
My name is Donald Taylor, I have been in Yukon since 1949, and reside in Watson Lake. I was honored to serve this riding as MLA for 24 years, the last 11 as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, and retired in 1985. Politically, I am a free-enterprising conservative. This presentation was initially motivated as a response to the intentional destruction of Watson Lake’s economic and social structures for person reasons by a few Yukon cabinet ministers.
While somewhat lengthy, it nonetheless offers you important information and insight into the secrecy and longstanding corrupt practices of the present Yukon Party administration. These facts are presented without prejudice for your personal consideration and evaluation.
At first they may appear to be unbelievable; however they are well documented and true. I leave it to you to make your own judgments. If you have any additional information or comment to add or contribute, either good or bad, it would be in the public interest to contact a newspaper of your choice. I am confident they will protect your confidentiality if requested.
And I wish to make it abundantly clear to most of the honest, well meaning and loyal members of the Yukon Part itself, that I can understand what it feels like to be duped by experts. That's why I eventually withdrew my support and cut my life membership card in two quite a while ago. But someday I hope that a territorial conservative party can be re-instituted by honest and concerned fellow conservatives, so that we can make a fresh start all over again.
A NEW APPROACH
Aug 10/2011
I have been giving a lot of thought about my recent series of letters-to-the-editor. I now recognize I have just been flailing at windmills, and with no real expectation of achieving my objectives. I had hoped at some point to get assistance from one or more members of the general public in an effort to expose the Lang's empire prior to the fall election, but this will not happen and Archie will win yet again. Since cleverly high-jacking the once Yukon Progressive Conservative Party for their own purposes prior to 2002, renaming it as the the Yukon Party in the process, they have both achieved most of their goals. With his brother now in the Senate, it appears that at least two things Archie has failed to achieve so far is his ATCO project and getting his son nominated and elected to the House of Commons. Anyway I will now try a new approach.
I have just placed an ad in Friday editions of both newspapers for the next 8 weeks. In this way I am trying to draw more attention to the Advocate. With this thought in mind, I will now undertake to create a more historic style of presentation without prejudice for the interested public to consider. It will present the facts and allow the public to come to their own conclusions. Archie sometimes uses the tactic of threatening critics with a law suit, but I doubt if he would go through with it. The last place either one of them want to be is testifying about anything under oath and penalty of law. Otherwise they would have attempted this years ago. I think if I keep my facts straight, and use the appropriate phrases and dialogue I should be ok in spite of their sometimes effective tactic of intimidation.
I intend to preface yukonadvocate.com by revealing a basic outline of what they have secretly been accomplishing right from the beginning a number of years ago, and their apparent motivations for doing so. With this information, hopefully some civic minded people may start putting pieces of this gigantic jig-saw puzzle together. And who knows; just maybe they will consider approaching the media with their thoughts or observations. In this way I won’t have to be so repetitive in my presentations, and as events unfold, folks will get the picture all by themselves. I think the media have a pretty good general idea of what is behind all of this, but are likely intimidated to some extent and wary of unintentional possible lawsuits. Nonetheless, the media are only people I can think of that the general public could speak with, in confidence if necessary.
Somewhere in the future there has to be a public disclosure of what Archie has done to and with the finances of the territory. This can and will only be determined with an eventual forensic audit by the Auditor General of Canada, or perhaps a full judicial investigation, or both. You can be assured it will result in a scandal of monumental and national importance. What frustrates me is that nothing will be done about this prior to the forthcoming election, and Watson Lake could well continue to remain in the government’s stranglehold for another 5 very long years!
Anyway, I suppose to some extent I have been wasting my time and the taxpayer’s dollars, because I have depended upon my legislative pension money to keep this exposure operation going over the years. However I think this new approach might be more worthwhile, and allow me to enjoy a more of my own personal pursuits at the same time. But I absolutely refuse to stop revealing government corruption and financial mismanagement until my community is well on the way to recovery under the direction of what we used to call a visible and responsible government. The way thing are going, it appears that won’t be happening for some time now!
....................................................
I have been giving a lot of thought about my recent series of letters-to-the-editor. I now recognize I have just been flailing at windmills, and with no real expectation of achieving my objectives. I had hoped at some point to get assistance from one or more members of the general public in an effort to expose the Lang's empire prior to the fall election, but this will not happen and Archie will win yet again. Since cleverly high-jacking the once Yukon Progressive Conservative Party for their own purposes prior to 2002, renaming it as the the Yukon Party in the process, they have both achieved most of their goals. With his brother now in the Senate, it appears that at least two things Archie has failed to achieve so far is his ATCO project and getting his son nominated and elected to the House of Commons. Anyway I will now try a new approach.
I have just placed an ad in Friday editions of both newspapers for the next 8 weeks. In this way I am trying to draw more attention to the Advocate. With this thought in mind, I will now undertake to create a more historic style of presentation without prejudice for the interested public to consider. It will present the facts and allow the public to come to their own conclusions. Archie sometimes uses the tactic of threatening critics with a law suit, but I doubt if he would go through with it. The last place either one of them want to be is testifying about anything under oath and penalty of law. Otherwise they would have attempted this years ago. I think if I keep my facts straight, and use the appropriate phrases and dialogue I should be ok in spite of their sometimes effective tactic of intimidation.
I intend to preface yukonadvocate.com by revealing a basic outline of what they have secretly been accomplishing right from the beginning a number of years ago, and their apparent motivations for doing so. With this information, hopefully some civic minded people may start putting pieces of this gigantic jig-saw puzzle together. And who knows; just maybe they will consider approaching the media with their thoughts or observations. In this way I won’t have to be so repetitive in my presentations, and as events unfold, folks will get the picture all by themselves. I think the media have a pretty good general idea of what is behind all of this, but are likely intimidated to some extent and wary of unintentional possible lawsuits. Nonetheless, the media are only people I can think of that the general public could speak with, in confidence if necessary.
Somewhere in the future there has to be a public disclosure of what Archie has done to and with the finances of the territory. This can and will only be determined with an eventual forensic audit by the Auditor General of Canada, or perhaps a full judicial investigation, or both. You can be assured it will result in a scandal of monumental and national importance. What frustrates me is that nothing will be done about this prior to the forthcoming election, and Watson Lake could well continue to remain in the government’s stranglehold for another 5 very long years!
Anyway, I suppose to some extent I have been wasting my time and the taxpayer’s dollars, because I have depended upon my legislative pension money to keep this exposure operation going over the years. However I think this new approach might be more worthwhile, and allow me to enjoy a more of my own personal pursuits at the same time. But I absolutely refuse to stop revealing government corruption and financial mismanagement until my community is well on the way to recovery under the direction of what we used to call a visible and responsible government. The way thing are going, it appears that won’t be happening for some time now!
....................................................
LEASE INSPECTIONS, YUKON SYLE
- LEASE INSPECTIONS, YUKON STYLE -
Day 1 - Sunday, June 12th.
A Helicopter checked in over west end of Stewart Lake at 8:38 am and departed later without any further radio contact at 9:33. As I have the only heliport on the lake, I had a growing suspicion that something was quite wrong. I contacted my only neighbour by local radio intercom and he was as mystified as me. Obviously we were both curious about what was happening and naturally decided to investigate.
Just prior to noon I was informed by my neighbour on intercom, that a small inflatable boat with a Mercury motor had suddenly appeared, passed his house without stopping to visit. I had a box of food items destroyed by winter freezing for disposal, so I proceeded by boat to our local dump. It appeared that the mysterious visitors had located the dump from their helicopter, and that is where I found them. As suspected, it turned out to be the regional Senior Natural Resource Officer Scott Allen and an assistant, both wearing their uniform shirts. This is the same officer who did an inspection here at the lake on July 16th, 2007, resulting in part with my eviction notice, received in my mail delivered by super-cub on Christmas Eve of the same year. I let it get to me, and it resulted in causing a serious stroke over the next three days. He is also the person responsible for locating and burning several regional wilderness cabins in 2009).
He seemed disturbed about the site and condition of the dump, so we had a brief boat to boat discussion on that subject. He informed me they were here to do inspections of waterfront leases on the lake. I enquired how long they would be staying, and he said they would decide that on June 15th, next Wednesday. I noted fishing rods and tackle in their inflatable boat, and concluded this was likely just a sport fishing trip at taxpayer’s expense. I asked why they chartered a helicopter when a floatplane would suffice. He informed me that the local commercial aircraft operator has refused to fly him anywhere, citing the problems he was causing to some of the airlines steady customers.( I later learned that after leaving the dump they had done a 10 minute inspection of the Kinkel Cabin and spent the rest of the day fishing at the east end of the lake).
When I inquired where they would be camping, he indicated they were looking for a place to pitch their tent. Being the caretaker of the property they had landed at, I gave them permission to locate it on the old Lodge property. In the interests of safety I also suggested they should use my heliport for their departure. I later spoke with the owners in California by phone at 3:30 pm and they have agreed the inspectors can pitch their tent on their property, but they did not want any intrusion into their buildings. Officer Scott Allen said they might visit Mr. Ermert later this evening, and when inspecting the three properties on my end of the lake sometime tomorrow, they would be stopping at my camp. Again, they could have easily inspected everything in less than half a day, so just what is this trip really all about, and why the secrecy? I am wondering just how much all of this will be costing us taxpayers, so I decided to take pictures and record daily events as they occured;
Day 1 - Sunday, June 12th.
A Helicopter checked in over west end of Stewart Lake at 8:38 am and departed later without any further radio contact at 9:33. As I have the only heliport on the lake, I had a growing suspicion that something was quite wrong. I contacted my only neighbour by local radio intercom and he was as mystified as me. Obviously we were both curious about what was happening and naturally decided to investigate.
Just prior to noon I was informed by my neighbour on intercom, that a small inflatable boat with a Mercury motor had suddenly appeared, passed his house without stopping to visit. I had a box of food items destroyed by winter freezing for disposal, so I proceeded by boat to our local dump. It appeared that the mysterious visitors had located the dump from their helicopter, and that is where I found them. As suspected, it turned out to be the regional Senior Natural Resource Officer Scott Allen and an assistant, both wearing their uniform shirts. This is the same officer who did an inspection here at the lake on July 16th, 2007, resulting in part with my eviction notice, received in my mail delivered by super-cub on Christmas Eve of the same year. I let it get to me, and it resulted in causing a serious stroke over the next three days. He is also the person responsible for locating and burning several regional wilderness cabins in 2009).
He seemed disturbed about the site and condition of the dump, so we had a brief boat to boat discussion on that subject. He informed me they were here to do inspections of waterfront leases on the lake. I enquired how long they would be staying, and he said they would decide that on June 15th, next Wednesday. I noted fishing rods and tackle in their inflatable boat, and concluded this was likely just a sport fishing trip at taxpayer’s expense. I asked why they chartered a helicopter when a floatplane would suffice. He informed me that the local commercial aircraft operator has refused to fly him anywhere, citing the problems he was causing to some of the airlines steady customers.( I later learned that after leaving the dump they had done a 10 minute inspection of the Kinkel Cabin and spent the rest of the day fishing at the east end of the lake).
When I inquired where they would be camping, he indicated they were looking for a place to pitch their tent. Being the caretaker of the property they had landed at, I gave them permission to locate it on the old Lodge property. In the interests of safety I also suggested they should use my heliport for their departure. I later spoke with the owners in California by phone at 3:30 pm and they have agreed the inspectors can pitch their tent on their property, but they did not want any intrusion into their buildings. Officer Scott Allen said they might visit Mr. Ermert later this evening, and when inspecting the three properties on my end of the lake sometime tomorrow, they would be stopping at my camp. Again, they could have easily inspected everything in less than half a day, so just what is this trip really all about, and why the secrecy? I am wondering just how much all of this will be costing us taxpayers, so I decided to take pictures and record daily events as they occured;
FULLY EQUIPPED
FULLY EQUIPPED
Day 2
Day 2 - June 13th.
They inspected the Ermert residence: (10 min.), Taylor residence, (15 min.), Basarab Cabin: (10 min.), - Total time 35 min. They spent the rest of their day fishing.
Because of all the mysterious secrecy, I had notified local cabin owners John and Ron Basarab by phone and agreed to be present during inspections of their properties. I will be taking pictures from time to time as well. I have also decided not interfere with their inspection in any way, but I will certainly not invite them into my home, and will insist that I am able to view any information contained in their report. Both resource officers arrived in full uniform, complete with side-arms, to inspect the Ermert residence in mid-morning. They had just finished that inspection when I arrived and learned they had found no problems. Later they left to inspect my camp and cabins to the east of my residence. When they inspected the John Basarab cabin, they recommended some yard clean-up and then left to go fishing. I found them later still fishing pike at in Submarine Bay at 3:30 pm.
They inspected the Ermert residence: (10 min.), Taylor residence, (15 min.), Basarab Cabin: (10 min.), - Total time 35 min. They spent the rest of their day fishing.
Because of all the mysterious secrecy, I had notified local cabin owners John and Ron Basarab by phone and agreed to be present during inspections of their properties. I will be taking pictures from time to time as well. I have also decided not interfere with their inspection in any way, but I will certainly not invite them into my home, and will insist that I am able to view any information contained in their report. Both resource officers arrived in full uniform, complete with side-arms, to inspect the Ermert residence in mid-morning. They had just finished that inspection when I arrived and learned they had found no problems. Later they left to inspect my camp and cabins to the east of my residence. When they inspected the John Basarab cabin, they recommended some yard clean-up and then left to go fishing. I found them later still fishing pike at in Submarine Bay at 3:30 pm.
ARMED AND READY
ARMED AND READY
Day 3
They left earlier than planned. I wonder if they are just camera shy?
Day 3 – June 14th.
Last evening the inspectors informed Mr. Ermert that they had spoken by sat-phone with the helicopter pilot, asking to be picked up today. Reportedly, the pilot told them he would try and work it in sometime today. No one has seen them so far today so they seem to be staying in the vicinity of the lodge. Helicopter CHU finally arrived at lodge at shortly 3:03pm and departed at 3:08 with the inspectors. When I enquired earlier why they had not saved the taxpayer some money by flying in by floatplane, Scott Allen told me outright that the flying service refused to fly him anywhere because he was causing too much trouble with their clients. So they had left their truck just outside the Sa Dena Hes Mine gate, and hired the helicopter pick them up from there. It is good they and their guns are finally gone, greatly reducing the stress load from those of us remaining in this normally tranquil place. This will also give Yukon taxpayers a big break as well.
Day 3 – June 14th.
Last evening the inspectors informed Mr. Ermert that they had spoken by sat-phone with the helicopter pilot, asking to be picked up today. Reportedly, the pilot told them he would try and work it in sometime today. No one has seen them so far today so they seem to be staying in the vicinity of the lodge. Helicopter CHU finally arrived at lodge at shortly 3:03pm and departed at 3:08 with the inspectors. When I enquired earlier why they had not saved the taxpayer some money by flying in by floatplane, Scott Allen told me outright that the flying service refused to fly him anywhere because he was causing too much trouble with their clients. So they had left their truck just outside the Sa Dena Hes Mine gate, and hired the helicopter pick them up from there. It is good they and their guns are finally gone, greatly reducing the stress load from those of us remaining in this normally tranquil place. This will also give Yukon taxpayers a big break as well.
LOOKING FOR MORE FORMS?
LOOKING FOR MORE FORMS?
AND IT"S PAID FOR AS WELL!
AND IT"S PAID FOR AS WELL!
INTRODUCTION
Please be assured that for the most part, Yukon, Canada is a beautiful place to live, and is populated with about 35,000 friendly and industrious people. However we do have a serious leadership problem, so this site is designed to expose some of the shocking patronage and corruption which has been occurring for many years here. This matter should be of concern equally to Yukon residents and Canadian taxpayers alike. It's only fair that you be made aware how your tax dollars is being misused by the government administration of Yukon.
A once free-enterprising Yukon Party was first elected in 2002, but it was not until after its re-election in 2006 that it became increasingly clear that it had been overwhelmed by a small but very influential number of people, who are thought to be motivated by personal financial interests. With a small population of just under 34,667 proud Canadian citizens, complaints or criticisms can easily encourage retaliation, so along with the media, residents must be very careful how they react to outrageous events similar to the ones I will enumerate here.
Over the past 6 years this government has effectively de-populated my community of Watson Lake and the surrounding district, destroying the economy and social structure in the process. My continued protests and criticisms of three local suppliers monopolizing the regional sale of food, clothing and medical services was totally ignored. In retaliation I have been denied local access to these facilities for over 2 years now, and so must travel 283 miles by road to Whitehorse each time to obtain these services.
So once again, this site is an honest attempt to attract the attention of each and every Canadian who have a sense of justice and fair play to our problem. If the national media along with a number of citizens or groups would at least consider bombarding the government of Yukon for answers, perhaps a much needed forensic audit by the Auditor General of Canada, or an independent judicial review could result, so that the real truth will be exposed to public view once and for all time.
In the meantime, I will try to keep this site updated regularly as events occur, and if you are still interested in knowing how your tax dollar is being spent here in Yukon, and what effect it is having on my community of Watson Lake in particular, I leave you the following items for your interest and consideration:
.................................................
A once free-enterprising Yukon Party was first elected in 2002, but it was not until after its re-election in 2006 that it became increasingly clear that it had been overwhelmed by a small but very influential number of people, who are thought to be motivated by personal financial interests. With a small population of just under 34,667 proud Canadian citizens, complaints or criticisms can easily encourage retaliation, so along with the media, residents must be very careful how they react to outrageous events similar to the ones I will enumerate here.
Over the past 6 years this government has effectively de-populated my community of Watson Lake and the surrounding district, destroying the economy and social structure in the process. My continued protests and criticisms of three local suppliers monopolizing the regional sale of food, clothing and medical services was totally ignored. In retaliation I have been denied local access to these facilities for over 2 years now, and so must travel 283 miles by road to Whitehorse each time to obtain these services.
So once again, this site is an honest attempt to attract the attention of each and every Canadian who have a sense of justice and fair play to our problem. If the national media along with a number of citizens or groups would at least consider bombarding the government of Yukon for answers, perhaps a much needed forensic audit by the Auditor General of Canada, or an independent judicial review could result, so that the real truth will be exposed to public view once and for all time.
In the meantime, I will try to keep this site updated regularly as events occur, and if you are still interested in knowing how your tax dollar is being spent here in Yukon, and what effect it is having on my community of Watson Lake in particular, I leave you the following items for your interest and consideration:
.................................................
LEADERSHIP CHANGE.
........................................
- YUKON LEADERSHIP, WILL IT BE MORE OF THE SAME -
July, 2011.
Initially, I applauded Darrell Pasloski’s rapid rise to lead the Yukon Party, anticipating welcome changes to government under his leadership. At first blush he appeared to be a sincere person who believed in fair play and good government. However, he is not an elected MLA so is unable to sit in the legislature, and except at election time, he cannot be fully accountable to the people for his administration. It is interesting that he has retained the existing Cabinet with only one recent addition, very likely upon instruction from the Minister of Community Services. This brings the number of Cabinet Ministers to a total of nine. I wonder if that will really be enought to look after 34,000 people? With a solid reputation as a ‘good guy’ aside, it’s becoming more and more apparent that our new Premier has just blended into the old establishment and will be expected to do as he is told. Unless someone can prove otherwise, there is presently no other explanation.
Yukon electors will recall that back in 2006 it was Archie and Dan Lang who introduced and promoted his predecessor Dennis Fentie to the Yukon Party leadership and thus Premier. For that matter it was the Minister of Community Services and former Premier Fentie who convinced the Prime Minister to appoint the Minister’s brother Dan to become the new Yukon Senator. Premier Poslowski's principal promoter was appointed by the Cabinet as Chairman of the Yukon Hospital Corporation and he is also closely associated with the Minister of Community Services. It's somewhat like an old boys club, where patronage is just second nature. It will be interesting to see if our new Premier follows suit, and who rates his future appointments and political favors.
Unfortunately, there is now little hope that the Yukon Legislative Assembly will be returned to the people under his leadership. It is of paramount importance that someday in the future, our legislature will once again be able to function independent of external influences. For example, it is now unlikely that in the interest of impartiality Premier Posloski would separate the office of the Speaker from his caucus. Also, the Speaker should not participate in any public political activities whatsoever, other than those related to his own constituency. Further, it is unlikely that the Premier would instruct his majority to ensure re-activation of all Standing Committees of the Legislative Assembly. This presently denied function is an essential parliamentary component practiced everywhere throughout the Commonwealth. If the voices of all the people are ever to be heard, opposition member must be provided with every possible opportunity to present and debate issues on behalf of their constituents regardless of political persuasions. Until then, there seems little possibility for change on the horizon
.....................................
- YUKON LEADERSHIP, WILL IT BE MORE OF THE SAME -
July, 2011.
Initially, I applauded Darrell Pasloski’s rapid rise to lead the Yukon Party, anticipating welcome changes to government under his leadership. At first blush he appeared to be a sincere person who believed in fair play and good government. However, he is not an elected MLA so is unable to sit in the legislature, and except at election time, he cannot be fully accountable to the people for his administration. It is interesting that he has retained the existing Cabinet with only one recent addition, very likely upon instruction from the Minister of Community Services. This brings the number of Cabinet Ministers to a total of nine. I wonder if that will really be enought to look after 34,000 people? With a solid reputation as a ‘good guy’ aside, it’s becoming more and more apparent that our new Premier has just blended into the old establishment and will be expected to do as he is told. Unless someone can prove otherwise, there is presently no other explanation.
Yukon electors will recall that back in 2006 it was Archie and Dan Lang who introduced and promoted his predecessor Dennis Fentie to the Yukon Party leadership and thus Premier. For that matter it was the Minister of Community Services and former Premier Fentie who convinced the Prime Minister to appoint the Minister’s brother Dan to become the new Yukon Senator. Premier Poslowski's principal promoter was appointed by the Cabinet as Chairman of the Yukon Hospital Corporation and he is also closely associated with the Minister of Community Services. It's somewhat like an old boys club, where patronage is just second nature. It will be interesting to see if our new Premier follows suit, and who rates his future appointments and political favors.
Unfortunately, there is now little hope that the Yukon Legislative Assembly will be returned to the people under his leadership. It is of paramount importance that someday in the future, our legislature will once again be able to function independent of external influences. For example, it is now unlikely that in the interest of impartiality Premier Posloski would separate the office of the Speaker from his caucus. Also, the Speaker should not participate in any public political activities whatsoever, other than those related to his own constituency. Further, it is unlikely that the Premier would instruct his majority to ensure re-activation of all Standing Committees of the Legislative Assembly. This presently denied function is an essential parliamentary component practiced everywhere throughout the Commonwealth. If the voices of all the people are ever to be heard, opposition member must be provided with every possible opportunity to present and debate issues on behalf of their constituents regardless of political persuasions. Until then, there seems little possibility for change on the horizon
.....................................
THE KICKBACK CLAUSE.
August 8th, 2011
Dear Editor,
For years I have been publicizing the extremely high costs of food, clothing and prescription drugs here in Watson Lake. Despite a recent media interview with the food store, and no letters to the contrary, I am still denied access to both “Archies Store” and Parhelion Medical Services.
I made an official complaint to the Yukon Medical Council over a year ago, protesting the denial of access to medical or pharmaceutical services from the local Parhelion clinic and pharmacy. Of course I knew that three cabinet ministers from Watson Lake controlled the Yukon government, and that our MLA was Premier, but probably due to secrecy I was unaware at the time that our local doctor was also co-chairman of the Medical Council. In any event, I have just received the attached Yukon Medical Council’s long anticipated dismissal of my submission.
Dr. Said Secorbegovic has owned and operated his clinic and pharmacy in Watson Lake for over 30 years. I complained that he was charging governments for his medical services upstairs, and after issuing prescriptions, he was directing patients downstairs to his own pharmacy. With an abundance of tax dollars to exploit, he had virtually been printing his own money. In my innocence I suggested this was contrary to the intent of “Kickback” Section (46) of the Yukon Medical Profession Act, and if found guilty he should be penalized accordingly under Section (48). I made no reference to any ‘third party’ as referred to in the YMC decision.
To my astonishment, the Medical Council claims they found no-evidence that the doctor ever received a “Kickback” for prescribing or issuing any medications in this regard. I must have attended a different school, because up to now I have honestly believed the “Kickback” clause meant or intended that no doctor should be allowed to benefit financially from issuing his or her own prescriptions. I am shocked to learn that apparently this is not the case at all.
Why don’t you and your readers give it a try? It reads “No medical practitioner shall take or receive any remuneration by way of commission, discount, refund or otherwise from any person who fills a prescription given or issued by a medical practitioner”. Perhaps I am mistaken, but I truly wonder if Alberta has a similar provision?
The Council has concluded by stating they couldn’t find any evidence of discrimination or incidences of unprofessional conduct by Dr. Secorbegovic. This is the same controversial doctor who recently forced a local media outlet to publish a statement claiming his prescriptions of Ativan and Tylenol 3 did not increase by 241% and 136% respectively in 2002-2003 compared to previous years. Health Canada’s records are saying just the opposite. These are available in detail at yukonadvocate.com , so who is really telling us the truth? You be the judge.
This is yet another indication of how far the present establishment will go to protect one of their own. Whether he is in or out of office, the powerful influences of the Minister of Community Services knows no bounds. Yukon Party supporters wake-up, you are being duped by experts!
Donald E. Taylor
Citizens Advocate
Watson Lake
........................................................
Dear Editor,
For years I have been publicizing the extremely high costs of food, clothing and prescription drugs here in Watson Lake. Despite a recent media interview with the food store, and no letters to the contrary, I am still denied access to both “Archies Store” and Parhelion Medical Services.
I made an official complaint to the Yukon Medical Council over a year ago, protesting the denial of access to medical or pharmaceutical services from the local Parhelion clinic and pharmacy. Of course I knew that three cabinet ministers from Watson Lake controlled the Yukon government, and that our MLA was Premier, but probably due to secrecy I was unaware at the time that our local doctor was also co-chairman of the Medical Council. In any event, I have just received the attached Yukon Medical Council’s long anticipated dismissal of my submission.
Dr. Said Secorbegovic has owned and operated his clinic and pharmacy in Watson Lake for over 30 years. I complained that he was charging governments for his medical services upstairs, and after issuing prescriptions, he was directing patients downstairs to his own pharmacy. With an abundance of tax dollars to exploit, he had virtually been printing his own money. In my innocence I suggested this was contrary to the intent of “Kickback” Section (46) of the Yukon Medical Profession Act, and if found guilty he should be penalized accordingly under Section (48). I made no reference to any ‘third party’ as referred to in the YMC decision.
To my astonishment, the Medical Council claims they found no-evidence that the doctor ever received a “Kickback” for prescribing or issuing any medications in this regard. I must have attended a different school, because up to now I have honestly believed the “Kickback” clause meant or intended that no doctor should be allowed to benefit financially from issuing his or her own prescriptions. I am shocked to learn that apparently this is not the case at all.
Why don’t you and your readers give it a try? It reads “No medical practitioner shall take or receive any remuneration by way of commission, discount, refund or otherwise from any person who fills a prescription given or issued by a medical practitioner”. Perhaps I am mistaken, but I truly wonder if Alberta has a similar provision?
The Council has concluded by stating they couldn’t find any evidence of discrimination or incidences of unprofessional conduct by Dr. Secorbegovic. This is the same controversial doctor who recently forced a local media outlet to publish a statement claiming his prescriptions of Ativan and Tylenol 3 did not increase by 241% and 136% respectively in 2002-2003 compared to previous years. Health Canada’s records are saying just the opposite. These are available in detail at yukonadvocate.com , so who is really telling us the truth? You be the judge.
This is yet another indication of how far the present establishment will go to protect one of their own. Whether he is in or out of office, the powerful influences of the Minister of Community Services knows no bounds. Yukon Party supporters wake-up, you are being duped by experts!
Donald E. Taylor
Citizens Advocate
Watson Lake
........................................................
- OUR MASSIVE DEBT -
Despite assurances from our leaders to the contrary, our rapidly increasing debt load should be a matter of concern to everyone. My research indicates that our government is indebted to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars. As a result, along with its related Commissions and Corporations they are all paying substantial annual interest with our tax dollars to accommodate these substantial loans. Considering a recorded Yukon population of only 34,000 residents as of last December, this has to be the heaviest per-capita debt load in all of Canada. The time for fiscal restraint is long overdue, and this serious issue must be addressed immediately. Taxpayers are entitled to know the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. If the Premier and his Cabinet should declare that I am wrong in my assessment, I hereby publicly challenge them to prove it openly with appropriate documentation for Yukon residents and taxpayers to consider. Failure to do so would only further confirm my findings to date.
I think you should know that following a ten year study, the National CD Howe Institute has proclaimed that our territorial government is “the worst financial planner in Canada and a standout for failing to live up to its spending plans”. It also revealed that Yukon had over-runs compared to what they had planned on spending, an amount of about $500 million over the decade. They also noted that “the Yukon government uses different accounting practices for its budget and year end audited statements. That makes it tough to track down the actual overspending”. They concluded that “changes should be made to ensure the Yukon government clearly explains why it’s spending more than it takes in”. I feel strongly that as Yukon citizens and taxpayers, that we must hold our leaders to account and demand answers about these and other related fiscal matters forthwith.
Cabinet Ministers are elected by political process and are not expected to be proficient in overseeing any particular portfolio. For example, you may recall that supporters of a former Yukon premier were able to propel him from a position of seeming insolvency, to complete control of the public treasury as Minister of Finance in only a few weeks. To fulfill his new responsibility he was dependent on a Deputy Minister to provide him with expert advice about everything from administration to policy. In fact this is how government has been able to develop confusing and deceptive accounting practices ever since. In reality, Deputy Ministers are the experts we pay to run our entire government and public service. As you may have suspected, their salaries are a closely guarded secret even from the Legislature, and believe me they don’t come cheap!
These Deputy Ministers manage the day to day operations of government departments. They provide their Minister with the broadest possible expert advice (which is almost always kept secret) and oversee staff and resources. They provide any support needed to carry out the Ministers responsibilities. They are responsible and accountable for a wide range of duties including policy advice, program delivery, internal departmental management and co-ordination. They must also balance the political environment with departmental concerns, external pressures, and personal needs. It must be noted, they owe their loyalties to the Minister, and not the taxpayers.
Government is telling us one thing and national experts quite another about our debt load. It is up to you as a resident to determine which one is telling the truth. When this question has been answered to your satisfaction, there is only one moral obligation to consider. Either demand that government deal with this massive debt situation today, or just leave the whole matter for our children and future generations to resolve later. The decision is yours
Donald E. Taylor,
Citizens Advocate,
Watson Lake.
....................................................
I think you should know that following a ten year study, the National CD Howe Institute has proclaimed that our territorial government is “the worst financial planner in Canada and a standout for failing to live up to its spending plans”. It also revealed that Yukon had over-runs compared to what they had planned on spending, an amount of about $500 million over the decade. They also noted that “the Yukon government uses different accounting practices for its budget and year end audited statements. That makes it tough to track down the actual overspending”. They concluded that “changes should be made to ensure the Yukon government clearly explains why it’s spending more than it takes in”. I feel strongly that as Yukon citizens and taxpayers, that we must hold our leaders to account and demand answers about these and other related fiscal matters forthwith.
Cabinet Ministers are elected by political process and are not expected to be proficient in overseeing any particular portfolio. For example, you may recall that supporters of a former Yukon premier were able to propel him from a position of seeming insolvency, to complete control of the public treasury as Minister of Finance in only a few weeks. To fulfill his new responsibility he was dependent on a Deputy Minister to provide him with expert advice about everything from administration to policy. In fact this is how government has been able to develop confusing and deceptive accounting practices ever since. In reality, Deputy Ministers are the experts we pay to run our entire government and public service. As you may have suspected, their salaries are a closely guarded secret even from the Legislature, and believe me they don’t come cheap!
These Deputy Ministers manage the day to day operations of government departments. They provide their Minister with the broadest possible expert advice (which is almost always kept secret) and oversee staff and resources. They provide any support needed to carry out the Ministers responsibilities. They are responsible and accountable for a wide range of duties including policy advice, program delivery, internal departmental management and co-ordination. They must also balance the political environment with departmental concerns, external pressures, and personal needs. It must be noted, they owe their loyalties to the Minister, and not the taxpayers.
Government is telling us one thing and national experts quite another about our debt load. It is up to you as a resident to determine which one is telling the truth. When this question has been answered to your satisfaction, there is only one moral obligation to consider. Either demand that government deal with this massive debt situation today, or just leave the whole matter for our children and future generations to resolve later. The decision is yours
Donald E. Taylor,
Citizens Advocate,
Watson Lake.
....................................................
POLITICAL PATRONAGE.
Aug 4th, 2011
Political Patronage is defined in part as "the appointment of officials inside and outside government, and the use of government financial resources to reward companies or individuals for their electoral support”. While I have not researched other areas, I can assure you that Watson Lake is no stranger to the subject.
In addition to personal experience and observations, I often look to the Yukon government for details about their contracts. Many people are unaware that the Yukon government maintains a website showing details of contracts provided by all its departments. It can be accessed at;
http://www.hpw.gov.yk.ca/registry/registry_search.html .
Here you will find the price of contracts, and see if they were awarded by public tender, sole- sourced, or invitational bid. I think everyone would be very interested in this information. For instance, in Watson Lake, from 2005 to 09, there was a total capital expenditure of $2.2 million just for Community Services alone. Only 4 of the contracts involved were publicly tendered, the rest were sole-sourced as patronage. Capital expenditures for Highways& Public Works, Community Development, & Health and Social Services combined totaled $183.5 million dollars. Over 75% of this was sole-sourced or awarded by invitational bid. Needless to say, a couple of local contractors made big money over that period.
One contract that really stands out was the construction of what became known as the “Multi-Level Care Facility”. This was the addition to the Watson Lake hospital in 2006, later dubbed by the media as “Fentie’s 5.5 million dollar boondoggle”. The project was never offered as a single contract. As the registry indicates, it was publicly tendered for the most part, but broken into a number of smaller contracts, then awarded to a local political supporter. Some of these were tendered late in the season, likely designed to discourage competitive bidding. The interior drywall eventually became soaked with rainwater, and for the next five years the structure remained full of mould and unusable. Fentie’s embarrassing boondoggle was finally torn down last spring to make room for a replacement, a new $27 million dollar addition to the hospital. Including the steel frame, I would estimate that only, a couple of hundred thousand dollars in materials was actually salvaged. The rest wound up in the local dump with Yukon taxpayers losing about $5 million dollars in the process. How’s that for patronage and mismanagement? And as you will observe, there are many more questionable contracts in the registry.
As you will see, the registry comes directly from the government, and it provides very informative reading. No doubt you will find it chock full of sole-sourced and invitational contracts in your area and right across the territory. This is patronage at its best, and it’s our government that’s been providing it. Why wouldn’t they want to continue doing this for at another five years!
Donald E. Taylor
Citizens Advocate
Watson Lake
.......................................................
Political Patronage is defined in part as "the appointment of officials inside and outside government, and the use of government financial resources to reward companies or individuals for their electoral support”. While I have not researched other areas, I can assure you that Watson Lake is no stranger to the subject.
In addition to personal experience and observations, I often look to the Yukon government for details about their contracts. Many people are unaware that the Yukon government maintains a website showing details of contracts provided by all its departments. It can be accessed at;
http://www.hpw.gov.yk.ca/registry/registry_search.html .
Here you will find the price of contracts, and see if they were awarded by public tender, sole- sourced, or invitational bid. I think everyone would be very interested in this information. For instance, in Watson Lake, from 2005 to 09, there was a total capital expenditure of $2.2 million just for Community Services alone. Only 4 of the contracts involved were publicly tendered, the rest were sole-sourced as patronage. Capital expenditures for Highways& Public Works, Community Development, & Health and Social Services combined totaled $183.5 million dollars. Over 75% of this was sole-sourced or awarded by invitational bid. Needless to say, a couple of local contractors made big money over that period.
One contract that really stands out was the construction of what became known as the “Multi-Level Care Facility”. This was the addition to the Watson Lake hospital in 2006, later dubbed by the media as “Fentie’s 5.5 million dollar boondoggle”. The project was never offered as a single contract. As the registry indicates, it was publicly tendered for the most part, but broken into a number of smaller contracts, then awarded to a local political supporter. Some of these were tendered late in the season, likely designed to discourage competitive bidding. The interior drywall eventually became soaked with rainwater, and for the next five years the structure remained full of mould and unusable. Fentie’s embarrassing boondoggle was finally torn down last spring to make room for a replacement, a new $27 million dollar addition to the hospital. Including the steel frame, I would estimate that only, a couple of hundred thousand dollars in materials was actually salvaged. The rest wound up in the local dump with Yukon taxpayers losing about $5 million dollars in the process. How’s that for patronage and mismanagement? And as you will observe, there are many more questionable contracts in the registry.
As you will see, the registry comes directly from the government, and it provides very informative reading. No doubt you will find it chock full of sole-sourced and invitational contracts in your area and right across the territory. This is patronage at its best, and it’s our government that’s been providing it. Why wouldn’t they want to continue doing this for at another five years!
Donald E. Taylor
Citizens Advocate
Watson Lake
.......................................................
ADMINISTRATIVE SALARIES
July, 2011
Since the government began using its majority in the legislature to restrict regular examination and debate of annual budgets, everyone but themselves has been left in the dark about our finances and rising debt loads. But have you ever considered how much we are paying the people who are doing all the borrowing and spending? To meet the needs of only 35,000 residents, we seem to be top-heavy with administrators. Has government evolved into some kind of an uncontrolled, free-spending money dispensing machine? If so, wouldn’t it be great to have more taxpayers to help us share the load?
Excluding expenses or other perks, figures indicate that we are currently paying about $1.4 million plus in annual salaries for nine Cabinet Ministers. They in turn are depending on 11 hired Deputy Ministers for advice and to actually run the government. Their salaries remain a closely guarded secret, even from the legislature. It does appear they are compensated within a range of $130,000 to $200,000 per year, thus costing taxpayers another $3 1/2 million more or less. In summary, Yukon taxpayers are providing combined ministerial salaries amounting to around $5 million dollars per year right off the top. If individual expenses claimed by these 20 people were ever added, the total cost would be staggering. Do think that with only 35,000 people to pick up the load, we really need such a large administration? Perhaps it’s time for an independent assessment.
The travel expenses for some members of the legislature are also notable. For example, the MLA from Dawson claimed his 2008-9 travel and living expenses amounting to $52,506.38. This leaves the impression that the road to and from Dawson must be the most expensive one to travel in the territory. My MLA, Dennis Fentie only claimed $20,236.46 for the same period. But then being Premier, expenses for his regular charter flights and standby’s to Watson Lake to attend Chamber of Commerce luncheons must have been charged elsewhere. Fortunately, when becoming Premier in 2002, our local doctor made a down payment for him on a residence in Crestview, placing it in the name of his spouse. This way he has been able to pay monthly rent for accommodation to his spouse, using his outside member MLA rental housing allowance as provided by you the taxpayer. I understand a few other MLA”s may be enjoying the same benefits.
Donald E.Taylor
Citizens Advocate,
Watson Lake.
..............................
Since the government began using its majority in the legislature to restrict regular examination and debate of annual budgets, everyone but themselves has been left in the dark about our finances and rising debt loads. But have you ever considered how much we are paying the people who are doing all the borrowing and spending? To meet the needs of only 35,000 residents, we seem to be top-heavy with administrators. Has government evolved into some kind of an uncontrolled, free-spending money dispensing machine? If so, wouldn’t it be great to have more taxpayers to help us share the load?
Excluding expenses or other perks, figures indicate that we are currently paying about $1.4 million plus in annual salaries for nine Cabinet Ministers. They in turn are depending on 11 hired Deputy Ministers for advice and to actually run the government. Their salaries remain a closely guarded secret, even from the legislature. It does appear they are compensated within a range of $130,000 to $200,000 per year, thus costing taxpayers another $3 1/2 million more or less. In summary, Yukon taxpayers are providing combined ministerial salaries amounting to around $5 million dollars per year right off the top. If individual expenses claimed by these 20 people were ever added, the total cost would be staggering. Do think that with only 35,000 people to pick up the load, we really need such a large administration? Perhaps it’s time for an independent assessment.
The travel expenses for some members of the legislature are also notable. For example, the MLA from Dawson claimed his 2008-9 travel and living expenses amounting to $52,506.38. This leaves the impression that the road to and from Dawson must be the most expensive one to travel in the territory. My MLA, Dennis Fentie only claimed $20,236.46 for the same period. But then being Premier, expenses for his regular charter flights and standby’s to Watson Lake to attend Chamber of Commerce luncheons must have been charged elsewhere. Fortunately, when becoming Premier in 2002, our local doctor made a down payment for him on a residence in Crestview, placing it in the name of his spouse. This way he has been able to pay monthly rent for accommodation to his spouse, using his outside member MLA rental housing allowance as provided by you the taxpayer. I understand a few other MLA”s may be enjoying the same benefits.
Donald E.Taylor
Citizens Advocate,
Watson Lake.
..............................
JUDICIAL INQUIRY
July, 2011
The Need for a Judicial Inquiry Into the Financial Activities of the Yukon Party Government.
You are likely aware that for the most part it is the Premier, Deputy Premier, and the Minister of Community Services who control the administration and financial affairs of the Yukon government. But were you aware that all three have their roots and foundations in Watson Lake?
Since prior to 2006 they have intentionally allowed Watson Lake to degenerate into a depressed, drug saturated community with little hope for change on the horizon? The economy and social structure of Watson Lake has been completely destroyed with the concurrence of a former premier, who is also the MLA for Watson Lake. There is growing speculation that this intentional neglect is likely designed to provide exclusive government sponsorship and protection to only three enterprises monopolizing regional sales of food, clothing, and access to the local physician and his pharmacy. These seem to be the only local enterprises who could possibly benefit financialy by discouraging any population increase that might introduce opportunities for competition in their sectors.
In fact these three enterprises have been enjoying exclusive access to a very profitable market simply by targeting the endless abundance of federal dollars readily available from exploitation of regional First Nations residents and communities throughout a large area of Northern B.C. and Southern Yukon.
This is the only plausible reason why this situation is being condoned by the former premier and his cabinet. Even if the Yukon Party is defeated at the upcomming fall election, the public are still entitled to know where many millions of our mismanaged tax dollars have gone. Our elected officials must eventually be accountable to those who elected them. Obviously, only an independent audit or judicial inquiry would be able to come up with the answers.
For the past several years I have tried to draw attention to the massive corruption that has permeated the entire senior administration of Yukon. Notably, they have never, ever publicly denied my revelations, preferring to remain hidden in a cloak of absolute silence and secrecy. They wish to portray me as just some sort of irresponsible crank with no credibility whatsoever, but I hasten to assure you that I am nothing of the sort. I can only offer my ongoing personal dedication to the people of Yukon and my parliamentary credentials to back me up.
Please be assured that before making any issue public, every revelation I present is fully supported by facts and documentation. These Ministers are freely spending both Yukon and Federal tax dollars on a daily basis and at times, appear to do so by means of personal patronage to friends and political supporters. I therefore feel strongly that when asking for your support for an audit or judicial inquiry, you entitled to be provided with some insight into the background of some of the participents.
For example, extensive research eventually disclosed the involvement an exceptional and very influential policy maker who is hidden in the Cabinet background. He is well known local Watson Lake physician and pharmacy owner, Dr. Said Secorbegovic. Like the rest of the community, he was aware at the time that our then Watson Lake NDP MLA, Dennis Fentie, had a widely known and well published past record of prior imprisonment in a federal penitentiary, specifically for dealing the drug heroin within the city of Edmonton.
It was sometime time in late 2001 that Dr. Secorbegovic conscripted and bonded with now Premier, Dennis Fentie. I am personally satisfied they are both synonymous, to the degree of being almost one and the same person. A detailed examination of Health Canada’s public records clearly indicates that Dr. Secorbegovic’s prescriptions of painkillers in the following year increased sharply and noticeably. In fact in 2002/3 his prescriptions for the drug “Ativan” suddenly rose by 241% and “Tylenol 3” by 130%. Health Canada figures up to 2009/10 also confirm that these levels have been somewhat sustained ever since. As I have stated before, the entire Watson Lake region today remains super-saturated in prescription and other drugs. Ask yourself, where could all these drugs be coming from? It would be interesting to know the number of deaths or suicides which may be attributed to prescription drug abuse in Watson Lake over these same years. This information could only be obtained from the Yukon Government, so the result might not be reliable at this point.
I agree, the existing 12 bed Watson Lake Hospital is an older facility, but those beds remain empty of patients at most times. In 2010 the Yukon government sole-sourced contract to provide a now completed new Watson Lake Ambulance Station at a cost rumored to exceed $1.2 million. In addition to the two Yukon Housing units provided much earlier by former Premier Fentie for the doctors exclusive use, there is still no demonstrated need for a new hospital at this time, other than to provide Dr.Secorbegovic with a new “Clinic and Retail Pharmacy” all at taxpayer’s expense. I had asked that a hold be placed on this development until an independent investigation could be undertaken to determine once and for all the justification or otherwise for this unneeded and expensive new Watson Lake Hospital, but to no avail. In pictures taken last spring and placed below, you will see all that remains of the $5.5 million moulding former hospital addition dubbed by the media as "Fenties Boonedoggle". This unjustified new hospital addition is also designed to replace the newly constructed ambulance station which was just completed last year. It was sole-sourced as patronage and is thought to have cost taxpayers another $1.2 million or more dollars.
After bonding with MLA Dennis Fentie, Dr. Secorbegovic passed him along to Archie and Dan Lang to be used for their political purposes. They quickly introduced and promoted Mr. Fentie to the Yukon Party leadership, and a couple of weeks later after the last election, he became Premier, and Minister of Finance allowing him full control of the public purse. This was quite an accomplishment for someone with doubtful credentials. Do you not suspect that something is very wrong with this picture?
This is just one of the many reasons I have been asking Yukon citizens to take a close look at the current plight of a many Watson Lake residents, and help them find some relief from their dilemma. A full and independent judicial inquiry into the financial affairs of the current Yukon Party government administration is warranted.
Donald E. Taylor,
Citizens Advocate,
Watson Lake.
....................................................
The Need for a Judicial Inquiry Into the Financial Activities of the Yukon Party Government.
You are likely aware that for the most part it is the Premier, Deputy Premier, and the Minister of Community Services who control the administration and financial affairs of the Yukon government. But were you aware that all three have their roots and foundations in Watson Lake?
Since prior to 2006 they have intentionally allowed Watson Lake to degenerate into a depressed, drug saturated community with little hope for change on the horizon? The economy and social structure of Watson Lake has been completely destroyed with the concurrence of a former premier, who is also the MLA for Watson Lake. There is growing speculation that this intentional neglect is likely designed to provide exclusive government sponsorship and protection to only three enterprises monopolizing regional sales of food, clothing, and access to the local physician and his pharmacy. These seem to be the only local enterprises who could possibly benefit financialy by discouraging any population increase that might introduce opportunities for competition in their sectors.
In fact these three enterprises have been enjoying exclusive access to a very profitable market simply by targeting the endless abundance of federal dollars readily available from exploitation of regional First Nations residents and communities throughout a large area of Northern B.C. and Southern Yukon.
This is the only plausible reason why this situation is being condoned by the former premier and his cabinet. Even if the Yukon Party is defeated at the upcomming fall election, the public are still entitled to know where many millions of our mismanaged tax dollars have gone. Our elected officials must eventually be accountable to those who elected them. Obviously, only an independent audit or judicial inquiry would be able to come up with the answers.
For the past several years I have tried to draw attention to the massive corruption that has permeated the entire senior administration of Yukon. Notably, they have never, ever publicly denied my revelations, preferring to remain hidden in a cloak of absolute silence and secrecy. They wish to portray me as just some sort of irresponsible crank with no credibility whatsoever, but I hasten to assure you that I am nothing of the sort. I can only offer my ongoing personal dedication to the people of Yukon and my parliamentary credentials to back me up.
Please be assured that before making any issue public, every revelation I present is fully supported by facts and documentation. These Ministers are freely spending both Yukon and Federal tax dollars on a daily basis and at times, appear to do so by means of personal patronage to friends and political supporters. I therefore feel strongly that when asking for your support for an audit or judicial inquiry, you entitled to be provided with some insight into the background of some of the participents.
For example, extensive research eventually disclosed the involvement an exceptional and very influential policy maker who is hidden in the Cabinet background. He is well known local Watson Lake physician and pharmacy owner, Dr. Said Secorbegovic. Like the rest of the community, he was aware at the time that our then Watson Lake NDP MLA, Dennis Fentie, had a widely known and well published past record of prior imprisonment in a federal penitentiary, specifically for dealing the drug heroin within the city of Edmonton.
It was sometime time in late 2001 that Dr. Secorbegovic conscripted and bonded with now Premier, Dennis Fentie. I am personally satisfied they are both synonymous, to the degree of being almost one and the same person. A detailed examination of Health Canada’s public records clearly indicates that Dr. Secorbegovic’s prescriptions of painkillers in the following year increased sharply and noticeably. In fact in 2002/3 his prescriptions for the drug “Ativan” suddenly rose by 241% and “Tylenol 3” by 130%. Health Canada figures up to 2009/10 also confirm that these levels have been somewhat sustained ever since. As I have stated before, the entire Watson Lake region today remains super-saturated in prescription and other drugs. Ask yourself, where could all these drugs be coming from? It would be interesting to know the number of deaths or suicides which may be attributed to prescription drug abuse in Watson Lake over these same years. This information could only be obtained from the Yukon Government, so the result might not be reliable at this point.
I agree, the existing 12 bed Watson Lake Hospital is an older facility, but those beds remain empty of patients at most times. In 2010 the Yukon government sole-sourced contract to provide a now completed new Watson Lake Ambulance Station at a cost rumored to exceed $1.2 million. In addition to the two Yukon Housing units provided much earlier by former Premier Fentie for the doctors exclusive use, there is still no demonstrated need for a new hospital at this time, other than to provide Dr.Secorbegovic with a new “Clinic and Retail Pharmacy” all at taxpayer’s expense. I had asked that a hold be placed on this development until an independent investigation could be undertaken to determine once and for all the justification or otherwise for this unneeded and expensive new Watson Lake Hospital, but to no avail. In pictures taken last spring and placed below, you will see all that remains of the $5.5 million moulding former hospital addition dubbed by the media as "Fenties Boonedoggle". This unjustified new hospital addition is also designed to replace the newly constructed ambulance station which was just completed last year. It was sole-sourced as patronage and is thought to have cost taxpayers another $1.2 million or more dollars.
After bonding with MLA Dennis Fentie, Dr. Secorbegovic passed him along to Archie and Dan Lang to be used for their political purposes. They quickly introduced and promoted Mr. Fentie to the Yukon Party leadership, and a couple of weeks later after the last election, he became Premier, and Minister of Finance allowing him full control of the public purse. This was quite an accomplishment for someone with doubtful credentials. Do you not suspect that something is very wrong with this picture?
This is just one of the many reasons I have been asking Yukon citizens to take a close look at the current plight of a many Watson Lake residents, and help them find some relief from their dilemma. A full and independent judicial inquiry into the financial affairs of the current Yukon Party government administration is warranted.
Donald E. Taylor,
Citizens Advocate,
Watson Lake.
....................................................
AN ACCOMPLISHED POLITICIAN
******************************************************
- A TRULY ACCOMPLISHED POLITICAN -
July, 2011
Following almost a decade of service, former Watson Lake resident the Minister of Community Services the Hon. Archie Lang has decided to retire from the political scene. An accomplished political strategist and experienced corporate financial success, he has proven to be invaluable to the Yukon Cabinet. His influence on Yukon government administration has been substantial. Being a Watson Lake resident myself, I have followed his career with interest and at times, concern.
Initially, his acquisition of MLA Dennis Fentie from a Watson Lake doctor in 2002 provided him with a valuable and neccesary new asset. That unpredictable but very experienced public speaker was to set the stage for a whole new era of Yukon politics. The Minister’s quiet initiatives eventually provided him with full access to the leader of the Yukon Party and effective influence over the offices of Premier and Minister of Finance. His decision to appoint former Watson Lake resident MLA Elaine Taylor as Deputy Premier, his Watson Lake business partner to the Yukon Development Commission, and a Watson Lake doctor to the Yukon Medical Council was quite an accomplishment indeed!
At the time of his subsequent designation as Minister of Community Services, he possessed an outstanding government loan placing him in a serious conflict of interest position. But he soon cured that problem by simply ordering removal of the entire “Accountability Act” at the very first sitting of the legislature in the spring of 2003 which was truly a stroke of genius, and cleared the way for any number of future endevours.
After 4 members of the Yukon Energy Corporation board of directors resigned in protest, the public first became aware that the government’s was attempting to privatize the YEC. In spite of constant denials, it was later learned that over a seven month period the premier had been travelling to Calgary for meetings with ATCO officials and engaging in parallel negotiations with the head of ATCO over the same period. As the only qualified financial wizard in Cabinet, this unexpected public exposure must have provided a major disappointment and setback to the Minister’s future plans.
In 2007 he experienced a substantial reversal of fortunes. Much later, it was accidentaly revealed by a first nations elder, that in June of that year Cabinet had approved a $2.83 million grant to the Liard first Nations. These funds originated from a federal Northern Housing Trust. They were allocated by Cabinet for the specific purpose of purchasing three of the Minister’s own personal hotels in Watson Lake. Fortunately for him, there was no public outcry over this conflict of interest and regretably that accomplishment was soon forgotten.
To his credit, the Minister's political influence knows no boundaries, and extends right up to the office of the Prime Minister. This was exemplified earlier this year when having his brother Dan Lang appointed as the new Yukon Senator to the Senate of Canada.
The Yukon Premier, the Deputy Premier, and the Minister of Community Services, all have very close connections with the town of Watson Lake, Yukon. However, the residents fail to understand why these elected government administrators continue to sanction what appears to be an obvious and intentional de-population of the Watson Lake area, resulting in devastating economic and social decline. This invites the obvious question, who could possibly benefit from such an unwelcome accomplishment? If the Minister knows, he's most certainly not telling.
Donald E. Taylor
Citizens Advocate,
Watson Lake.
***************************************************
- A TRULY ACCOMPLISHED POLITICAN -
July, 2011
Following almost a decade of service, former Watson Lake resident the Minister of Community Services the Hon. Archie Lang has decided to retire from the political scene. An accomplished political strategist and experienced corporate financial success, he has proven to be invaluable to the Yukon Cabinet. His influence on Yukon government administration has been substantial. Being a Watson Lake resident myself, I have followed his career with interest and at times, concern.
Initially, his acquisition of MLA Dennis Fentie from a Watson Lake doctor in 2002 provided him with a valuable and neccesary new asset. That unpredictable but very experienced public speaker was to set the stage for a whole new era of Yukon politics. The Minister’s quiet initiatives eventually provided him with full access to the leader of the Yukon Party and effective influence over the offices of Premier and Minister of Finance. His decision to appoint former Watson Lake resident MLA Elaine Taylor as Deputy Premier, his Watson Lake business partner to the Yukon Development Commission, and a Watson Lake doctor to the Yukon Medical Council was quite an accomplishment indeed!
At the time of his subsequent designation as Minister of Community Services, he possessed an outstanding government loan placing him in a serious conflict of interest position. But he soon cured that problem by simply ordering removal of the entire “Accountability Act” at the very first sitting of the legislature in the spring of 2003 which was truly a stroke of genius, and cleared the way for any number of future endevours.
After 4 members of the Yukon Energy Corporation board of directors resigned in protest, the public first became aware that the government’s was attempting to privatize the YEC. In spite of constant denials, it was later learned that over a seven month period the premier had been travelling to Calgary for meetings with ATCO officials and engaging in parallel negotiations with the head of ATCO over the same period. As the only qualified financial wizard in Cabinet, this unexpected public exposure must have provided a major disappointment and setback to the Minister’s future plans.
In 2007 he experienced a substantial reversal of fortunes. Much later, it was accidentaly revealed by a first nations elder, that in June of that year Cabinet had approved a $2.83 million grant to the Liard first Nations. These funds originated from a federal Northern Housing Trust. They were allocated by Cabinet for the specific purpose of purchasing three of the Minister’s own personal hotels in Watson Lake. Fortunately for him, there was no public outcry over this conflict of interest and regretably that accomplishment was soon forgotten.
To his credit, the Minister's political influence knows no boundaries, and extends right up to the office of the Prime Minister. This was exemplified earlier this year when having his brother Dan Lang appointed as the new Yukon Senator to the Senate of Canada.
The Yukon Premier, the Deputy Premier, and the Minister of Community Services, all have very close connections with the town of Watson Lake, Yukon. However, the residents fail to understand why these elected government administrators continue to sanction what appears to be an obvious and intentional de-population of the Watson Lake area, resulting in devastating economic and social decline. This invites the obvious question, who could possibly benefit from such an unwelcome accomplishment? If the Minister knows, he's most certainly not telling.
Donald E. Taylor
Citizens Advocate,
Watson Lake.
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A TIME TO SAY NO.
- A TIME FOR GOVERNMENTS TO SAY 'NO' -
I find it difficult to understand why Chief Liard McMillan of the Liard First Nation continues his well publicized attempts to hold up efforts by Selwyn Resources to develop a major mine potential at Howards Pass, located well north of Watson Lake.
It has been suggested that for the most part, land claims are simply “white men talking to white men about Indians”. If this turns out to be the case, participating governments and lawyers must introduce the word “no” into land claim discussions whenever it is appropriate to do so. In the interest of justice and to preserve the rights of both parties, the principals of equality, fairness, and responsibility must always be a primary and essential component of such negotiations. It is imperative that the interests of every concerned band members and the public-at-large are equally respected. There should be no room for favouritism or corrupt motives.
Earlier this year, Chief McMillan declared publicly that he has absolutely no intention whatsoever to negotiate land claims on behalf of his people. His statement suggest's he might just prefer to continue milking the federal cash cow as long as possible.
Liard McMillan and his family are closely involved with the Northern Tiger Resources gold property, which is also situated in a region well north of Watson Lake along the Nahanni Range road. What is fair for the goose is fair for the gander. If he is really sincere in his desire to provide rewards for his people, in the interests of equality he should also be offering his band similar restrictions or benefits from the Northern Tiger Resources development. Any hesitation or refusal to do so would only raise two obvious questions, has he actually discussed this matter with his people beforehand? If so are his intentions designed to participate with Selwyn Resources in some practical way, or are they only in the interests of future financial gain?
It is time for politicians and governments alike to ensure that other than existing agreed upon financial obligations, there should be no further taxpayer dollars made available to the band until there is a signed commitment from its leaders to participate in an early, binding land claim settlement with Canada. In the interim it is incumbent upon both parties to assure that development of any Yukon resources will equally benefit all people of Canada without exception, unless otherwise provided for by parliamentary decree or appropriate territorial legislation. A memorandom of understanding is just that. Formal and binding negotiations are quite another!
Only time will tell if the federal government has the guts and fortitude to quit playing politics and finally learn to say “no” for a change!
I find it difficult to understand why Chief Liard McMillan of the Liard First Nation continues his well publicized attempts to hold up efforts by Selwyn Resources to develop a major mine potential at Howards Pass, located well north of Watson Lake.
It has been suggested that for the most part, land claims are simply “white men talking to white men about Indians”. If this turns out to be the case, participating governments and lawyers must introduce the word “no” into land claim discussions whenever it is appropriate to do so. In the interest of justice and to preserve the rights of both parties, the principals of equality, fairness, and responsibility must always be a primary and essential component of such negotiations. It is imperative that the interests of every concerned band members and the public-at-large are equally respected. There should be no room for favouritism or corrupt motives.
Earlier this year, Chief McMillan declared publicly that he has absolutely no intention whatsoever to negotiate land claims on behalf of his people. His statement suggest's he might just prefer to continue milking the federal cash cow as long as possible.
Liard McMillan and his family are closely involved with the Northern Tiger Resources gold property, which is also situated in a region well north of Watson Lake along the Nahanni Range road. What is fair for the goose is fair for the gander. If he is really sincere in his desire to provide rewards for his people, in the interests of equality he should also be offering his band similar restrictions or benefits from the Northern Tiger Resources development. Any hesitation or refusal to do so would only raise two obvious questions, has he actually discussed this matter with his people beforehand? If so are his intentions designed to participate with Selwyn Resources in some practical way, or are they only in the interests of future financial gain?
It is time for politicians and governments alike to ensure that other than existing agreed upon financial obligations, there should be no further taxpayer dollars made available to the band until there is a signed commitment from its leaders to participate in an early, binding land claim settlement with Canada. In the interim it is incumbent upon both parties to assure that development of any Yukon resources will equally benefit all people of Canada without exception, unless otherwise provided for by parliamentary decree or appropriate territorial legislation. A memorandom of understanding is just that. Formal and binding negotiations are quite another!
Only time will tell if the federal government has the guts and fortitude to quit playing politics and finally learn to say “no” for a change!
YUKONS MASSIVE DEBT.
- ADDRESSING YUKON'S MASSIVE DEBT -
Despite assurances from our leaders to the contrary, our rapidly increasing debt load should be a matter of concern to everyone. My research indicates that our government is indebted to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars. As a result, along with its related Commissions and Corporations they are all paying substantial annual interest with our tax dollars to accommodate these substantial loans. Considering a recorded Yukon population of only 34,000 residents as of last December, this has to be the heaviest per-capita debt load in all of Canada. The time for fiscal restraint is long overdue, and this serious issue must be addressed immediately. Taxpayers are entitled to know the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. If the Premier and his Cabinet should declare that I am wrong in my assessment, I hereby publicly challenge them to prove it openly with appropriate documentation for Yukon residents and taxpayers to consider. Failure to do so would only further confirm my findings to date.
I think you should know that following a ten year study, the National CD Howe Institute has proclaimed that our territorial government is “the worst financial planner in Canada and a standout for failing to live up to its spending plans”. It also revealed that Yukon had over-runs compared to what they had planned on spending, an amount of about $500 million over the decade. They also noted that “the Yukon government uses different accounting practices for its budget and year end audited statements. That makes it tough to track down the actual overspending”. They concluded that “changes should be made to ensure the Yukon government clearly explains why it’s spending more than it takes in”. I feel strongly that as Yukon citizens and taxpayers, that we must hold our leaders to account and demand answers about these and other related fiscal matters forthwith.
Cabinet Ministers are elected by political process and are not expected to be proficient in overseeing any particular portfolio. For example, you may recall that supporters of a former Yukon premier were able to propel him from a position of seeming insolvency, to complete control of the public treasury as Minister of Finance in only a few weeks. To fulfill his new responsibility he was dependent on a Deputy Minister to provide him with expert advice about everything from administration to policy. In fact this is how government has been able to develop confusing and deceptive accounting practices ever since. In reality, Deputy Ministers are the experts we pay to run our entire government and public service. As you may have suspected, their salaries are a closely guarded secret even from the Legislature, and believe me they don’t come cheap!
These Deputy Ministers manage the day to day operations of government departments. They provide their Minister with the broadest possible expert advice (which is almost always kept secret) and oversee staff and resources. They provide any support needed to carry out the Ministers responsibilities. They are responsible and accountable for a wide range of duties including policy advice, program delivery, internal departmental management and co-ordination. They must also balance the political environment with departmental concerns, external pressures, and personal needs. It must be noted, they owe their loyalties to the Minister, and not the taxpayers.
Government is telling us one thing and national experts quite another about our debt load. It is up to you as a resident to determine which one is telling the truth. When this question has been answered to your satisfaction, there is only one moral obligation to consider. Either demand that government deal with this massive debt situation today, or just leave the whole matter for our children and future generations to resolve later. The decision is yours!
Despite assurances from our leaders to the contrary, our rapidly increasing debt load should be a matter of concern to everyone. My research indicates that our government is indebted to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars. As a result, along with its related Commissions and Corporations they are all paying substantial annual interest with our tax dollars to accommodate these substantial loans. Considering a recorded Yukon population of only 34,000 residents as of last December, this has to be the heaviest per-capita debt load in all of Canada. The time for fiscal restraint is long overdue, and this serious issue must be addressed immediately. Taxpayers are entitled to know the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. If the Premier and his Cabinet should declare that I am wrong in my assessment, I hereby publicly challenge them to prove it openly with appropriate documentation for Yukon residents and taxpayers to consider. Failure to do so would only further confirm my findings to date.
I think you should know that following a ten year study, the National CD Howe Institute has proclaimed that our territorial government is “the worst financial planner in Canada and a standout for failing to live up to its spending plans”. It also revealed that Yukon had over-runs compared to what they had planned on spending, an amount of about $500 million over the decade. They also noted that “the Yukon government uses different accounting practices for its budget and year end audited statements. That makes it tough to track down the actual overspending”. They concluded that “changes should be made to ensure the Yukon government clearly explains why it’s spending more than it takes in”. I feel strongly that as Yukon citizens and taxpayers, that we must hold our leaders to account and demand answers about these and other related fiscal matters forthwith.
Cabinet Ministers are elected by political process and are not expected to be proficient in overseeing any particular portfolio. For example, you may recall that supporters of a former Yukon premier were able to propel him from a position of seeming insolvency, to complete control of the public treasury as Minister of Finance in only a few weeks. To fulfill his new responsibility he was dependent on a Deputy Minister to provide him with expert advice about everything from administration to policy. In fact this is how government has been able to develop confusing and deceptive accounting practices ever since. In reality, Deputy Ministers are the experts we pay to run our entire government and public service. As you may have suspected, their salaries are a closely guarded secret even from the Legislature, and believe me they don’t come cheap!
These Deputy Ministers manage the day to day operations of government departments. They provide their Minister with the broadest possible expert advice (which is almost always kept secret) and oversee staff and resources. They provide any support needed to carry out the Ministers responsibilities. They are responsible and accountable for a wide range of duties including policy advice, program delivery, internal departmental management and co-ordination. They must also balance the political environment with departmental concerns, external pressures, and personal needs. It must be noted, they owe their loyalties to the Minister, and not the taxpayers.
Government is telling us one thing and national experts quite another about our debt load. It is up to you as a resident to determine which one is telling the truth. When this question has been answered to your satisfaction, there is only one moral obligation to consider. Either demand that government deal with this massive debt situation today, or just leave the whole matter for our children and future generations to resolve later. The decision is yours!
FOOD FOR THOUGHT.
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- FOOD FOR THOUGHT -
July, 2011
The tourist season has arrived and their comments about high cost of food at Watson Lake have resumed. Its reputation as a good place to avoid should be of concern to everyone, and the Yukon government in particular. Unfortunately, the MLA and former Premier, the Deputy Premier, and the Minister of Community Services, each of who have well established roots in Watson Lake, appear to be quite satisfied with this situation. Obviously any substantial increase in local population would attract business competition. This would certainly have an adverse effect upon those enterprises who currently monopolize the distribution of food, clothing, and medicine in the region.
Apart from two convenience stores, the only grocery outlet in Watson Lake is ‘Super A Foods’. It is widely assumed that the Yukon Minister of Community Services remains directly or indirectly involved in its ownership. Its longstanding reputation for extremely high food prices is legend along the Alaska Highway. For example, in October of 2008 a pound of butter sold for $1.78 more than in Whitehorse. In April of 2009, a 500g jar of ‘Cheeze Whiz’ was $1.51 cheaper in Whitehorse, and in December of the same year, a 600g package of ‘Dads Oatmeal Cookies’ was $3.70 more expensive in Watson Lake. In late June I compared the prices of four items as shown below.
Weiners in Whitehorse were listed at $1.99 to $3.49 and in Watson Lake they were asking $4.29 to $5.99. A 1kg jar of Kraft Peanut Butter sold for $5.19 in Whitehorse and $9.99 in Watson Lake, and a box of Kraft Dinner was $1.22 in Whitehorse and $1.99 in Watson Lk. A can of Herford Corned Beef cost $3.99 in Whitehorse and $4.99 in Watson Lake. As to freight costs, all trucks hauling food supplies 300 miles further north to Whitehorse, must pass by Watson Lake on their way up the Alaska Highway.
Throughout two world wars, Canadian citizens enjoyed protection from this sort of thing. This was guaranteed by the wartime “Wages and Prices Control Board” and it is unfortunate the Board no longer exists. The possibility that Premier Poslowski would take immediate steps to break this deadlock seems unlikely at this point. Until the Yukon government releases their stranglehold on the economy of Watson Lake, many residents will have to continue shopping for food in Whitehorse. Obviously, a number of shoppers must be willing to pay these high costs, or’ Super A Foods’ would have been forced to moderate their prices years ago. Whoever or wherever they are, these customers must surely have substantial incomes to be so supportive.
Despite new and exciting regional resource-based developments in this region today, it is unlikely that the few local businesses, many situated along the Alaska Highway, will be capable of adequately meeting demands for the expected variety and volumes of services and supplies required by these industries. This is a problem tyhat should have been addresses by all governments many years ogo. Lacking an established and fully serviced main-street styled commercial district, and associated pre-serviced industrial sub-division, the economic potential of Watson Lake remains on hold. Initially, it is imperative that a climate of encouragement for competitive free-enterprise be restored. Its geographic location defines it as an important regional communication and supply center and proclaims its destiny. It is essential that it be given full recognition and substantial long sought financial support by the Yukon Cabinet.
Until then, there can be no doubt whatsoever that unless a new and more sympathetic government is elected in Yukon this fall, it seems Watson Lake can only look forward to more of the same.
- FOOD FOR THOUGHT -
July, 2011
The tourist season has arrived and their comments about high cost of food at Watson Lake have resumed. Its reputation as a good place to avoid should be of concern to everyone, and the Yukon government in particular. Unfortunately, the MLA and former Premier, the Deputy Premier, and the Minister of Community Services, each of who have well established roots in Watson Lake, appear to be quite satisfied with this situation. Obviously any substantial increase in local population would attract business competition. This would certainly have an adverse effect upon those enterprises who currently monopolize the distribution of food, clothing, and medicine in the region.
Apart from two convenience stores, the only grocery outlet in Watson Lake is ‘Super A Foods’. It is widely assumed that the Yukon Minister of Community Services remains directly or indirectly involved in its ownership. Its longstanding reputation for extremely high food prices is legend along the Alaska Highway. For example, in October of 2008 a pound of butter sold for $1.78 more than in Whitehorse. In April of 2009, a 500g jar of ‘Cheeze Whiz’ was $1.51 cheaper in Whitehorse, and in December of the same year, a 600g package of ‘Dads Oatmeal Cookies’ was $3.70 more expensive in Watson Lake. In late June I compared the prices of four items as shown below.
Weiners in Whitehorse were listed at $1.99 to $3.49 and in Watson Lake they were asking $4.29 to $5.99. A 1kg jar of Kraft Peanut Butter sold for $5.19 in Whitehorse and $9.99 in Watson Lake, and a box of Kraft Dinner was $1.22 in Whitehorse and $1.99 in Watson Lk. A can of Herford Corned Beef cost $3.99 in Whitehorse and $4.99 in Watson Lake. As to freight costs, all trucks hauling food supplies 300 miles further north to Whitehorse, must pass by Watson Lake on their way up the Alaska Highway.
Throughout two world wars, Canadian citizens enjoyed protection from this sort of thing. This was guaranteed by the wartime “Wages and Prices Control Board” and it is unfortunate the Board no longer exists. The possibility that Premier Poslowski would take immediate steps to break this deadlock seems unlikely at this point. Until the Yukon government releases their stranglehold on the economy of Watson Lake, many residents will have to continue shopping for food in Whitehorse. Obviously, a number of shoppers must be willing to pay these high costs, or’ Super A Foods’ would have been forced to moderate their prices years ago. Whoever or wherever they are, these customers must surely have substantial incomes to be so supportive.
Despite new and exciting regional resource-based developments in this region today, it is unlikely that the few local businesses, many situated along the Alaska Highway, will be capable of adequately meeting demands for the expected variety and volumes of services and supplies required by these industries. This is a problem tyhat should have been addresses by all governments many years ogo. Lacking an established and fully serviced main-street styled commercial district, and associated pre-serviced industrial sub-division, the economic potential of Watson Lake remains on hold. Initially, it is imperative that a climate of encouragement for competitive free-enterprise be restored. Its geographic location defines it as an important regional communication and supply center and proclaims its destiny. It is essential that it be given full recognition and substantial long sought financial support by the Yukon Cabinet.
Until then, there can be no doubt whatsoever that unless a new and more sympathetic government is elected in Yukon this fall, it seems Watson Lake can only look forward to more of the same.
WITHOUT PREDJUDICE.
"I wish to make it abuntantly clear that in the public interest, and 'Without Predudice', in these presentations I am making references to activities of elected Cabinet Ministers, MLA's, their designates and appointees acting in respect of their duties and responsibilities to their constituents. I am not intending to reflect upon their personal characters or reputations."