Leaders debate carbon tax, First Nations relations at CBC Yukon election forum

With just four days left before the territorial election, Yukon's party leaders met for a wide-ranging but generally low-key debate on Thursday night at the Yukon Inn in Whitehorse. The event was hosted by CBC North, and broadcast live on radio and online.

It was the last leaders forum before the vote, so all four party leaders the Green Party's Frank de Jong, the NDP's Liz Hanson, Darrell Pasloski of the Yukon Party and Liberal Sandy Silver used it as an opportunity to re-iterate some key promises, and take a few shots at the other parties. Some questions were sent by voters to CBC beforehand while others came from the audience at the debateand from people following online.

• Yukon Votes 2016: More coverage from CBC North

Yukon Party leader Darrell Pasloski wasted no opportunity to re-state his party's opposition to a carbon tax, beginning with his opening remarks.

"If you elect a Yukon party government, there will be an exemption to the carbon tax," he said.

"Sandy Silver and the Liberals want a carbon tax regardless of the cost to you and your family. Liz Hanson and the NDPare already planning on how to spendyour money."

Liberal leader Sandy Silver responded in his opening remarks, calling Pasloski's promise of a carbon tax exemption a "scam," because "there isno exemption for the Yukon."

Hanson and de Jong weighed in later in the debate, inresponse to a question from the audience.

"We've been clear. We do support a price on carbon, not because the feds told us to, but because it's one effective tool to control emissions," Hanson said.

De Jong agreed, saying a carbon pricing scheme makes sense.

"If you're an energy pig you get nailed, but if you're an energy angel you get rewarded that's the system.It's a good system," he said.

Whistle Bend continuing care facility

The leaders were also asked about the Whistle Bend continuing care facility, and how they would handle "the next phase of development." The current plan is to for a 150-bed facility, but the Yukon Party government has in the pasttalked about adding another 150 beds later.

Hanson and Silver both rejected the idea of a later expansion.

"The NDP position is it should remain at 150, because the optimal size, based on all the research anywhere, is that it's 100 to 110 for a continuing care facility," Hanson said.

Silver talked about the need for smaller facilities in other communities.

"I don't want, as a government, to be apologising for a 300-bed facility here in Whitehorse in 10, 20 years because we've taken our elders out of the communities.We need our elders in our communities.They are a vital part of every rural community in Yukon," he said.

Pasloski didn't talk about the number of beds at the Whistle bend facility, but touted his government's record on care for seniors.

"We've made significant investments.Five years ago, there were no nursing home beds in the Thomson Centre.Now we have 39," he said.

"We've increased home care.What about all the families who are trying to get respite?We need this facility.We need it now, and this is a very important part of our community going forward."

First Nations relations

The last questionwas about First Nations relations during the last government's mandate, and what each leader would do differently if they're elected.

Silver and de Jong both said it's time to "turn apage" on the relationship with First Nations governments.

"My experience in watching the process is that it has been nothing but acrimonious," de Jong said.

"First Nations are often leading in renewable resources.They're leading in agriculture.We need to support them.We need a better royalty regime so First Nations receive their fair share."

Silver promised a Liberal cabinetwould meet with Yukon chiefs within 30 days of forming government, and meet regularly through its mandate.

Pasloski didn't reflect on his government's record with First Nations, except to say he "could talk for a long time about all the great partnerships," and the importance of formal and informal meetings.

Hanson, however, criticized the Yukon Party for not embracingthe negotiated agreements with First Nations.

"Every aspect of our governance and our governance policy, as a Yukon govenrment, must be focused on reconciliation of the interests and reconciliation as a value."

The issue came up again later in the debate, when an audience member asked about it.

"There will be carbon pricing, regardless of any party being voted in up here. So make sure you vote for one that has a plan when it comes to your money.

• Yukon Votes 2016: More coverage from CBC North