Conservative Ryan Leef responds to CYFN questions, 1 week later

Conservative candidate Ryan Leefmayhavetaken his time, but he has nowresponded to a series of questions from the Council of Yukon First Nations.

The CYFNsent a shortquestionnaireto all of the Yukon federal electioncandidatesearlier this month.

Liberal LarryBagnell, New Democrat Melissa Atkinson and the Green Party's Frank De Jong all responded last week, as requested by CYFN. Leef said he needed time to confirm the document was legitimate.

CYFN's questions focus on several issues deemed important to First Nations voters in Yukon: self government, Bill S-6, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's final report, and missing and murdered aboriginalwomen.

Leefsaid he supports an inquiry into murdered and missing aboriginal women, but saidan inquiry alone is not enough. He said hesupports other measures to improve the lives of aboriginal women and girls, and reduce the risks they face.

Responding to a question about the controversial Bill S-6,Leefrepeatedwhat he's often said: the final agreements prevail in the event of conflict with S-6, adding that section 2.6.2.2 of the Umbrella Final Agreementstipulates the same.

"Respect for final agreements is paramount," Leef wrote.

CYFN will host a Yukon candidates' forum in Whitehorse on Tuesday, Sep. 29.Leef, Bagnell, Atkinson and De Jong have all confirmed they will attend.