Hanson only nominee for Yukon NDP leadership

The Yukon's New Democrats are poised to acclaim Elizabeth Hanson as their new leader.

Hanson, a retired federal government official from Whitehorse, was the only nominee registered when nominations for the territorial party's leadership closed over the weekend.

She is expected to be acclaimed at the party's leadership conventionSept. 26.

"If I keep saying that people should get engaged, then I should do it myself, so I did it," Hanson told reporters Tuesday in Whitehorse.

"I have to say that the last month has been a huge learning curve for me, and I'm on the beginning of what I now know is a very steep learning curve, going from being a ... member of the public to taking on a role in politics."

She said she has become increasingly concerned about the current Yukon Party government under Premier Dennis Fentie, who has been under fire in recent weeksfollowing the high-profile resignation of ex-cabinet minister Brad Cathers from the party's caucus.

Hanson retired two years ago as regional director-general with the Indian and Northern Affairs Department in Whitehorse.

She declared her intention to seek the party's leadershipin early August, just days after Mount Lorne MLA Steve Cardiff dropped out of the race without specifying his reasons.

Hanson will replace current NDP Leader Todd Hardy, who announced earlier this yearhe was stepping down to focus on his battle with leukemia.

Hardy hassaid he will continue to representWhitehorse Centre riding for now, meaning there will not be a byelection for Hanson to run in right away.

Hanson said her job now will be to start meeting Yukoners and building up the party's base.