Mitchell demands vote on privatizing Yukon Energy assets

Yukon Opposition Leader Arthur Mitchell says Yukoners should go to the polls if Premier Dennis Fentie wants to privatize the territory's public power utility or its assets.

Mitchell accused Fentie Tuesday of pursuing a secret agenda to sell off Yukon Energy Corp. assets, although the premier and his Yukon Party government have never campaigned on that platform.

"They have no mandate to pursue this, and I'm asking him to cease and desist until or unless he's willing to take this to the people in an election," Mitchell told reporters in Whitehorse.

Mitchell's accusations were based on remarks made by Willard Phelps, who resigned as the utility's chairman last week.

Phelps, along with three board directors who also resigned, cited government interference in the board's arm's length business. None would give specific examples of interference, citing cabinet confidentiality guidelines.

In a CBC Radio interview Thursday, Fentie said he has no plans to privatize Yukon Energy or its assets.

However, Fentie said talks are ongoing with Calgary-based ATCO, which owns the Yukon Electrical Company Ltd., towards eventually "rationalizing" itand Yukon Energy.

That comment prompted Mitchell and NDP leader Todd Hardy to suggest Fentie is imposing a privatization agenda on the Yukon Energy board.

"It's not Mr. Fentie's corporation. It's the public's corporation, it belongs to Yukoners," Mitchell said.

"Any government that wants to head down this path should clearly lay it out for all Yukoners and let Yukoners vote on whether or not this is something they see as being in their best interests."