RIDING PROFILE | Watson Lake Ernie Jamieson, Victor Kisoun, Erin Labonte, Patti McLeod

About the Watson Lakeriding

Located in southeastern Yukon, Watson Lake is the home of and sits on the traditional territory oftheLiardFirst Nation.

Historicallya hub of the resource industry, it has been quiet in the last few years.The region'slast operating mine, Yukon Zinc's Wolverine property, shutdown in 2015.

TheLiardBasin natural gas deposit extends intothe extreme southeast tip of the territory and is counted among the largest on the continent, but is currently inactive in Yukon.A draft plan by the Yukon Party government identified theLiardBasin as the only potential target for hydraulic fracturing in the territory.

Watson Lake serves as an important rest stop on the Alaska Highway, and so tourism dollars are significant forthe local economy.

Since the introduction of party politics in Yukon 38 years ago, Watson Lake has never elected a Liberal. Former Premier DennisFentierepresented the riding for 15 years, before retiring from politics in 2011.

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How did they vote in 2011?

Electors on list:845
Voter turnout:87%

• Yukon Party (Patti McLeod) 37.8%
• NDP (Liard McMillan) 33.1%
• Liberal (Thomas Slager) 22.6%
• Independent (Patricia Gilhooly) 6.6%

The CBC contacted all candidates to ask why they were the best person to elect in this riding, and how they wouldimprove it.

ErnieJamieson Liberal

Ernie Jamiesonhas owned a transportation company in Watson Lake since 1979. He has been a councillorand deputy mayor of the Town of Watson Lake, and was involvedin ATCO Electric's waste heat recovery project in Watson Lake.

"Ernie is a long time resident of Watson Lake and has been intimately involved with the community," an aide writes, "including two terms as a city councilor. Over the past few years, he has grown increasingly concerned about the state of Watson and the surrounding communities. He has witnessed first-hand the devastation brought to the local economy as businesses close and families leave town for opportunities elsewhere.

"Although he has long considered himself a small c conservative, he has been dismayed by the lack of effort on the part of the Yukon Party to stand up for the interests of Watson Lake. His decision to run for the position of MLA as a Liberal Party candidate was based on meeting Sandy Silver and the Liberal leader's vision for bringing economic opportunity back to Watson Lake.

"If elected, Ernie will work hard to provide a voice in the territorial legislature for the voters of Watson Lake. He will fight to bring jobs back to the area, improve local infrastructure, and see to it that Watson Lake is a community people will be proud to call home."

Victor Kisoun Independent

VictorKisoun comes from a political family: his grandmother was former president of the Native Women's Association of Canada and his fatherserved two terms as MLA for the Watson Lake riding.

An aide writes:

"[VictorKisoun's]experience includes serving a term as the Vice Chair of the Kaska Dena Council, program director forland based Youth Cultural Programs, producer and cameraman in the film and television industry,traditional knowledge technician, a contractor in the mining industry, andnegotiating ImpactBenefit Agreements. He's also apassionate cultural performer. What some may view as a lack ofexperience, Victor sees it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

"Along with an intense passion for cultural and traditional practices and performances, Victor is an avidhunter and outdoorsman who views the natural environment as a place of refuge and meditation thatneeds to be managed with care and consideration for future generations. His varied and diversebackground gifted him a unique opportunity to gain insights and perspectives that only add value to hischaracter and passionate nature."

Erin Labonte NDP

Erin Labonteworks at the family business, an automotive repair shop. She helped organize the Yukon branch of Cystic Fibrosis Canada, and volunteers with the Watson Lake daycare.

"I was born and raised in Watson Lake where I work at my family automotive repair shop.

"I am the director of the Watson Lake branch of Cystic Fibrosis Yukon. I am also president of Watson Lake Minor Softball and a volunteer for the Watson Lake Daycare.

"I believe that building a healthy community is an integral part of a sustainable and reliable economy. We need to address the need for housing as well as build strong, trustworthy relationships with First Nations. We also need better support for people struggling with mental illness and addictions.

"Fracking should be banned and I want to see investment in renewable energy to create good jobs here in Watson Lake.

"Above all, Watson Lake needs a strong voice and a fresh perspective and I think I'm the best person to deliver this."

PattiMcLeodYukon Party

McLeodwas elected as MLA in 2011 andcurrently serves as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. She has worked in mining administration for the federal and territorial governments, and also worked for the Watson Lake chamber of commerce. She also served on the town council.

"I have been an active resident of Watson Lake for more than 39 years. I raised my children hereand am proud of the adults they have become.The Yukon, and Watson Lake in particular, offers a wealth of opportunity for all of our residents.As the MLA for the past fiveyears, I have worked hard for my constituents and we have accomplished a lot.

"I will continue to work collaboratively with all levels of government as well as non-profit organizations, and continue to listen to ideas and concerns of the residents of Watson Lake to ensure their voices are heard in the legislature. It would be my honour to continue to serve Watson Lake and the Yukon as a whole."

The CBC will profile all candidates, by riding, in the lead-up to voting day, Nov. 7.