March for Arch!

announcing: go to March for Arch 2!

2006-10-28T17:34:00.000-07:00

Because of various problems, too complicated to anyone to explain, this blog no longer works for me, and I have continued on a new one called
http://marchforarch2.blogspot.com.
Come on over!

Another observation from Tom Eschak

2006-10-21T15:13:00.000-07:00

Tom says that the Afghan people will always give a little warning to them that there will be a suicide bombing or attack coming shortly. Sometimes it's a kid holding a stick and pretending it to be a gun and shooting at them. Or sometimes the kids hold their thumbs up at them. Usually the Canadian guys notice that there are no people around. No people on their farms or no people in the close vicinity. (Because they are clearing out getting ready for a bombing.) Sometimes they notice a guy with a cell phone. A cell phone means that they are usually communicating with other bombers and they are planning on doing an attack.

(Tom's mother tells me that it is rare to hear from her son: the Canadians are out in the mountains, far from any communications. The only time Tom has managed to telephone was when he is at the "base". These snippets your Blogress is entering here are from only 2 conversations Tom has managed to have with his family since the beginning of August.

We have no idea where Tom and his company are - this is secret - but the Oct 23 Western Standard has a story on a major attack conducted against the Taliban. Code named "Medusa" this was "by all reports a tremendous success, with the combined forces killing upward of 1,000 enemy combatants, a quarter of the regional Taliban force..." Tom has said that "the Canadians were the leaders in the Medusa Operation that aggressively went after the Taliban, and they 'set the standard' for the operation....

Tom's mother, Marj Eschak, has been asked by the Canadian Legion to participate in the November 11 celebrations here in Whitehorse. If she lives in fear for her son's welfare, she also has great pride in his courage, and his service to Canada.

the summer of 2006 was a great summer...

2006-10-21T15:06:00.000-07:00

but just wait for the next one!

Yukon Party Party next Saturday, Oct 28 !!!!!!

2006-10-20T18:58:00.000-07:00

MESSAGE FROM YUKON PARTY EXECUTIVE

Hello!

The Yukon Party Executive is hosting a Yukon Party Appreciation Night on Saturday, October, 28th, 2006 to coincide with the day's celebrations of swearing in our MLAs and Cabinet Ministers. We've made history folks and we can be proud of our team for gaining a second mandate from the Yukon electorate. So let's get together to show our support and to celebrate in our success.

The dinner will be held at the Westmark Whitehorse, cocktails start at 6:00 pm and dinner at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $50 and there are only three hundred of them, so get them before we run out! Contact myself, Alexia McKinnon, by responding to Yukon Party Info , or calling 393-2470. Marie Cox is also selling tickets and can be reached at mariedon@northwestel.net or 668-4679.

For those of you from out of town, the Westmark is offering a room rate of $89 per night. When making your reservation with them please call 1-800-544-0970 and ask for the “Yukon Party Event Rate”. You can also e-mail your reservation to khunt@HollandAmerica.com

Also, please join the MLAs as they are sworn in as Legislators on Saturday morning 11:00 am at the Government building. Then join them again as they are sworn in as Cabinet Ministers that afternoon at 2:00 pm again at the Government Building. A short reception will follow, then it's on to the evening celebration!

We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible. It'll be a great evening of fun, as we share stories, reunite with friends and no doubt have a chuckle or two!

Have a safe and great weekend and remember to order your ticket!

Lexi

Alexia McKinnon
Yukon Party Secretary

Swearing in of the new Government

2006-10-20T16:19:00.000-07:00

The new government will be sworn in - by the Queen's representative, the Commissioner - next Saturday, October 28th.

At 11 am, all the MLA's will be sworn in, in the Legislative Council Chambers.

At 2 pm, the Cabinet Ministers will be announced and sworn in, in the foyer of the YTG. It is at this time, and not before, that we will know who gets what portfolio.

Both events are open to the public.

the sun rises about 9-ish now.. and

2006-10-19T10:58:00.000-07:00

Shirley Ford's letter to the Yukon News

2006-10-18T18:58:00.000-07:00

Shirley Ford sent this letter to the Yukon News, but they haven't printed it yet, so your Blogress leaps into the breach!

The Editor, Yukon News,
Regarding Richard Mostyn’s article “Imagine tomorrow and sweat!”
The Yukon News made a brutal attempt to influence this election and went completely over the line. Is it right to print an editorial the Friday before the election on the front page encouraging people not to vote for the Yukon Party? I wonder how some of the people in Porter Creek South feel considering the riding was determined by only 6 votes?

Richard Mostyn said ‘We’ have decided that the Yukon Party does not deserve a second term. Who is ‘we’? Are Yukon News employees and reporters required to vote in a block? Or is he speaking about himself and the owners of the Yukon News, with their cozy ties to the Liberal Party. There’s a glimpse of their idea of ethics and accountability. Fair and balanced reporting during an election should be expected for the good of the Yukon. I wonder how the many small business people must feel who voted for the Yukon Party. They continually spend hundreds and thousands of dollars advertising in the Yukon News. They have to because the Yukon News virtually has a monopoly into the communities. Through past governments the News has secured sweetheart advertising deals for government ads (taxpayer money). Go figure. They are using your private sector and your government taxpayer advertising dollars to push their political agenda. Your own money is working against you.

The Yukon News has made its bed during the election, now they are going to have to lie in it. Imagine tomorrow, Mr. Mostyn, and sweat, because hopefully it will be with a lot less advertising dollars from the small business sector.

If the Yukon News is so intent on substantially influencing the outcome of an election, maybe its owners or the editor should run in an election or work hard for a candidate of their choice, like decent people do in a democracy.
Shirley Ford
Ford Farms, Whitehorse, Yukon, 633 4342

CORRECTION: Shirley tells me that the Yukon News DID carry this letter today. My apologies for the error. You must understand, though, that your Blogress does not read the Yukon News, and has not done so for many years. As a result, I am a happier and wiser person, along with the Prozac, of course.

where is Archie?

2006-10-18T11:05:00.000-07:00

well, your Blogress does not know. However, the word is, the Yukon Party people are 'caucusing' and preparing to be sworn in as members of the legislature. When? Your Blogress does not know that, either. Oh well.

a tiny light in the darkness?

2006-10-18T10:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, the first furnace oil delivery of the season came to the home of your Blogress.

Now, back in the dawn of history, ie, Feb 2002, this stuff cost 43.65 cents per litre. What with this and that and other World Events, said Stuff cost your Blogress 88.40 cents per litre in May, 2006.

The cost on October 17, 2006?? 78.70 cents per litre.

This is not the time to throw open the windows and breathe the crisp fresh winter air, of course; but I'm not ready to double up on the woolly underwear, either.

There is, by the way, a great word to describe the atmosphere of a room that has been thoroughly insulated against the cold for some 6 months, in a pathetic attempt to 'save on fuel.' This word means, "thick, stuffy, smelly atmosphere, especially that of a crowded, poorly-ventilated room." Its misfortune is that it sounds like one of our 4 letter words, which is why it is not popular today. The word? "Fug." It SOUNDS exactly like what we can all recognize, come March, doesn't it?

That thing at the Fish Lake cutoff...

2006-10-17T17:40:00.000-07:00

If you go to this Alaska government site, and click the following: Map View... Haines/Skagway... Cameras... South East Alaska ... Camera.... you will see photos of the South Klondike Highway Summit taken within the hour. Also, at the same Site you can also access a nice little explanation as to road conditions on most of the roads in Alaska.

This is possible because of something called "Road Weather Information System". And you can see our own Yukon version beginning here at the Fish Lake Road: that is what that miniature tower with electronic doodads is all about. It comprises (1) pavement sensors in travel lanes; (2) atmospheric sensors next to the roadway; and (3) digital cameras to show weather and road surface conditions. Thus road surface temperature, de-icing chemistry, moisture, subsurface temperature, air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction and precipitation are all measured, all the time. This information is constantly transmitted to a central server, work stations, maintenance offices, etc.

There are 2 other stations in the Yukon being established, also in the Whitehorse area, on high-volume parts of the highway (Meadows Golf Course and Lewes R south of Whitehorse).

In so doing, Yukon is joining a comprehensive network forming throughout the North American continent. Allan Baranyk, of our own Yukon Highways Dept tells me that Yukoners will eventually be able to get the same real-time level of road information as is now available on the 511 Alaska site.

The cameras, by the way, are not capable of capturing/recording vehicle speeds: Each active camera is polled 1- 4 times per hour, capturing a single still image each time. The ADOT&PF temporarily archive these images for a time period not to exceed 2 days.

another message from Tom

2006-10-16T21:08:00.000-07:00

This is another part of Tom's conversations with his sister, this time from 3 October:

"They were back at main base because their vehicle had been hit by a double land mine. Every one of them were knocked unconscious. Nobody was hurt but they were all out for differing times. He came to with two of his buddies on top of him. He said he was feeling around in the dark to see if they were bleeding or injured. They were ok. They had to abandon the vehicle - 18 tons blown into the air by a double land mine. So they had to jump far out of the vehicle to ensure that they didn't land on any other mines. They had to wait for replacements before they can go too far, so they called back for reinforcements and then came back to the main base.

They are back on the base and will get some sleep time. He said it's two weeks since they were at the base. That was the last suicide bomber that their platoon came in contact with. They will be out again within 24 hours. However, they can sleep, wash their clothes and get some real food....

He said they got mail and the most touching were the letters they received from the little Brownies. He said that the letters made them feel like heroes. They were really proud to be getting letters from the Brownies. It hit home to them...

Rumour says....

2006-10-16T20:45:00.000-07:00

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that when a Political Party loses an election, that Party's factions turn on each other. And so it seems to be here, in the Yukon.

Rumour says that the Yukon News and the Yukon Liberals are... shall we say... "dissatisfied" with each other. After devoting pages and pages of free space, predicting the delights of a Liberal majority while at the same time describing the Yukon Party in ... shall we say... "negative" terms.... and doing so for the entire month of September... what does Arthur Mitchell and his team do?? Fail. That's what. Fail. Considering the intellectual firepower involved in all this scribbling... well... can you blame that brave little band of 'reporters' for being 'let down' by a bunch of losers???

And on the other hand, we have the spectacle of the Yukon Liberals losing to the Yukon Party. Why?? Couldn't the Yukon News have shown just a wee little bit of .... say .... "nuance" in their election coverage?? Why, by October 9th, it had become a laughing stock of the Yukon ... and ... darn it .... dragged the the Yukon Liberals down with it.

That's the rumour, anyway.

MacIntyre Creek

2006-10-14T19:21:00.000-07:00

before the snow, at Fish Lake Road and the Highway

how to get in touch with Tom Eschak

2006-10-13T19:09:00.000-07:00

His mother tells me that Tom does not get into reach of email much - he is REALLY on the front lines - but when he does, his email address is: t_eschak@hotmail.com

By happenstance (I went to the top of March for Arch and clicked the "Next Blog" square), I came upon this website, which (scroll down a bit) has a VERY short video of a Harrier taking off, in Afghanistan! Quite a moment there.

From Porter Creek to Afghanistan...

2006-10-13T18:35:00.000-07:00

Tom Eschak, born in October 1983, and a graduate of both Jack Hulland School and Porter Creek Secondary School, is a soldier in Afghanistan. He is a member of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, and has been on the front lines of our war against the Taliban since the beginning of August.

On Aug 31, Tom telephoned his sister, sounding upbeat. This is from her report: "He said they have had a couple of close calls now. The Taliban find the leftover unused rockets that the Russians used when they were in Afghanistan. These Afghans now use these rockets to fire at the foreign military that are now in Afghanistan. Tom said that they recently fired an old Russian rocket into Tom's LAV (Light Armored Vehicle). It got lodged IN the gas tank, but luckily it didn't explode. There was another one that got lodged in the window...."

There is another Yukon man who has served in Afghanistan: a Corporal Tizya, very respected, and a friend of Tom Eschak. If anyone knows anything about this fellow, let your Blogress know!

Is Hawkweed "Noxious"??

2006-10-13T18:15:00.000-07:00

Well, it is genuinely sub arctic and the Yukon is its home. It has its own name, a string ending with "Porsild", referring to Ellen Davignon's uncle, Alf Erling Porsild (1901-1977), who identified it for the official botanical world. Even after a freezing night, this little hawkweed has retained some of its beauty:

The Porsild brothers made quite an impact on the North. Dick North wrote a whole book about their study of reindeer in "ARCTIC EXODUS: THE LAST GREAT TRAIL DRIVE", which is still in print. They were Danish boys from Greenland. Their father Morten P Porsild was also a botanist. He founded Arctic Station on Disko Island, Western Greenland in 1906. Earlier this year, there was a family reunion of this man's descendents at Disko. He is held in very high esteem in Greenland, and the reunion party met with a great reception.

According to Ellen Davignon, her grandfather changed his surname from the very boring and common "Pedersen" to the unusual "Porsild." Thus, the people with that surname are ALL descendents of Morten P Porsild!

the future of this blog

2006-10-12T20:32:00.000-07:00

Your Blogress LIKES working on this blog, and wants to continue doing so. It will focus on (a) Archie in his coming political career; and (b) Porter Creek. I plan to back the thing up with a very simple website upon which I can save and display information about interesting people around and about the place. It is amazing how interesting Porter Creek is! And I would very much like to continue telling its various stories.

I hope you will continue to tune in.

Another thing about the Yukon News...

2006-10-12T20:06:00.000-07:00

One of the problems with modern politickin' is that a politician has to remain silent while he is being unfairly attacked by the 'media'.. This is especially so, during campaign season.
The election was held last Tuesday. In the time between now and when the Yukon Party takes responsibility for the government, Archie would like to get ONE MORE THING off of his chest. So. The Yukon "News" ran a story on Monday, 25 September, page 5. It boasted about this on the front page with huge red letters: LANG DRILLED ON ANWR. Rushing on to page 5, we see a breathless headline asking: "Does the Yukon Party support drilling in ANWR?" The story is below:

In actual fact, Archie was NOT the only other Yukon politician at this Juneau forum. Patrick Rouble, Ted Staffen, and Todd Hardy were also there with Arthur Mitchell. And, in actual FACT, the person how made the statement, "We all know that it is a not a question...." was NOT Archie, but rather, the Alaska State Senator. Archie was a Minister of the Yukon Government, and it was and is the stated policy of that government and the Yukon Party, that they are against drilling in ANWR.

One of this Blog's readers sent me this message:"I do know this; I have a Broadcast diploma and I freelanced for a number of years. And to allay your anger somewhat, there are reporters out there who really do care about the truth."

I know that, and so does Archie. However, the Yukon News has been way over the edge of acceptable partisan politics for the past few years. And sometimes, it is necessary for one's pride to tell people the true story. This is one of those times.

Where have all the Dandelions gone??

2006-10-12T19:49:00.000-07:00

Your Blogress is absolutely not a gardener nor a botanist. I can recognize Dandelions, though, which is why I have noticed that rather than dandelions, there is a different kind of yellow flower springing up all over the place. My gardener expert tells me that it is a "hawkweed."
It's amazing where a simple question can lead one. In this case, having asked, and not really answered, "where have all the Dandelions gone?", the very pretty hawkweed has captured my interest. And what should I find??? It is an Aster, with an official name, "Variety Hieracium gracile Hook. var. yukonense Porsild."

PORSILD. That is Ellen Davignon's maiden name. You know, Ellen Davignon who works at Mac's Fireweed, and wrote wonderful columns in the newspaper, and a book with "Cinnamon Bun" in the title. With a little rummaging in Google, it turns out that Ellen's uncle was Alf Erling Porsild, a very famous biologist. With his brother (Ellen's father), he studied the grazing potential of reindeer in northern Canada.

His biography states that, "Erling returned to Ottawa in 1935 and started to turn out a stream of publications based on his studies of the boreal American flora. In the following year he was appointed Acting Chief Botanist at the National Museum of Canada in Ottawa. In 1946 he became Chief Botanist at the National Museum of Canada, a position which he held until he retired in 1967. He was awarded a great many honours, one being Fellow of the Arctic Institute of North America. His life was a saga of unique experiences and accomplishments. Erling Porsild died in Vienna on 13 November 1977. His older brother, Robert, died a few weeks later at his home in Whitehorse, Y.T. - on 30 December."

A photo to go with the previous story!

2006-10-11T22:38:00.000-07:00

Yukon News "reporting"

2006-10-11T22:01:00.000-07:00

This is a portion of a Yukon News article that appeared the day after our election. It purports to be a direct quote from Archie, made to the reporter, "Genesee Keevil."

Your Blogress was present through much of last night, and I can remember a person in a pink T-shirt, wandering around with a notebook. When this person approached Archie for an interview, he asked her who she represented. When she identified herself as a Yukon News 'reporter', he walked away without saying anything. He is quite clear that he did not make that statement that appears in that newspaper, and - indeed - he is VERY clear that he never talked to anyone from the Yukon News about anything.

The Yukon News has slid from being a relatively legitimate opposition newspaper into a huge swamp of Mean. I use that word, "Mean" as an accurate description of its approach to news: undistinguished; of low degree; poor in ability and learning; petty; shabby; ignoble; small minded; seedy. All of this overlays a grinding ongoing malice.

You see, most Yukoners are NOT mean, nor are they malicious. The Yukon News reporters ought to get out more, and meet some of them. You know: like real reporters.

There's always someone ....

2006-10-11T21:58:00.000-07:00

who doesn't want to leave the party..

Nola and Al Lueck present Karen with flowers

2006-10-10T23:28:00.000-07:00

for all the great work she did in Archie's re-election campaign. Karen is an organizer without peer.

11 pm Election Day in the Yukon!!!

2006-10-10T23:01:00.000-07:00

Election Day Today (Tuesday)

2006-10-09T12:44:00.000-07:00

Archie Lang's Electoral Division!
Porter Creek Centre: Holy Family Elementary School, Wann Road.
Jim Kenyon's Electoral Division!
Porter Creek North: Our Lady of Victory Church

Dean Hassard's Electoral Division!
Porter Creek South: Jack Hulland Elementary School

Your Blogress: on Election Day (Tuesday)

2006-10-09T11:44:00.000-07:00

Your Blogress has "volunteered" to scrutineer on Tuesday from early morn to late at night, meaning that everytime anyone votes, I put an "X" on that person's enumeration number. Eventually, an ally will rush over from Campaign Headquarters, pick up these "bingo" sheets, and harass any of OUR voters who have not voted to get out there and VOTE. Meanwhile, your Blogress sits there. Drinking coffee. Making X's.

Now, you will note the words, "early morn." This means REALLY EARLY. Like, I must be on the spot at 8 o'clock IN THE MORNING. Many readers of this Blog may look puzzled and murmur, "sooo??". Those people are the kind of people who say "The Early Bird Catches the Worm!! Yayyy!". This is not true. To catch worms, you take a bucket and a flashlight and wander around in the dirt LATE AT NIGHT.

One of the great heroes of the human race, Winston Churchill (photographed here early in the morning), described this division of humanity in a charming and NON JUDGEMENTAL manner: We are (morning) Larks, or we are (evening) Nightingales (catching the worms). The twain meets somewhere around noon.

Why I support another Yukon Party majority...

2006-10-08T11:04:00.000-07:00

Your Blogress began this 'blog' because she wanted to support her brother, Archie, in his bid for re-election in Porter Creek Centre. I think he is a great representative, and has done an excellent job for his constituents, and for the Yukon, for the past 5 years.

But. Your Blogress had little or no opinion re the Yukon Party's performance as a whole.

However, the experience of actually presenting information to the readers of this Blog, has made me think New Thoughts: I am a very uncooperative person, with extremely 'right wing' opinions, and I tend to be harshly judgmental. But, I have had to admit this: The Yukon Party has adopted 'cooperation' as its philosophy VERY SUCCESSFULLY, and the Yukon is a better place now than it was 5 years ago.

It has cooperated with the other 2 north-of-60 governments, and thus made better deals with
the Federal Government (eg, the $$$ for health care improvements).

It has cooperated with the Yukon First Nations governments, working with them - government to government - to make them FULL PARTNERS in Yukon's Economic Development. A stellar example of this has been the Memorandum of Understanding signed by Premier Fentie and Chief Isaac of the Selkirk First nation... enabling the development of the new Sherwood Copper Minto mine and even a power line extension in the area.

As Jim Kenyon has pointed out, Canada’s average increase in the mining sector for the 2002-2004 was 16.3%. Yukon, working with the same prices, did almost Ten Times Better than the
Canadian average. WE DID THIS WHILE INCREASING OUR PROTECTED AREAS TO THE HIGHEST IN CANADA.

And.
They have shown practical and consistent concern for social problems... from improving community safety legislation, to supporting agreeable green spaces within the city of Whitehorse (ie, the VerSluce Meadows project), to adopting the Whole Child Program in order to build strong and healthy links between local schools and their communities.

And.
The Yukon Party government has managed our financial resources so well that it has received excellent reviews from Federal Canada's Auditor.

And that is why I very much hope that the Yukon Party wins a majority AGAIN in our legislature!!!

Another day, another walkabout

2006-10-08T11:00:00.000-07:00

And this time, Archie had Linda Dixon to help him out. Saturday was crisp, with a vivid blue sky, and the two of them worked hard to talk to people Archie had missed seeing so far.

It's Friday, going on Saturday

2006-10-06T18:31:00.000-07:00

And as far as your Blogress knows, the World is not ending anytime soon, so, I thought you might like a photo of Porter Creek itself, to help us all think Good Thoughts.

There is something about this street

2006-10-05T22:13:00.000-07:00

that your Blogress likes... (there is another Archie sign down by that car, too)

Gosh, it's Friday... and...

2006-10-05T22:07:00.000-07:00

This is too beautiful to NOT show off

2006-10-05T19:28:00.000-07:00

To recap: Archie's Porter Creek Initiatives

2006-10-05T19:14:00.000-07:00

*** Archie has advocated for upgrades on the Alaska Highway, ESPECIALLY through the Rabbit's Foot Canyon.

*** He has supported an advisory committee which is going to start a Dogs for Drug Free Schools at Porter Creek Secondary School, using the Medicine Hat program as a template.

***He is working to ensure the Holly Street green space is expanded into a city park.

*** He has been a strong advocate for restoring the Versluce Meadow area for the use of Porter Creek residents

Another night, another Porter Creek Street

2006-10-05T19:09:00.000-07:00

Archie and Roxanne continue to knock on doors. Your Blogress (and Archie's personal paparazzi) caught up with them on Cedar on Thursday evening.

Time for More Signs

2006-10-05T19:08:00.000-07:00

And as many as you can manage, too. Archie and his crew have been replacing broken ones, etc and keeping up the good fight in this Battle of the Signs. For a Battle it seems to be, with even (very rarely) over excitable partisans attacking some Sign, one hopes without machetes. All this action keeps the campaign in high gear, though...

Get yer name on The List!!

2006-10-04T18:16:00.000-07:00

One of those strange skies we see here

2006-10-04T16:33:00.000-07:00

The Yukon Territory has the best looking skies possible in the world, and the most interesting. Your Blogress took this photo this (Wednesday) afternoon, just because.

more activity in the Rabbit's Foot Canyon..

2006-10-04T16:12:00.000-07:00

Turning with relief from that dismal Scottish stonebreaker, these are photos of activity on the splendidly upgraded road through the Rabbit's Foot Canyon. The Road Weather Information System is being completed, with something terribly electronic being encased in that box in the ground The process seems to involve carving a line across the road, placing something electronic therein, and covering it up again! (Your Blogress did not waste her time in physics classes, b'gosh). Any further explanation of this process would be welcome. Seriously.

It will be interesting to notice the results this winter. One hopes it will be safer to drive between downtown Whitehorse and Porter Creek.

To re-emphasize: this whole program is in operation because our Yukon Party - and Archie - have made it a priority of their government.

On the joys of stonebreaking...

2006-10-03T22:46:00.000-07:00

Further to the previous entry, this is a drawing of a 'stonebreaker.' When I did a study of a small Scottish village that was 'cleared' (in 1848) of its population, one of the people thus dispossessed (Duncan McLean) became (according to the 1851 Census) a 'stonebreaker.' The drawing was done about 1830 by Walter Geikie. Mr Geikie was deaf. At the time, deaf people were viewed as 'morons.' Walter Geikie was, in his time, proof positive that this assessment was wrong.

Wann, the Queen of the Yukon, and "Tarmac"

2006-10-03T18:48:00.000-07:00

This is a photo of Clyde Wann, back when he owned the Queen of the Yukon (sister to Lindbergh's Spirit of St Louis.) Your Blogress is presenting this photo, because it's a great photo (somewhat photoshopped, I admit), but also, because it is a good excuse to tell you about "tarmac".

If you have been an attentive reader of this blog, you will know that the "Queen" and other bush planes are buried under the "tarmac" of the Whitehorse Airport.

Once upon a time, roads were built in the old Roman way, that is with big stone blocks. A smart Scotsman named John MCADAM (b 1756), in charge of roads to the Bristol (England) Turnpike Trust, figured out that better roads would result by using layers of tiny stones (ones that could fit in a labourer's mouth). Such roads were known as "Macadamized" roads. When the car arrived, and dust became a problem, TAR was added to the macadamized road surface, and ... voila!! ... "tarmacadam"... and then "tarmac."

Also, the need for tiny stones necessitated a new kind of labourer, a 'stonebreaker', who sat and broke stones with a hammer... gruesome job, eh??

Archie with Pat Berrel on Teak

2006-10-02T20:11:00.000-07:00

Another evening, another walkabout, this time on Teak and Evergreen. Archie was accompanied by Pat Berrel on this particular walk. Note the clipboard in Pat's hand. We have to keep track of everyone Archie meets and talks with, so Lists upon Lists are needed for this venture.

Pat has told me that he is working for Archie's re-election because Archie has been so supportive of the Whole Child Program.

Advance Poll today and yesterday

2006-10-02T19:56:00.000-07:00

Some ten polls set up shop in the Selkirk gymnasium, so that Yukon citizens can vote in an "Advance Poll" for their next Territorial Government. They were 'manned' by several very friendly and helpful people, who let me know that they will not be able to accept donuts or any other high calorie food that is provided to Party scrutineers... it may be construed as a bribe!

Two memories were with me this evening: I knew a fellow in Toronto, a Syrian Christian, who was amazed and impressed when, during one of our exciting Canadian elections, there were NO TANKS IN THE STREETS (like they were back in good ol' Demascus).

The other was a photo, taken during that January election in Iraq. It was the picture of an old man being wheeled to the Voting booth by a couple of young men. The old man had a white beard and a turban, and the wheelchair was really a baby buggy which had been made into a sort-of-wheelchair.

Lists, Lists and Advanced Polls...

2006-10-01T18:42:00.000-07:00

Another reminder to take advantage of the Advance Poll. Remember, you can't just wander over and be sworn in at your local Voting Booth. You must be on THE ELECTORAL LIST. OK??

There will be a "Special Revision" for those who are completely absent- minded, at their Returning Office, this coming Friday, 4 to 9 pm.

This is NOT MY FAULT. I DO NOT KNOW WHEN THIS DECISION WAS MADE. Funny how things happen, isn't it??

29 September, by the Parking Lot

2006-09-30T21:13:00.000-07:00

This is the path to Porter Creek, as you leave the Super A Parking Lot. We are fortunate Up Here, are we not?

The other guy who staked "Rabbit's Foot" claim...

2006-09-30T18:20:00.000-07:00

Ole Dickson had a partner when he staked Rabbit's Foot mineral claim. He had 3/5 interest, and JOHN PATTENT WHITNEY had the other 2/5 interest.

Who was J P Whitney? A century ago, he was part owner of "Whitney and Pedlar", one of the two big merchants in the territory. The other "big" merchant was Taylor and Drury. In fact, it appears that Whitney and Pedlar's store was built right across 1st Avenue from the White Pass Railway Station, where T & D's - and Horwoods - now stand. The Hougen website displays a photo taken on Victoria Day, showing that area of town, right after the 1905 Fire.

Robert Service wrote a poem in 1906, Bob Smart's Dream, in which it is predicted that J P Whitney would be a multi millionare and donate a the fine Ear Lake Park to the city of Whitehorse. This rosy forecast was, however, not to be. He put too much money in copper mine claims, and not enough into his store. Taylor and Drury and Pedlar bought him out of the merchandising business in 1912.

So, he tried the fox farm business. Built on the east side of the Yukon River, The Whitney "Black Silver Fox Fox Farm" sported a 2 storey log structure (built 1914) to house his 'warden', Charles Barlow. By 1918, however, fur prices had fallen so low that many fox ranches went out of business, including the Black Silver Fox farm. (This building finally burned down in 1996 after being derelict for many years.)

And it is here that your Blogress loses sight of J P Whitney.... except for this photo taken about 1905. There he stands, J P Whitney, on the Sternwheeler "La France", docked along the Yukon River. I'll bet he had a lot of fun - and a lot of friends - when he lived in the Yukon. (This photo is in the Yukon Archives, #4028, MM Coll)

a Reminder: the Advance Poll coming up:

2006-09-30T08:39:00.000-07:00

Yukon Party's strategy to improve Yukon health care

2006-09-29T19:05:00.000-07:00

As Yukoners know, we don't have enough health care professionals in the Territory. The Yukon Party has a 6 point plan to rectify this problem. The $$$ for this Strategy results from the cooperation among the 3 northern territories.

To quote Premier Fentie, "The funding for these initiatives comes from the Territorial Health Access Fund. If you recall, this fund came about as a result of the three northern Premiers walking out on Prime Minister Chrétien back in 2003 to emphasize the fact that federal per capita funding for health care North of 60 simply doesn't work because of large land areas and small populations. We are now dedicating $12.7 million of the THA towards the recruitment and retention of doctors and other health care professionals."

In a nutshell, these strategies are:
Family Physician Incentive Program for New Graduates.
Medical Education Bursary.
Nursing Education Bursary.
Health Professions Education Bursary.
Nurse Mentoring Program.
Social Worker Mentoring Program.

You can read the news release describing these in more detail here.

Your Blogress notes that the most important word in the Yukon Party's dictionary is "cooperation."

Archie and Heather, Friday evening

2006-09-29T18:51:00.000-07:00

Until Election Day (10th October), all the candidates are out in their ridings, walking and knocking on doors, and talking with whoever will talk to them. Archie is no exception. Friday evening, he and his niece, Heather, were out walking on Gibbons and Holly and (I think) Evergreen.

It's getting darker earlier, and it's colder, too. You can see why November elections are not popular with our politicians!

Rabbit's Foot Canyon and Ole Dickson

2006-09-28T17:55:00.000-07:00

Now that the road through Rabbit's Foot Canyon is entering the 21st Century via the "Road Weather Information System" (thanks to the Yukon Party government!!)... let's take another look at its past.

Its name, "Rabbit's Foot" is the name of a copper claim. Two people staked that claim: John Pattent Whitney and Ole Dickson, both of Whitehorse. Such claims comprised some 42.34 acres.

And... here is a 1903 photo of Ole Dickson, in the doorway of the old Takhini Roadhouse. The photo shows a sleighing party, including William, Anna and Deyo Puckett, the ladies' bowling team, Mrs. Wilde, and Mary Helm's parents. The Yukon Archives holds the original, as part of the Mary Helm Collection (89/25#1).

Imagine Yukon's Future Tomorrow

2006-09-28T17:03:00.000-07:00

The Yukon Party's election slogan is "Imagine Tomorrow." All this optimism is built on a solid foundation of 5 years of cooperation: cooperation among all the north-of-60 governments in dealing with the Federal government... ie "new Territorial Funding Formula, ... marketing of the 2007 Canada Winter Games ... better access to federal health care... better access to childcare and post secondary education and training programs."

The Yukon has gone through some 20 years of a mild depression, brought on by non -cooperation among the verious First Nations Land Claims, the 3 Northern Territories, and the Federal government. Our Yukon Party has concluded Final Agreements with the Kluane First Nation, Kwanlin Dun First Nation, and the Carcross Tagish First Nation. It is working with all the Yukon First Nations to make them full partners in Yukon's economic development.

The result is a rebirth of optimism in Yukon's future, one that would make the pioneers of 100 years ago proud.

For the specifics of the Yukon Party platform, go here.

Getting with the Programme... the Election that is..

2006-09-28T11:52:00.000-07:00

Archie wants me to do stuff on the Yukon Party's track record, as it is VERY CLOSE to the actual VOTE. Fortunately, from your Blogress's point of view, it is an excellent track record (one doesn't like to bloviate and pretend, you need too many subjunctive clauses to do that)

Anyway, our Yukon Party has received praise from Canada's Auditor General (Sheila Fraser), for something called 'accountability', which means the Yukon citizenry know what is happening with all the money (and it is a LOT of $$$). Our YP government has established a small but EFFECTIVE internal audit division... with higher standards than are met by some other Canadian jurisdictions... and the audits have been extended to Yukon's publicly owned corporations (eg, Yukon Housing, Yukon Liquor).

All this means that the Yukon Party government prizes honesty and accountability and transparency, which (we all agree) is a Good Thing..

another thing about Rabbit's Foot Canyon:

2006-09-26T16:55:00.000-07:00

Just where IS Porter Creek, before it flows into the subdivision? The topographical maps are not of much help (believe me, I looked).

However, Google Map seems to indicate that Porter Creek comes down the hill north of MacIntyre Creek, and then - at the point where the City Dump road takes off the highway - turns slightly north to flow along the highway until it dives under the highway to reappear in Porter Creek Subdivision.

This means that the Rabbit's Foot Claim is on your right as you drive up towards the City Dump!

If you disagree, let me know!

Why "Rabbit's Foot Canyon" anyway??

2006-09-26T09:40:00.000-07:00

This is a portion of a map in the Yukon Archives (#H12), entitled "Town of Whitehorse, and Adjacent Copper Belt", dated June 1902, compiled by H G Dickson, D.L.S. The dark blue lines are MacIntyre Creek and Porter Creek. The former is easily seen today, and marked with a sign(at the Fish Lake Road). However, aside from the fact that Porter Creek is somewhere in the weeds along the west side of the Rabbit's Foot Canyon road, coming out on the east side of the road at the Centennial cutoff... well, maybe a lot has happened since 1902?? Or maybe some of you readers know?

A very small Whitehorse is included on this map, but for reasons of space and the Blog format, your wise Blogress has cut it off in favour of presenting a closeup view of the interesting names given to the various claims. One thing is impressive, as I meander through this dry and dusty paperwork: those guys were so OPTIMISTIC back then: they visualized a huge manufacturing city, one that would be built on the wealth generated by copper ore, and their own energy.

Anyway, note the "Rabbit's Foot" Claim, handily encircled by photoshop. And more about this later....

Rabbit's Foot Canyon Joins the 21st Century

2006-09-25T17:10:00.000-07:00

Your Blogress took this photo of tubing in a hole, at the corner of the Highway and the Fish Lake Road. So, what is it? It doesn't look like much, but this is Modern Technology Extraordinaire!

A "Road Weather Information System" is being installed on the road through Rabbit's Foot Canyon. As we all know, that particular stretch of road is particularly lethal in winter time. This electronic sensor system, funded by the Yukon Party's government, will provide warning to drivers and the guys with the sand, when the road is dangerously icy.

As you have probably also noticed, there have been major improvements made on the road between the Two Mile Hill Intersection, and Porter Creek. Given the increasing traffic (because of a better Yukon economy, which is because of having the Yukon Party running things for the past 5 years) this will help make it safer to drive around here. Which is a Good Thing!

Snow on Gray Mountain

2006-09-25T15:19:00.000-07:00

Your Blog I Ching opines: AIEEEEEE....

Is your name on the Voters' List?

2006-09-24T14:04:00.000-07:00

This is a good question to ask. Your Blogress is again immersed in Elector List data bases and has noted that some people who should be on, are not. And a number of buildings seem to have been missed. And there is one case of people ending up on the lists of TWO Ridings. It is also difficult to see if there are electors who are outside the Yukon, who have been missed on these lists.

So, just to be sure, check to see if you - and any other qualified elector - is on that list. Each Candidate will have a 'preliminary list' by now; and also the Yukon Party Headquarter (3rd and Elliott); and of course, your Returning Officer:
Porter Creek North: Room 1, Trails North Motel, open 4:30 - 8:30 Mon to Fri.
Telephone 667 8710
Porter Creek Centre: 45 Boxwood, Church of the Northern Apostles, open 3:30 - 7:30, Mon to Fri., Telephone 667 8721
Porter Creek South: Room 1, Casa Loma Motel, Centennial, open 4:30 to 9:00, Mon to Fri.,
Telephone 667 8711.
Also: REVISION DAY for electors who are not on the list willbe TWO DAYS:
9 am to 9 pm, Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept 26 - Sept 27
AT YOUR RETURNING OFFICE (see above).

Archie's telephone# is: 393-ARCH; Dean Hassard's (PC South) is: 393-3399

Photo time. Why? Because!

2006-09-21T11:28:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since this Blog has seen a photo of Archie, so...

Voters' Lists and Revisions Information

2006-09-21T09:57:00.000-07:00

Today, Thursday, 21st September -is an important one for we Election junkies: the new Enumeration Voters lists are complete and will be delivered to the Candidates, as well as being posted for the public to see at the Returning Offices.

Now is the time to make sure you are on the Voters' List.

If you are NOT on the list, the wonderful Elections Yukon is going to be open for revisions business next Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept 26 and 27, at each Electoral District Returning office, 9 am to 9 pm.

Archie's District Returning Office (PC CENTRE) is at the Church of the Northern Apostles, 45 Boxwood (at Wann Road), telephone 667 8721. Its regular hours are from 330 to 730, Mon - Friday.
Jim Kenyon's Returning Office (PC NORTH) is at Room 1, Trails North Motel, on the Alaska Highway, telephone 667 8720. Its regular hours are from 430 to 830, Mon - Friday.
and
Dean Hassard's Returning Office (PC SOUTH) is at Room 1, Casa Loma Motel, Centennial Street, Telephone 667 8711. Its regular hours are from 430 to 900, Monday - Friday

The Campaign Headquarters Telephone # for BOTH Archie and Dean is 393ARCH. It can, of course be found in the Super A Parking Lot, festooned with large signs. It will be open after 2 pm weekdays...

Today, Archie is in Old Crow

2006-09-21T09:49:00.000-07:00

This is the 21st September, and Archie has gone up to Old Crow to do a walkabout with Premier Dennis Fentie. Archie owned a grocery store in Old Crow - and Arctic Red River - for a few years, and therefore knows a lot of the folks in that village. They will return to Whitehorse tonight, and tomorrow, there will be one of a regular Friday noon gathering of candidates at the Headquarters of Headquarters, down at 3rd and Elliott (the Microage building).

Archie's place on the Ballot

2006-09-19T21:29:00.000-07:00

At 2 pm this past Monday, the Returning Officer drew the (3) candidates' names - one at a time - out of a plastic bowl. Archie's name was drawn first, so his name will come first on the October 10 ballot. Liberal Party David Laxton's name will be second, and Kate White, representing the NDP will be third. Your Blogress is not sure that this will matter very much. I suppose that if there were 5 or more candidates, the order of names might affect the election outcome, but with 3 people running in Porter Creek Centre, well... On the other hand, Archie coming first is a plus sign for our side, is it not?

VerSluce Meadows: a Project for Porter Creek

2006-09-19T15:50:00.000-07:00

The Porter Creek Community Association is proceeding with plans to make something out of the Versluce Meadows. Gail Johnson presented the initial plan to the group, and has consented to continue as the head of the Park Committee. Your Blogress took some photos of the area the other day, and can only agree that something should be done with the space.

Every effort is being made to make a "Space" that will meet the needs of all Porter Creek residents. Archie has been front and centre throughout the past year with this project, and will continue doing so, as part of the next Yukon government.

Leaf Time

2006-09-19T15:39:00.000-07:00

19 September: not a good day to be a leaf

A little something on Proxy Voting

2006-09-18T17:30:00.000-07:00

The "Special Ballot" assumes you are in the Yukon during voting hours, but for one reason or another, cannot get to the Polling Station. (See below, and also the Elections Yukon explanation for this).

The Proxy Vote is for the person who WON'T BE IN THE YUKON TERRITORY during voting hours. Or: if you live in an isolated Yukon area, you can register as such before an election is called.

In short, the Proxy Vote exists for those Yukon Citizens who are geographically challenged; the Special Ballot takes into consideration other difficulties voters may face.

This Proxy identifies some other person who you trust will vote according to your wishes, "to vote for me for the reason that I shall be absent from the Yukon during the hours fixed for voting." OR you can authorise a registered political party or candidate to vote for you. The Proxy voter must vote for you at the advance poll, or on polling day.

You must sign the "Application to Vote by Proxy" form which can be seen and downloaded at the marvellous Elections Yukon website.
'

Time of the Signs!

2006-09-18T17:21:00.000-07:00

The Election has been called, Polling Day comes on 10th October... and now is the time for Signs. The trick is to paper the street with Archie's Signs, and thus drive the other guys NUTS. Note that in the photo below, there is a SECOND Archie Sign half way round the corner. It's all psychological warfare, really. It keeps the Campaign Workers busy, throughout the campaign, putting new ones up, and replacing the older ones that the wind blows down...

Private Jets parked at Whitehorse Airport

2006-09-18T16:49:00.000-07:00

A covey of private jets parked out there; and along with all the (huge) RVs we see around town, tourism is doing fine! Another possibility - and a good one - is that the huge increase in mining investment in the Yukon (a result of Yukon Party efforts) means that people who have a stake in those investments are coming to the Territory on business.

Special Ballots

2006-09-18T16:29:00.000-07:00

These ballots are available for Yukon voters who will be IN the Yukon Territory during voting hours BUT, because they are
a. Housebound
b. Unable to vote in advance or regular poll because of employment, etc.
c. a student, or student's spouse or dependent, in an educational institution which is NOT in your own electoral district (eg, you are resident in Mayo, but are attending Yukon College in Whitehorse)
d. a temporary resident in a transition home
e. unable to vote in person at an advance poll or on polling day.

The Special Ballot can be downloaded from Elections Yukon. You cannot fax the signed ballot into Elections Yukon: you must mail it in, or have it delivered by hand. If you HAVE been issued a special ballot, you cannot vote in person at your polling station on polling day, or be issued a second ballot paper. So, don't lose it!

For a complete rundown, go to Elections Yukon.

Electoral Information

2006-09-18T13:31:00.000-07:00

Having never been closely involved in an Election, your Blogress is interested in the details. I DO know, however, that the Election Act and its regulations are meant to ensure that we don't have elections like Zimbabwe's (is that benighted country still in the Commonwealth?) Each District has its own Returning Officer (PC Centre is Joanne Green) and its own Office (45 Boxwood Cr, Church of the Northern Apostles, phone is 667 - 8721 and hours are Mon to Fri 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

The Big Dates are: Revision (when you aren't on the List, or they mispelled it, or something), at the Returning Office. next Tuesday and Wednesday (Sept 26/27), 9 am to 9 pm.

There will be an Advance Poll (in case you won't be here on the 10th October) at Selkirk Elementary School, Sunday Oct 1 AND Monday Oct 2, from 2 pm to 8 pm.

Obviously, the Elections people WANT YOU ALL TO GET OUT AND VOTE!

And then, there are a couple of items I learned about this past weekend:
Special Ballot. And Proxy Vote.

Look to the next entry for info re that, or go to the ElectionsYukon Site for an excellent explanation.

a couple of not important remarks

2006-09-14T21:38:00.000-07:00

Making population data bases has its own strange interests: you have to concentrate on spelling, and etc, so your attention CANNOT WANDER; but then, it is very very boring as you go into the 5th hour of a name list.

So, little things start to catch your interest. Today, I noticed that there were a lot of Porter Creek women named "Lisa Marie." I think Elvis would be proud!

Archie went along Evergreen tonight, with his campaign manager, Pat Berrel.

This is how the people vying for your vote spend the campaign season: walking around tapping on doors, and asking the citizen for his or her vote. It is Democracy at its best, people. And this is why democracies are so flexible, and successful - in asking for YOUR vote, the political candidate must pay attention to your concerns and opinions.

That vote of yours is no small thing, and should never be scorned. Being a Citizen of a democracy is a great privilege, one enjoyed by few people on earth today.

Zero Tolerance for Drug Dealers...

2006-09-13T22:16:00.000-07:00

Dennis Fentie has announced "Zero Tolerance for Drug Dealers" - ie, a stick - along with a carrot: " a Focus on treatment and treatment facilities for their victims."

Drug houses will be shut down by using the enforcement provisions of the Substance Abuse Action Plan. Citizens' information and complaints will be focussed by a Community Enforcement/ Information Campaign. The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act, passed by the YP government, is a key part of this plan.

Given an 80% recidivism rate in our current Corrections Process, Fentie said, one of the most important parts of this plan is a Yukon Community Court, led by a partnership of government, RCMP, Judiciary, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Society of Yukon, the Committee on Abuse in Residential Schools, Legal Aid, and the Council for Yukon First Nations. The idea is to avoid turning our correctional facilities into a warehouse of alcoholics and drug addicts.

With Fentie, as he described this proposal, was Vicki Durrant, the Candidate for McIntyre/Takhini. (Scroll down to the bottom of the linked page.) Vicki has had years of volunteer experience in working with young people in our city. As Mr Fentie noted, the YP's approach is to involve all parts of the community in this effort, government, professional and volunteer.

Tuesday, opening day!

2006-09-13T18:50:00.000-07:00

I have been remiss in my duties as your Blogress, because I have been making another data base, this time for Dean Hassard, who is the YP Candidate for Porter Creek South. And here is the headquarters Archie and Dean will share until October 10.
The signs certainly make it look LARGER, don't they?? You can find it at the back of the Porter Creek Super A Parking Lot, by the trees:

Downtown, the Territorial YP Party opened its own headquarters (where Microage had its Whitehorse shop, on 3rd and Elliot):

It isn't quite as cozy looking as the Porter Creek one, but then, this is the Headquarters of Headquarters. Marie Cox is in charge of the admin here.

And this rather wonderful poster was shown off, with the YP slogan, "Imagine Tomorrow." It portrays Elaine Taylor (Whse W); Dennis Fentie (Watson Lake); Jeannie VanBibber (Mayo-Tatchun) and Marian Horne (Pelly Nisutlin).

Porter Creek, a very short history

2006-09-12T12:51:00.000-07:00

In wandering around Porter Creek (a real treat, the trees are GOLDEN), your Blogress has marvelled at the SIZE of the lots in the area. And then that question led to... whence cometh Porter Creek?

The logical person to ask was Jimmy Smith, Yukon's Commissioner from Nov 1966 to mid 1976. He told me that Porter Creek's lots were originally surveyed in 1950/51, and were sold from 1952. The largish sizes were intended to make room for the owners to drill their own wells and maintain their own septic tanks.

By 1967, Porter Creek was a local government issue, that is, would it be a subdivision of Whitehorse, or would it be a town unto itself?? Among others, Ken McKinnon (a later Commissioner, by the way) was on the side of a separate Porter Creek. Jimmy Smith, however, cut through the gordion knot of this battle, and - taking a CMHC metropolitcan plan's map -drew the borders of the City of Whitehorse... and included Porter Creek IN, as a subdivision. He could do that, because the Commissioner had most of the power in those days. The Government was a tiny thing, it could almost fit into a broom closet beside the Commissioner's desk.

As to Centennial Road, your Blogress has understood that this was ORIGINALLY the Alaska Highway, but re-named (in 1967??) because the Highway we know today was built bypassing Porter Creek.

Archie has started his 'door to door' campaign

2006-09-11T20:45:00.000-07:00

....and here is a photo taken last night, when Archie was on Oak Street. He was late getting going because he attended the Porter Creek Community Association Fall meeting at the Guild Hall. Gail Johnson gave a presentation on the Versluce Meadows first phase report, a project Archie has strongly encouraged and supported.

We're having a wonderful September, and Porter Creek Streets look just beautiful!

Election Campaign begins in earnest...

2006-09-11T20:15:00.000-07:00

..and a small group of interested 'marchforarch' supporters gathered to make plans as to how we proceed during the next month. Pat Berrel is Archie's Campaign Manager. He said something interesting: it was Archie's strong committment to something called the "Whole Child Program" that made Pat decide to actively support Archie's re-election.

Now, your Blogress knows NOTHING about this "Whole Child Program", but I will find out more, and report back to you as to what exactly this is. In the meantime, the internet link to their website is here. A study was done specifically for the RCMP as well as the WCP Board of Directors. The Programs receives high marks all round.

The Whole Child Program has offered programs since September 2001 to "coordinate services for students and families in this inner city area of Whitehorse through an active open school concept." It began in Whitehorse Elementary School and has recently expanded to include Elijah Smith Elementary.

Yukon Party has 3 new Candidates

2006-09-09T16:40:00.000-07:00

Jerry Johnson has decided to seek the YP nomination for Whitehorse Centre Riding. "One of my most important concerns is to see that the needs of our seniors are being met," he says. The Yukon Party's government's decision to re-open the Thompson Centre as a continuing care facility, "is welcome news for those needing this specialized care." He is impressed with the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods legislation and the Substance Abuse Action Plan, too.

Jerry is married to Gail Hackney, and has made his home here for the past 14 years. (Your Blogress knows this man and thinks he is a very good person. The Yukon will be lucky to have him as a member of the YTG legislature. )

Vicki Durrant is seeking the YP nomination for McIntyre-Takhini Riding. She is a founding member of the Youth of Today Society and was instrumental in establishing Whitehorse's Blue Feather Youth Centre. She advocates strongly on behalf of youth and other disadvantaged people in our society.

As such, she has actively participated in the Children's Act Review, the Substance Abuse Summit and the Corrections Consultation.

Steve Nordick is seeking the YP nomination in the upcoming (October 10) election. He is "deeply committed to the Klondike region and its citizens," and he wants to "help our community grow and prosper, with all the programs and services we need to keep our families safe and healthy."

He and his wife, Tracy, own and operate the 5th Avenue Bed and Breakfast, a business that makes them very aware of the needs of Yukon's tourism industry. He is also the Operations Manager for Mackenzie Petroleums and Kluane Freight Lines in Dawson, both businesses that depend upon placer mining. As Steve says, "Our miners have always been a sustaining force to the health and well-being of the regional economy and they deserve our unwavering support."

The Facts about Yukon's Mining Boom...

2006-09-08T17:52:00.000-07:00

Jim Kenyon - Yukon Party representative for Porter Creek North has a website now. And in it (under "Issues") is an interesting note. Some people think that the Yukon's current prosperity 'just happened' and that our mining activity would be occurring under any political leadership. Sort of like, it's all in the stars, all we have to do is clap our hands, think positively, and life will just get better...

And then there is Reality. The Mining Association of Canada released its "Facts and Figures" on the 18th of August.

In 2002, Yukon had $7.8 million in Mineral Exploration and Deposit Appraisal Expenditures.
In 2004, Yukon had $22.0 million in Mineral Exploration and Deposit Appraisal Expenditures.
In 2005, this rose to $54.2 million.
This constitutes a 146.7% increase from 2004 to 2005!
…and 2006 should be substantially higher yet.

Well, 'world mineral prices' have risen, haven't they?? Maybe it's just Fate, right?

Canada’s national average increase for the 2002-2004 was 16.3%.

YUKON, WORKING WITH THE SAME PRICES AS THE REST OF CANADA, DID ALMOST TEN TIMES BETTER THAN THE CANADIAN AVERAGE!!

AND the Yukon Party's government did this while increasing Yukon's protected areas to the highest in Canada.

Good for our guys!

Yukon Election Called: October 10th!

2006-09-08T16:41:00.000-07:00

The writ has been dropped (why is it 'dropped' anyway??), and the Territorial Election will be 10th October. And the Election Headquarters for Porter Creek Centre AND South has arrived, and is now in the Porter Creek Super A parking lot.

Sort of small isn't it? However, the idea is not to lounge around a comfy spot, the idea is WORK!! Archie and Dean Hassard will share these quarters for the whole of the campaign.

'The two carpenters working on the front porch are Smiley Ford and Bill Hueberschwerlen. Bill wants me to include his nifty logo in this blog. I agreed to do so because (a) the Hueberschwelens have lived in Porter Creek for decades; and (b) it's a nice looking card. So, here it is:

More memories: Clyde Wann

2006-09-08T16:16:00.000-07:00

Paul White is sharing a story about Clyde Wann... you can find it by clicking on 'Comments' at the end of the Clyde Wann Story. Also, if you have any other stories about the man, then email them to me, and I will enter them into the Clyde Wann Comments section. I think Mr Wann was an exceptionally interesting guy, who was well known by a LOT of Yukoners, and stories about him would be most welcome. I will save any and all that come my way, and put them into the Yukon Archives at the end of this Election Campaign.

More on Clyde Wann, of Wann Road, Porter Creek

2006-09-07T11:31:00.000-07:00

Clyde Wann was a business man, and did a lot for the Yukon in his day. As we noted earlier, his company, Yukon Airways and Exploration, was the first to go into the airline business in the Yukon, back in 1927.

And then, after WWII, on the new Alaska Highway, Clyde built and operated FOUR highway lodges: Morley River Lodge (Mile 777.7), Swift River Lodge (Mile 733), Beaver Creek (Mile 1202) and Destruction Bay Lodge (Mile 1083).

It was tough running these isolated lodges in the 1950s and 60s: the road was gravel and dust and crooked, and the winters were much colder than they are today. Each lodge had to provide its own electricity and plumbing and other such services we take for granted today. Operating FOUR of them was a very difficult assignment, and Clyde Wann must have been quite a business person to do so successfully.

Anyway, I have been re-reading Bill Hodson's book** about life on the Highway during the 1950s (mainly). It is a completely great book, well written and researched, with colour photos, and vivid stories of people and adventures from that time. And there, on page 47, is a mention of Clyde Wann:

"Nibs (Feller) and I spent the night at the Swift River Lodge, where we witnessed a near riot in the beer parlour. Clyde Wann, the owner, was held captive while free beer was passed out for a couple of hours. When they had drank enough beer, the guys, a construction crew, threw all the furniture into the Swift River than ran nearby."

**The book may be purchased at Mac's Fireweed. It is called "Reports from Hines Creek and Coal River; stories by Bill Hodson", self published, 2004. The cover has a photo of Ken McKinnon with Bill Hodson, Back Then.

Corrections are being made!

2006-09-07T11:15:00.000-07:00

The story of Holly MacDonald requires some editing. His wife and daughter tell me that the family lodge was named the "Clans Inn" and was at Pelly Crossing. Also, Holly and Josephine grew up in the Chinook Valley, Alberta, not Woking. So, I will go on down to that entry and make the necessary changes.

Also, the Election Headquarters STILL has not arrived to Porter Creek. I guess it is a lot farther from Teslin than I had thought.

Today is Tuesday, 5 September....

2006-09-05T15:44:00.000-07:00

and Archie and Dennis Fentie gave a press conference outlining the YTG "Climate Change Strategy" which has been adopted. "This strategy provides direction on the broad strategies that the Yukon government can pursue internally to address climate change in the Yukon," Archie said.

Also, your Blogress has had LOTS of cards made, advertising this site, and they will be available at the election headquarters at the Porter Creek Super A Grocery Store. (Assuming, of course, that the trailer I keep hearing about actually materializes... but it WILL, it WILL. I know it will!)

Archie & Dean to set up their election headquarters

2006-09-04T21:28:00.000-07:00

Its destination is the Super A parking lot, Centennial Road, Porter Creek. I had hoped to put up a photo of said trailer today, but.. it hadn't arrived this afternoon. Instead, you will have to be satisfied with some plants and rocks (taken today). Leaves look pretty when they turn red, don't they?

Holly MacDonald, of MacDonald Road

2006-09-03T18:59:00.000-07:00

MacDonald Road curves around the north end of Porter Creek, marking the 'industrial' portion of the subdivision. It was named after Holly MacDonald, a man killed in an accident on the Mayo Road, October, 1969.

Holly was born in Manitoba in 1919, and raised on a homestead in the Chinook Valley, Alberta. After serving Overseas in the Canadian Army, he moved back to Alberta, and then - in 1953 - headed to the Yukon with his wife Josephine and his family, where he built a sawmill and a lodge ("The Clans Inn") at Pelly Crossing.

He was active in the Canadian Legion and the Conservative Party. In Holly's obituary in the Yukon Daily News, Ken Shortt noted that Holly "... always had one or more crusades to fall back on. He was continually campaigning for memorials to veterans, Yukon oldtimers or other historic figures. Or else he had a community project to work on. A ball park, a community hall, better lighting - they were all equally important to him."

But Holly was most famous and loved for his vivid stories and the sheer enjoyment he took in being alive. History - especially Scottish History - fascinated him, but so did northern history, and military history and politics. Many of his stories were published in 'The Beaver'. It might be worth someone's time to collect Holly's literary work: Dick North truly admired his writing ability, citing the very well-done obituary of Jim Porter:..."It was a eulogy, and as a eulogy, it was a masterpiece of writing...." (Midnight Sun Yukon Magazine, Dec 5, 1969)

The Highlander in the photo is the sign that decorated Holly's lodge on the Pelly River.

on Clyde Wann of "Wann Road" Porter Creek

2006-08-31T21:10:00.000-07:00

Clyde Wann was born in the US in 1900, and spent 1917 to 1924 knocking around Alaska, whereupon he moved to Mayo, Yukon. By 1927 he had earned enough $$ to go into partnership with 2 other guys (James Finnigan and Andrew Cruickshank), and buy an airplane from California, ship it up to the Yukon and launch Yukon's first commercial airline: Yukon Airways and Exploration.

The airplane, called "Queen of the Yukon" was a sister ship to Charles Lindbergh's "Spirit of St Louis" (the one that made history when it flew across the Atlantic...) The "Queen" was without precedent: so, it had to be insured under the same terms as were sternwheelers.

Whereas a dogteam could take 2 weeks to travel from Dawson to Mayo, this airplane only took a few hours to make the same journey. The Canadian government gave authority to Yukon Airways to impose a surcharge on 'airmail' (a new concept then), and a special stamp was issued. A regular letter cost 3 cents; and AIRMAIL cost 25 cents! Yukon Airways was finally sold to Pacific Western in 1954.

The"Queen of the Yukon", and another successor, also called "Queen of the Yukon" have been laid to rest - with a lot of other bush pilot memories - under the tarmac at the Whitehorse Airport. A replica was made, however, and now hangs from the ceiling of the Yukon Transportation Museum. If you want to know about THAT, you must ask Bob Cameron (who is out of the Territory until the 2d week of September.)

As to Clyde Wann's imprint on the Alaska Highway... more about that at a later date.

Introducing Yukon's first mobile abattoir

2006-08-31T20:04:00.000-07:00

Archie and Brad Cather were at the Fireweed Farmers' market today in order to introduce the Yukon's brand new mobile abattoir to the public.

This $175,000 investment in Yukon's agricultural future leverages Federal $$$, enabling it to operate for a five year period. In other words, the Canada-Yukon Agriculture Policy Framework has had a practical result, sitting right there for all to see this afternoon at the Shipyards Park in Whitehorse. Livestock producers - and game farmers - will take responsibility for marketing the processed halves and quarters to commercial butchers and packers.

"We expect a high demand because the quality is excellent," Archie says. "Yukon grown meat is hormone free, raised in pristine Yukon conditions, and since the battoir will travel to the farms, the animals will hnot experience the stress of transportation to the abattoir, or crowding on feed lots as they do down south. These are qualities many Yukoners will appreciate and factor into their purchasing decisions once the products are regularly available in stores and restaurants."

Archie, it should be noted, has had years of business experience in the hotel and grocery businesses, in Watson Lake, Whitehorse, and Old Crow. So, he knows whereof he speaks!

The "Vision for Yukon Agriculture" developed with Archie's leadership, and in consultation with Yukon farmers and grocers, aims for an industry that significantly increases its production of healthy locally grown food for local consumption.

Russ Hobbis YP Candidate in Copperbelt Riding

2006-08-30T17:17:00.000-07:00

The Yukon Party had yet another nomination meeting, this time at the Transportation Museum. Russ Hobbis won the nomination to represent Copperbelt Riding in the next territorial election.

A Yukon resident for more than 2 decades, he has been small business owner, a minor hockey coach, a civilian member of the RCMP and a corrections officer. With his wife, Jennifer, Mr Hobbis serves as an executive committee member of the Walk to Cure Diabetes, Whitehorse.

He knows that fiscal responsibility is key to Yukon's future, saying, "I am impressed with the record of the Yukon Party in turning around the economy. In less than four years, their vision for building Yukon's future has made a tremendous impact on Yukoners' lives by increasing opportunities for our families and improving the health of our communities."

In Mr Hobbis' opinion, this government's "Substance Abuse Action Plan" and the "Safer Communities Proposal" legislation will provide effective ways to deal with repeat offenders with addictions, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and mental health problems, as well as 'drug houses' that destabilize entire neighbourhoods.

Jeannie Van Bibber Mayo-Tatchun Candidate

2006-08-29T15:58:00.000-07:00

Jeannie Van Bibber as been acclaimed as the Yukon Party Candidate for the Mayo-Tatchun riding in Pelly Crossing. She is the daughter of George and Moriah Van Bibber, and is a descendent of Ira Van Bibber, an early prospector in the Pelly area.

She said a couple of interesting things: "I chose the Yukon Party because I like their record on social policy and support for the family...." and " The Yukon Party government is building a new school in Carmacks and a recreation center in Mayo. Their commitment to the riding of Mayo-Tatchun is clearly evident."

Also, she mentioned that the Yukon Party government signed off (this past May) the Lhutsaw Habitat Protection Area plan for Pelly Crossing. "This was a commitment in the Treaty and is very important to the people of Pelly Crossing" It was prepared by the Selkirk First Nation and the Yukon Government.

The last of the Tetley Tea Club

2006-08-28T19:15:00.000-07:00

Neil Duncan died this weekend, in Whitehorse. He was the last of a trio of friends who met regularly - in Hector Lang's kitchen - for a pot of tea and good conversation.

Neil (the middle man in the photo) was a farm boy from Saskatchewan, a soldier, a logger, a miner and a mechanic.

Hector Lang (on the left), was a sailor, a carpenter, and a bridge builder.

Gordon McIntyre (on the right), was a sailor, a heavy equipment operator and a miner.

Hector died in 2001; Gordon in 2003; and now, Neil, in 2006.

They were mighty men, here in the Yukon Territory.

Mines Open Session

2006-08-28T15:51:00.000-07:00

Continuing with my public service, of hyperlinks to people and organizations participating in this conference, the following are involved in the "Open Session of the Mines Ministers' Conference:

FIRST PART: CHAIRED BY MINISTER GARY LUNN:

Richard Nesbitt, Chief CEO of TXS Group
Building on Canada's Global Advantage
The "TSX Group" operates Canada’s two national stock exchanges serving the senior equity and public venture capital equitymarkets as well as NGX, a leading NorthAmerican exchange for the trading and clearing of natural gas and electricitycontracts.

Peter R Jones, First Vice-Chair, Mining Association of Canada
MAC's mission is to promote, through the collective action of members, the growth and development of Canada's mining and mineral-processing industry, for the benefit of all Canadians. Mr Jones represents HudBay Minerals Inc with the MAC.

Patricia Dillon, President,
Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada
The PDAC is a national organization that supports the mineral exploration anddevelopment sector of the Canadian mineral industry.

Kelly Lendsay, President
Aboriginal Human Resources Development Council of Canada
Canada's leading innovators in Aboriginal recruitment, retention and advancement.Building solutions and partnerships that create employment opportunities, inclusive workplaces for Aboriginal peoples and a skilled workforce for employers

SECOND PART: CHAIRED BY MINISTER ARCHIE LANG:

Jon Baird, Managing Director, and a founding member of CAMESE
Association of Mining Equipment and Services for Export (CAMESE)
A group of Canadian mining suppliers were sitting around the swimming pool of their hotel in Lima, Peru in 1981, when they realized that there were things they could do together to benefit all in marketing to the global mining industry. This realization was the moment of conception of OMESE – Ontario Mining Equipment and Services for Export, which was formally founded after their return to Canada, and led to the national association, CAMESE, five years later.

Jacques Saint-Cyr, Executive Director
Consortium de recherche minerale (COREM) du Quebec
This is a pre-competitive research consortium whose focus is the processing and transformation of mineral substances. COREM is a non-profit organization whose mandate is to improve the competitiveness of member companies through development and transfer of technological innovations customized to their specific needs.

Luc Vandamme, Director, Falconbridge Ltd
The official corporate website is here. However, there is another one, perhaps more inclusive, here.

Angus Robertson, Deputy Minister
Dept of Energy, Mines, and Resources, Yukon
He will report on Workshop, "Opportunities for Partnership.

Today is Council of Energy Ministers Day

2006-08-28T09:55:00.000-07:00

I promised to post the relevant links to today's participants for the OPEN SESSION (which lasts until noon, lunchtime). So, here they are:

PANEL ON ENERGY AWARENESS AND INFORMATION:
David Butters, Association of Power Producers of Ontario.
Formerly known as the Independent Power Producers' Society of Ontario, this organization has grown to represent over 95% of the Ontario electricity market, more than 30,000 MW of power generation capacity.

Michael Cleland, Canadian Gas Association.
The Canadian Gas Association represents Canada 's natural gas delivery industry. CGA members are gas distribution companies, transmission companies, related equipment manufacturers, and other service providers involved in the delivery of natural gas in Canada and the United States.

Colleen Killingsworth, President, Canadian Centre for Energy Information.
"The Centre for Energy™ recognizes that conferences, workshops and other activities play a key role in developing relationships, building understanding, promoting inquiry and stimulating informed discussion about issues affecting North American energy industries, investors, policy-makers and consumers."

ENERGY TECHNOLOGY: DISCUSSION
Michael Raymont, Energy I Net Inc
"EnergyINet's Vision: to help Canada become an energy superpower by accelerating the development and deployment of advanced, environmentally sustainable energy systems and technologies."

Mark Jaccard, Simon Fraser University
Dr. Jaccard is an economist focusing on sustainable energy systems.

Angus Bruneau, Energy Council of Canada
The Energy Council of Canada is the Canadian national member of the World Energy Council, and is made up of representatives from all facets of Canada's energy sector.

INDUSTRY DIALOGUE STEERING COMMITTEE: REPORT
Cassie Doyle, Deputy Minister, National Resources Canada
appointed Deputy Minister of Natural Resources Canada in June 2006.

Hans Konow, Industry Dialogue Steering Committee
Mr. Konow is currently president and CEO of the Canadian Electricity Association in Montreal. He has worked with the federal government's anti-dumping directorate and with the electrical and electronic branch of Industry Canada.

All this is occurring at the Yukon Convention Centre (next to the High Country Inn).

Welcoming Reception, Energy & Mines 2006

2006-08-28T09:43:00.000-07:00

Last night, the Yukon - and Archie's Dept - hosted a welcoming reception for conference participants. It was held at the Transportation Museum. As Archie said in his speech, the Yukon Territory is all about transportation. As an aside: did you know they have an airplane hanging from the museum's ceiling that is the sister to the one Linbergh flew to Europe, back in the day?

Anyway, welcoming speeches were made by Archie, Dennis Fentie and the fella from Ottawa, Gary Lunn (Federal Minister of Natural Resources). Minister Lunn could not pronounce Premier Fentie's surname (some kind of weird suffix), and mentioned that Whitehorse is at Mile 681 on the Alaska Highway... However, apart from those problems, his speech was impeccable - and short.

I learned one important thing (aside from that airplane): it takes a lot of organization and work to put on a national conference of this order. The EMR people deserve kudoes for this. The last time Yukon hosted this event was in 1992.

The food was great. It was produced by High Country Inn (which is not paying me to tell you this. )

Brewery Creek trip

2006-08-27T09:56:00.003-07:00

Archie is in Brewery Creek, near Dawson City, with the rest of the Conference attendees. The party will return to Whitehorse this afternoon.

Brewery Creek was closed in 2002 because of low gold prices. Since then, Alexco Resource Corp. has expended - through April 2006 - approximately $600,000 at Brewery Creek for the 2006 reclamation program.

To quote from their website, "Alexco Resource Corp.'s business is to unlock value and manage risk at mature, closed or abandoned minesites through deployment of the company's core competencies and skills which include management of environmental services, execution of mine reclamation and closure operations and where appropriate, rejuvenation of exploration and development activity."

Reclamation of the mine is complete this year, and long-term monitoring is ongoing.

This weekend: Energy and Mines Conference

2006-08-26T12:50:00.000-07:00

There is a full schedule online here. Archie is co-chairing the sessions with the Federal Minister of Natural Resources, Mr. Lunn.

Essentially, Sunday is "Welcome" day, and some Geologist committee meetings at the Westmark.

Monday will be given over to Energy. After checking out the speakers, I would say they represent various "think tanks" dedicated to 'Whither Energy???', something that is of great interest to all of us, as we edge up to winter, and paying huge amounts of $$$ to (in my case) Mitchell Petroleum. In a later post, I will list these speakers with the relevant links. They are all of national stature.

Tuesday is Mining Day. By its nature (much more specific than "energy") the speakers are more practically oriented. I am most impressed that the head of the Toronto Stock Exchange is one of the speakers. Money is so PRACTICAL, is it not?

More for the Hibbard Porter fans!

2006-08-26T12:38:00.000-07:00

The archives has "Ferguson's Directory", which lists Yukon People back in 1899. Among these people is: "Porter, Bert, DC, YT, miner." This, I would bet, is our man, Hibbard.

Also, in the Yukon Minfile, Yukon Geological Survey (Minfile 105L 003, page of 0f 2), under "Little Salmon", the writer suggests that this was probably ORIGINALLY staked by Hibbard Porter, as the latter described his finding as being in the Glenlyon Range, 35 miles from the Pelly River...

YP nominations proceed apace..

2006-08-26T12:24:00.000-07:00

Dean Hassard was acclaimed as YP Candidate for Porter Creek South Thursday evening. He has represented Pelly-Nisutlan up to now, but since he now lives in Whitehorse (with his 3 incredibly cute kids, and very pretty wife, Carrie) he feels he can better serve Yukon from his present home base. His former riding will be well represented by the new YP Candidate, Marian Horne. In the absence of any other picture for today, I re-run the photo I took at the Barbecue last week:

Dogs for Drug Free Schools Program

2006-08-25T18:44:00.000-07:00

The "Dogs for Drug Free Schools" is one of the more innovative programmes designed to keep drugs out of our schools and make them safer for the students and the community as a whole.

The idea, modelled on a successful one now being used in Medicine Hat, Alberta, will NOT involve a 'police' dog. Rather, the dog will be a low allergen puppy, raised in the school, and trained in drug detection techniques, in order to deter their possession and use.

This is a 3 year pilot project. Details are still being worked out by the Advisory Committee. Local service clubs and the veterinarian community will partner with the school on this project and the Medicine Hat project will serve as a 'buddy' to PCSS.

Archie has worked very closely with the advisory committee , and was instrumental in getting the necessary funding to help this program become a reality.

Archie goes walkabout...

2006-08-24T17:23:00.000-07:00

This is the time for walking around his riding, and knocking on doors, and sounding people out as to how they feel about the job Archie has done for them as their representative, and what they want from him in the future.

This photo was taken this evening (Thursday), on Redwood. Linda Dixon accompanied him on his rounds tonight. If you want to know where he plans on being before he gets there - or if you want him to visit YOUR home - you can email me and I will pass the message on IMMEDIATELY. My email address is: heathermc (at) northwestel (dot) net.

Nomination meetings yesterday and tonight

2006-08-24T15:51:00.000-07:00

Last night, Teslin hosted a Yukon Party Nomination meeting for the Pelly-Nisutlin Riding. Two people vied for the nomination: Marian Horne and James Smarch. Both are members of the Teslin Tlingit First Nation. Marian Horne won, and is quoted as stating, "The Yukon Party Government recognizes the need for more women in politics."

It was impressive that 2 people wanted that nomination. Premier Fentie (who was there) said it was gratifying to see young Yukoners step forward and taken an active role in the political process.

MLA Dean Hassard, current rep for the Pelly Nisutlin Riding was also present, to hand over the reins to Ms Horne. Tonight, he will seek the Yukon Party nomination of Porter Creek South (6:30 pm, Holy Family School).

the first sentence in a great history:

2006-08-24T08:58:00.000-07:00

"A great many things keep happening, some of them good, some of them bad."

(Gregory, Bishop of Tours, d 597)

Nomination meeting tomorrow (reminder)

2006-08-23T16:47:00.000-07:00

Nomination Meeting for Porter Creek South

This nomination meeting will be held 24 August (Thursday), 6:30 pm, at the Holy Family School. Dean Hassard has flung his hat into the ring, to be the Yukon Party candidate for this riding.

Holy Family School is at 55 Wann Road.

A little thing, but....

2006-08-23T16:28:00.000-07:00

your Blogress took this photo this morning and is making a "to do" list: winterize the vehicle, unpack the winter woolies, and get ready for a fall election! The Writ has not been dropped, but it will be soon....