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A skimpy take on Yukon values

When I first visited the Yukon in 1981, I was driving up the North Canol Road near Sheldon Lake when I met a grader. The operator was a good looking woman wearing a bikini. I thought, "I must move here." Not for the obvious

When I first visited the Yukon in 1981, I was driving up the North Canol Road near Sheldon Lake when I met a grader. The operator was a good looking woman wearing a bikini. I thought, “I must move here.”

Not for the obvious reasons! In 1981, a woman operating equipment was unheard of down south. In the Yukon it was apparent that if you could do the job, you got the job - at least in those days. The Yukon, on the surface, was a bit of a redneck place, but scratch a grader operator and you’d find an intelligent, tolerant, well-intentioned person.

We fuss about our First Nations relations, gender issues, and the usual concerns of society, but the reality is we’re a lot more accepting and amiable with each other than places that bill themselves as open minded and liberal.

Ryan Leef’s recent radio ads attacking Larry Bagnell don’t reflect that Yukon attitude. They’re nasty and small minded.

Yes, Mr. Bagnell had to vote with his party on the gun registry. It was probably a decision that cost him some sleepless nights, but the option was to become ineffective for his constituency for the remainder of his term. I didn’t like Bagnell’s decision, but I understood it and don’t hold it against him.

At least I don’t have to worry about Bagnell leaping from the bushes and handcuffing me. I don’t think habitually carrying handcuffs reflects a tolerant Yukon attitude, either. You’re not in any form of law enforcement anymore, Mr. Leef.

I’ve voted for both of these candidates in the past - in different elections, obviously! I’d like a candidate who represents a respectful, caring for others, Yukon attitude. That’s not Mr. Leef. To convince me he’s not a little man, he’d have to repudiate his own ads.

Mr. Bagnell probably represents that healthier viewpoint, but sorry man, I just can’t get past Justin Trudeau and his policies on things like small business, because I am a small businessman. Did all the smart Liberal strategists leave with Chretien?

What’s a person to do? Well, I think we should get our priorities straight. It’s obviously much more important to lobby occupational health and safety to allow the wearing of bikinis on the job, providing they are reflective safety colours, and coordinate with steel-toed boots. In true Yukon fashion, I don’t care what gender you are, wear your bikini proudly. And consider who would let you wear it, when you vote.

Charles McLaren

Whitehorse