POLITICAL PROMISES DO MATTER
"According to the Yukon government’s own lawyer, the promises our political leaders make are legally worthless," says NDP leader Todd Hardy.
"If an argument as bizarre as this helps the Fentie government win its current court case against a Whitehorse-area First Nation, it will further fuel the deep cynicism and skepticism the public already has for our politicians and political processes."
Hardy was responding to legal arguments made this week in Yukon Supreme Court by a government lawyer in a case involving promises the premier made -- in writing -- to the Ta’an Kwach’an Council and Kwanlin Dun First Nation over the future disposition of some prime lots on the Whitehorse waterfront.
"Many people in our society base their votes on the promises politicians make on the doorsteps, in their campaign literature and in the media," adds Hardy. "If our politicians cannot be held accountable – legally or morally -- for those promises, then our political system is in big trouble."
The Yukon Party made lots of promises in the last campaign. Among other things, it promised to ‘avoid litigation’ with First Nations and ‘to make them full partners in the economic development of the territory.’
As we get ready to head into another election, the public will once again be hearing all the political parties make lots of promises.
"To make sure this process continues to have meaning, it is important that those seeking your votes are held accountable for the promises they may make," concludes Hardy. "Otherwise, this exercise will be a huge waste of energy and money."