The Yukon Party (YP) has released the first parts of its campaign platform, and it’s clear the party has its sights set on what it calls the shortcomings of the Liberals.

Currie Dixon, the YP leader, held a news conference this morning to tease the first items the party will be campaigning on.

The theme of the YP campaign is being called “Action for a Change”.

“This election is going to be about who Yukoners trust to have a vision to lead the territory out of this pandemic and into a prosperous future,” Dixon said in his preamble. “The Yukon Party is ready to move forward with clear, decisive action for a change.”

Dixon said the party would provide Yukoners with a “path forward” out of the pandemic and into an economic recovery by focusing on economic recovery, supporting Yukon families, and safe and growing communities.

“It will be based on a foundation of good governance,” he said. “This action plan is comprehensive, and contains bold and fresh new ideas to lead the territory into the future.

“In the short term, we need to ensure our small businesses can survive. Our action plan will establish certainty and provide supports leading to recovery.”

Dixon also promised he would work with Yukon health officials, such as Dr. Brendan Hanley, to provide a plan to move forward out of the pandemic, and ensure it establishes benchmarks so the public can easily follow the process.

“So that you, your families and your businesses have a decisive path forward for a safe re-opening. This will ensure certainty for Yukoners, and a way to ensure decisions are done in an accountable and transparent way.”

Dixon said the party would also “simplify and streamline” existing support programs.

“I’ve met with many businesses, and the common theme is confusion over the overlapping programs. We will establish a one-window program.”

Dixon said as well the party would offer increased limits for those programs.

“The current practice has been to announce small extensions, so the government can call more press conferences and make more announcements and more opportunities for headlines,” Dixon said.

“We will extend the programs for a year.”

Dixon also said the party, if it forms the next government, would start working on a bid to host the 2027 Canadian Winter Games in a bid to jumpstart tourism.

“That’s going to unlock Yukon’s future as a sporting destination,” he said.

Dixon said he believes the government budget, as it stands now, has the flexibility to handle the increased spending.

“We think it can be done within the existing resources of the department,” he told reporters after his announcement.

When questioned, Dixon didn’t comment directly as to whether this campaign is moving the YP closer to the centre of the political spectrum, nor on the irony of leading a “conservative party” campaign on the basis of a fresh new approach and the voice of change while accusing the Liberals of looking to the past.

“I think Yukoners are looking for a decisive path forward, and that’s what we’re offering,” he said. “We believe we have that vision to offer to Yukoners, and we have the team to do it.

“No government wants to provide the type of support we are doing right now. The problem is that government-imposed restrictions have created a tremendous burden on our private sector, and we think as long as those restrictions are in place, we need to provide supports to get through this.”

Other highlights of Dixon’s announcement include:

• Extend the 25 per cent discount for liquor licences for one year and amend the current program so that it applies equally to all licensees throughout the territory;

• Work collaboratively with the business community to address the rising cost of insurance in the North;

• Immediately enhance and accelerate the distribution of tourism relief funding by increasing the amount per year by 50 per cent;

• Creating a brand-new fund for tourism product development and existing project rejuvenation.

• Work with the tourism industry to highlight to Yukoners all the economic and social benefits the industry provides to our community.