Yukon NDP Leader Kate White has nominated Annie Blake, who represents Vuntut Gwitchin, as the legislature’s deputy Speaker and has announced the critic roles of the party’s three-member caucus.

While the NDP has been able to secure several key platform promises for Yukoners, White said today, there is still work to be done to ensure those promises are implemented correctly and to build upon them.

“I am honoured to nominate Annie Blake as deputy Speaker and to announce the portfolios of the Yukon NDP caucus,” said White.

“Yukoners want government to work constructively to address the issues facing our territory and our caucus is dedicated to ensuring that government does just that.”

The NDP will also continue to push for proactive solutions that put people first, she added. Those include public prescription drug coverage and more affordable housing.

“Annie Blake and Emily Tredger (the MLA for Whitehorse Centre) are two of the strongest people I know and are dedicated to their communities and our territory,” added White.

The leader will assume the critic roles of Education, Community Services, Energy, Mines and Resources, Economic Development, the French Language Services Directorate, the Public Service Commission, and the Workers Compensation Health and Safety Board.

Blake will take on the critic roles of Health and Social Services, Justice, Tourism and Culture, and Youth Issues.

Tredger has been assigned the critic roles of housing, the environment, the Yukon Energy and Development corporations, the Department of Highways and Public Works, the Women’s Directorate, the Yukon Liquor Corp. and the Yukon Lottery Commission.

“I am grateful for the responsibilities that I have been entrusted with to ensure actions create changes that Yukoners want to see as we work collaboratively, respectfully and diligently towards enhancing the lives of all Yukoners across our territory, especially our youth, elders, seniors and citizens who live at risk and are most vulnerable,” said Blake.

After she and the Liberals’ Pauline Frost tied at 78 votes each in the April 12 election, a judicial name draw held April 19 gave the victory to Blake.

The Liberals have challenged the rights of two people to be on the Vuntut Gwitchin voters list. The challenge is scheduled to be heard June 23-24 in Yukon Supreme Court.

“It’s an incredible privilege to be representing our territory in the legislative assembly,” added Tredger.

“It’s time to get to work and start taking action for Yukoners.”

MLAs will reconvene Tuesday for a Speech from the Throne and the spring session of the new legislature.