New Democrats in Whitehorse Centre met virtually Wednesday night to elect Emily Tredger as the riding’s NDP candidate for the 2021 territorial election.

Tredger has worked supporting young children and their families as a speech-language pathologist.

She is currently the executive director at Teegatha’Oh Zheh, supporting Yukon residents with developmental disabilities.

Incumbent and former party leader Liz Hanson is not seeking re-election.

“In my work, I’ve talked to families who have a lot to worry about,” Tredger said Thursday.

“They need the support of a speech therapist, but before they need that, they need a place live.

“Everyone deserves an affordable, stable place to call home,” she added.

“I know (NDP Leader) Kate White is going to work to deliver that for people – that’s why I’m excited to join her.”

Tredger is active on a number of volunteer boards and is the president of Queer Yukon Society.

“People in the Yukon live here because they love it more than anyplace else,” said White.

“Right now, too many people are waiting too long for affordable housing. We’re going to support renters and build more affordable units so everybody can find housing they can afford in the place they love.”

Co-candidates Kaori Torigai and Amy Labonte threw their support behind Tredger after the vote count.

“I’m proud to have run with women like Amy and Emily,” said Torigai.

“I know Emily is going to get to work right away to get results for people in Whitehorse Centre. She’ll be a great candidate for our community.”

“I know Emily is going to work hard for people in Whitehorse Centre,” said Labonte.

“We share a love for this community, and I know she’ll represent us well. I’m behind her 100 per cent.”

The NDP has announced George Bahm as its candidate for Pelly-Nisutlin. The seat is held by the Yukon Party’s Stacey Hassard.

Bahm is an educator, trapper, entrepreneur, and former medevac and bush pilot.

Together with his wife, Vanessa Aegirsdottir, he started Wild Yukon Furs, and actively promotes the use of Indigenous-sourced furs around the world.

He operates his family trapline on the South Canol Road every weekend in the winter months.

“I see this as an opportunity to give back to all of the communities in Pelly-Nisutlin,” Bahm said Thursday.

“I have had so many opportunities in life, and it’s thanks to the people in these communities.

“None of us does everything alone; now, more than ever, we know that lesson to be true.

“I don’t want to see anyone left behind by this pandemic,” Bahm added.

“We need a government that shares that belief and will build a recovery that works for everyone. Kate White and the Yukon NDP are going to be that government.

“They’re building something amazing, and it’s exciting to be part of the ever-growing number of people coming forward to call for real change.”

Bahm is the First Nations experiential advisor with the Department of Education.

“For me, it’s crucial we work to give our children even more chances at life than we had,” he said.

“It’s crucial future generations know their past and have everything they need to guide their future path. We need to be responsible now, to our environment and to each other, so they can flourish.”

“It’s a real privilege to be running with George,” said White.

“He’s one of those people who raises everyone up. George has so much love for the land and for language and culture.

“He’s someone who starts a project and sees it through and someone who is passionate about making everyone around him feel like their voice matters.”

Bahm also recently worked as the community languages co-ordinator with the Yukon Native Language Centre. He was named the government’s Aboriginal Employee of the Year in 2017.

Bahm has been performing with the Dakhka Khwaan dance group for the past eight years, which he called a powerful way for him to stay connected to his culture.