People's Party of Canada announces André Fortin as Yukon candidate for federal election

The People's Party of Canada has announced André Fortin as its Yukon candidate for the next federal election. 

Originally from Quebec, Fortin has called Whitehorse home for more than 40 years. He has experience in the public service, infrastructure development and energy sectors, including founding contracting firm Dynamic Systems and sitting on the Yukon Utilities Board. Over the years, he said he's seen "great opportunities" in the territory "slowly disappearing." 

"I decided that it was time to throw the hat in the ring," he said. 

Fortin said he chose to run with the People's Party of Canada (PPC) because it stands by its values. 

"Although the platform is not perfect, at least there's a party there that says, 'If you don't like our platform, we're not a wind vane, we won't switch it… go vote somewhere else,'" he said. 

Fortin said he wants to hear people's concerns but has four major issues at the top of his mind — making sure gun regulations don't harm Yukoners, housing, ensuring the RCMP is properly funded, and healthcare.

On the last topic, Fortin said he's heard from Yukoners who don't have doctors, and from nurses who have "exited the profession and will never be back" because of COVID-19 vaccine mandates. 

"In Ottawa, I will fight tooth and nail for not having these kinds of mandates," he said, adding that he wasn't "anti-vax" but considers vaccine requirements by employers "morally so reprehensible."

Fortin said he's also heard from Yukoners concerned about crime, and believes that bail reform is necessary along with making sure the RCMP is properly funded.

"They should have all the tools that they need to do the job and usually that translates into cold, cold, cold hard cash," he said. "Criminal organizations… don't seem to have any problem finding the cash to fund their operation, so let's stop messing about and let's give [the RCMP] the tools that they need."

Fortin accused the federal Liberals of making a "mess" of Canada and the federal Conservatives of showing a "total disrespect" for the conservative movement in the territory. Both, he said, treat the Yukon as just an "electoral commodity" that can be disregarded again after an election. 

While the Yukon only has one federal seat, Fortin said he believes one person can make a big difference.

"What I'm hoping to bring is hope," he said. "Hey, you don't believe in the traditional party? There's a place to park your vote as opposed to staying home and being ignored some more."

The federal election has not been called yet but is expected to be in the coming weeks.