Beer on ATV was 'error in judgment,' says Yukon MLA Wade Istchenko
Environment minister apologizes for drinking a beer while behind the wheel of an ATV
Yukon Environment Minister Wade Istchenko apologized today in the territory's legislative assembly for drinking a beer while in the driver's seat of an all-terrain vehicle over the weekend.
Photos circulating on Facebook show Istchenko behind the wheel of an ATV, holding a can of beer.
"While we were stopped for lunch on a wilderness trail, I made an error in judgment and consumed a beer while seated on my parked ATV," Istchenko said.
"Safely operating off-road vehicles is important and I take this very seriously and I do apologize to all Yukoners."
Liz Hanson, Yukon's opposition leader, has called for Istchenko to be relieved of his cabinet portfolio.
"Alcohol abuse is a serious issue In Yukon," she said in a news release.
"There must be no doubt that all Yukoners are held accountable. The premier needs to take immediate disciplinary action to ensure that Yukoners know that the rules apply to everyone."
In question period opposition MLA Kate White called the behaviour unacceptable.
"How can the public trust the Minister of the Environment to responsibly and competently carry out his ministerial duties when it's clear that he does not follow Yukon laws?" she said.
Under the Yukon Liquor Act it's illegal to have alcohol within arm's reach of someone who is driving a motor vehicle. CBC News has been trying to obtain clarification from the Yukon government as to whether snowmobiles and ATVs are currently considered vehicles under the Motor Vehicle Act.
Communications staff at Highways and Public Works say they cannot provide interpretation of the regulations and have referred calls to the Justice Department.
Meanwhile the Yukon's Department of Highways and Public Works' web page on ATV safety tells drivers "do not drive while impaired in any way. An ATV is still a vehicle and should be treated as such."