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Hamilton Spectator

Ted Laking seeks nomination to run for Yukon Party in Porter Creek

Ted Laking has announced he'll be running for the Yukon Party nomination in Porter Creek Centre. The riding includes 'communities on the west side of the Alaska Highway north of Sumanik Drive' per the electoral boundaries commission final report. The riding used to include Whistle Bend, which is set to be represented by its own two electoral ridings, in the upcoming election. The riding was previously represented by MLA Yvonne Clarke of the Yukon Party — who is now running in Whistle Bend North — and Paolo Gallina, formerly of the Yukon Liberal Party, who now sits on Whitehorse city council. Laking, a former Whitehorse city councillor himself, had initially planned to run in the federal election under the Conservative Party banner , but then pivoted to seeking a spot in territorial politics ahead of the territorial elections, which must occur on or by Nov. 3 of this year. Laking was joined at a press conference by former councillor Jocelyn Curteanu and current city Coun. Dan Boyd, both of whom voiced support for Laking's run. 'I can't think of a more qualified person to represent Porter Creek Centre,' Boyd said. Laking said he went to high school in the Porter Creek Centre riding, and the riding is one-minute away from where he currently lives. Laking is also the past president of the Association of Yukon Communities. He highlighted his experience in that role regarding the inaugural Mayors and Chiefs Forum, and said that First Nations and non-First Nations governments need to work together to address issues they are facing. He said he was encouraged by Yukon Party Leader Currie Dixon indicating he'd initiate a 'national conversation on the future of communities in the country.' Laking said there's been a lack of engagement across the board on the provincial and territorial level regarding funding for municipal infrastructure, operations and maintenance. Municipal governments need to be at the table for discussions regarding housing and economic growth, Laking said. Contact Talar Stockton at