One of the Yukon’s most visible personalities is now poised to potentially take his act national.
One of the Yukon’s most visible personalities is now poised to potentially take his act national.
Dr. Brendan Hanley, the Yukon’s chief medical officer of health, has announced he wants to take Larry Bagnell’s place as the territory’s Liberal MP.
Bagnell announced his upcoming retirement from politics last Thursday. He introduced Hanley as the next Liberal candidate on Tuesday afternoon.
The announcement came at a hastily-arranged news conference outside the Yukon Arts Centre.
Hanley made a dramatic, last-minute appearance as Bagnell began to introduce him.
Bagnell told the audience, which consisted mostly of reporters, the identity of the candidate should be obvious.
Bagnell then said: “I’m giving you another hint – he’s been the chief medical officer of health for about 12 years.”
As he uttered those words, Hanley appeared, with his family in tow.
The 62-year-old Hanley then took the stage to make his introductory remarks.
“In many ways, I’m still surprised myself being in front of you today as the federal Liberal candidate,” he said.
“However, I feel grounded in the belief that this is the right place to be. At a personal level, this is a good challenge for me.
“I’m certainly new to politics, and I’m happy to acknowledge that, but I do bring some strong experience and some public recognition,” he said. He cited his record during the pandemic and his time as medical officer of health as a whole.
“I’m in a good position to advocate for Yukoners at the national level,” he said.
Hanley was more off the cuff while taking questions from reporters.
He didn’t say exactly how long he and the party had been in communication over his potential candidacy while Hanley was still carrying out his duties as the medical officer of health.
He did, though, confirm that he approached the party with his ambition to be an MP. He added he had been through the party’s vetting process, and had received the official nomination.
Hanley said his three issues of particular concern were reconciliation, climate change and mental health initiatives.
Hanley said he wasn’t sure he’d agree he is a polarizing candidate due to his management of the pandemic over the last 18 months.
He did agree that some people will appreciate his work while others may not.
The Liberal party put out a news release giving some background on Hanley.
“A northern physician for over 25 years, his work has been primarily focused on northern, remote, and Indigenous populations,” it stated.
“Currently taking leave from his position as Yukon’s chief medical officer of health, Dr. Brendan Hanley acknowledges the legacy of outgoing MP Larry Bagnell.
“Larry’s tireless and heartfelt dedication can never be surpassed, but I am excited to use my own varied experience and skills to continue to strengthen Yukon’s voice on the national stage.
“Like Larry, I have always strived to address issues through partnerships and collaboration — an approach I intend to continue if elected to serve as Yukon’s member of Parliament.”
The backgrounder said Hanley began his career in Newfoundland and Labrador, and worked in many areas in Canada and internationally before arriving in the Yukon in 1995.
He has a previous background in emergency and family medicine and international relief work.
Hanley and his wife, Lise Farynowski, a born-and-raised Yukoner, live with their two teenaged offspring in Whitehorse.
Hanley’s leave from public health is unpaid.
If his election bid is unsuccessful, he said, he would return to his position as chief medical officer.
Dr. Catherine Elliott – the deputy chief medical officer – will take over Hanley’s role next week, after she has completed her vacation.
Jonas Smith is the Conservative Party’s candidate in the Yukon for the coming election.
No one has publicly declared an intention to pursue nominations for the NDP nor Green Party.
Whitehorse Daily Star: 'This is the right place to be,' Hanley says - Whitehorse Star
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