Definitely NOT in Ottawa anymore

I have probably mentioned before that Yukon (which I am getting used to saying. Yukon. Not The Yukon, and definitely not Yukon Territory!! Yukon. Period.) has things about it that are different from, well, Outside (aka, not here). One of the things that has really struck me is the presence elected officials and others have within the community and how little arrogance - or more particularly reverence - there seems to be.  

I had mentioned to Mike I knew I was out of Ontario when in my first 2 weeks I had met the Mayor and my Minister (Deputy Premier Taylor, Minister of Environment and Tourism and Culture). I sat next to the former Premier at lunch yesterday, but I don't think ANYTHING could have prepared me for today!  

Tonight, I went to my first Business After Hours event held by the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce. Every second Thursday, a business in town hosts the event from 5-7, providing food and bar, and taking the opportunity to tell the community something. Tonight was at Yukon College where they provided highlights of some incredible stuff they are doing and, since today was budget day, the Minister of Education took the chance to announce some new money. As an aside, Yukon has a budget this year of $1,000,003,000 (thank you Canada!).  I think that is right, more than a billion for the first time or, as someone told me, about $30,000/person. Back to the Chamber. So, drinking and learning....In two weeks, one of the hotels (Westmark) will be showing off their renovated ballroom and meeting rooms and two weeks after that Northwestel will unveil this year's phone book art work (its a big tradition here).  

Anyway, as I was walking into the function, I met Minister Taylor who shook my had warmly, commented on our meeting at the College again, and updated me on their decisions today will reflect my budget this year!!  I think we had spoken for 5 minutes when I met her the first time and she not only knew me, but reported on the Preserve budget requests. She is, as her reputation preceeds, an incredible women (whatever your political stripe).   Following that, Mayor Buckway, another incredible woman, introduced me to the Premier, the MP, a couple other Ministers, the President of the College and some other important Yukoners. Everyone was warm, welcoming and interesting, and it did not matter one iota that I was new, from Outside or any of the other things that make us walk on egg shells back East. In fact,  I was in jeans, my Ulu boots, a shirt and a sweater and no one cared. The College President was super-excited to meet ME, asked for my card and assured me we'd be working a lot together.  I wonder what partnership opportunities I haven't been briefed on yet.....