Eric Fairclough facts for kids

Eric Fairclough is a Canadian politician who has played an important role in the Yukon. He served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the area of Mayo-Tatchun. An MLA is like a representative for a specific region, helping to make laws and decisions.

He was also a Cabinet minister, which means he was in charge of certain government departments. Later, he became the Leader of the Official Opposition. This is the leader of the main political party that is not currently in power. Before his time in territorial politics, Eric Fairclough was the Chief of the Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation.

Eric Fairclough's Political Journey

Starting in the Yukon Government (1996-2000)

Eric Fairclough first became an MLA in 1996. He was elected as part of the New Democrat government led by Piers McDonald. He won his seat in the Mayo-Tatchun area, which was known for supporting the New Democrats.

Before becoming an MLA, Eric Fairclough was the Chief of the Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation. This is a very important leadership role within a First Nation community.

From 1996 to 2000, Eric Fairclough was a minister in the government. He was responsible for Renewable Resources, the Yukon Housing Corporation, and the Yukon Liquor Corporation. This meant he helped manage things like wildlife, housing programs, and liquor sales in the Yukon.

Leading the Opposition (2000-2002)

In the 2000 election, Eric Fairclough was re-elected as an MLA. However, his party, the New Democrats, did not win enough seats to form the government. They became the Official Opposition.

Eric Fairclough then became the interim leader of the New Democrats. This happened after the previous leader, Piers McDonald, lost his seat. Eric Fairclough considered running to be the permanent leader but later decided not to. Todd Hardy eventually became the new leader in 2002.

Continuing as an MLA (2002-2011)

Eric Fairclough was elected again in the 2002 Yukon election. His party remained the Official Opposition. He took on important roles, speaking for the opposition on topics like Health and Social Services and Public Schools. He also helped with finance and relations with First Nations.

Changing Political Parties

In 2006, Eric Fairclough and another MLA, Gary McRobb, decided to leave the New Democrat party. They joined the Yukon Liberal Party. This was a big change because it meant the Liberals became the Official Opposition, and the New Democrats became the third-place party.

This move caused a lot of discussion. The New Democrats tried to pass a law to stop MLAs from changing parties without a new election, but it did not pass. After joining the Liberals, Eric Fairclough became their spokesperson for environmental issues.

Final Term as MLA (2006-2011)

Eric Fairclough was re-elected in 2006 as a Liberal MLA. He won his riding of Mayo-Tatchun with more than half the votes. The Liberals remained the Official Opposition, while the Yukon Party formed the government.

During this time, Eric Fairclough continued to be a strong voice for the opposition. He spoke on issues like Health and Social Services, Community Services, and Education. He also served as the Liberals' whip, which means he helped make sure party members voted together.

In the 2011 Yukon election, Eric Fairclough ran for re-election but was not successful. He finished third in his riding, and Jim Tredger from the New Democrats won the seat.

Life After Territorial Politics

After leaving territorial politics in 2011, Eric Fairclough was once again elected Chief of the Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation. He served one term in this role.

During his time as Chief, he spoke out against changes to a law called the Yukon Environment and Socio-Economic Assessment Act. He believed these changes would reduce the power of Yukon First Nations. He argued that the proposed changes went against the agreements made with First Nations.

Both Yukon Premier Sandy Silver and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau later promised to reverse these changes. This happened during the 2016 Yukon election and the 2015 federal election.