Eric Fairclough facts for kids

Eric Fairclough is a Canadian politician from the Yukon. He was an important leader in the Yukon government for many years. He served as a Cabinet minister and also as the Leader of the Official Opposition. He represented the Mayo-Tatchun area in the Yukon Legislative Assembly from 1996 to 2011. He was part of both the Yukon New Democratic Party and the Yukon Liberal Party. Eric Fairclough has also been the Chief of the Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation.

Eric Fairclough's Political Journey

Starting in Politics

Eric Fairclough was first elected to the Yukon Legislative Assembly in 1996. He joined the New Democrat government led by Piers McDonald. Before becoming a politician, he was the Chief of the Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation.

From 1996 to 2000, Eric Fairclough was a minister in the government. He was in charge of things like renewable resources, housing, and the Yukon Liquor Corporation.

Becoming a Party Leader

In the 2000 election, Eric Fairclough was re-elected. However, his party, the New Democrats, lost many seats. They became the Official Opposition.

Eric Fairclough then became the temporary leader of the New Democrats. This happened after the previous leader, Piers McDonald, lost his seat. Eric Fairclough later decided not to run for permanent leader. Todd Hardy became the new leader in 2002.

Changing Political Parties

Eric Fairclough was re-elected in 2002. He continued to be part of the Official Opposition. He worked on important topics like health, social services, and schools. He also helped with finance and First Nations relations.

In 2006, something big happened. Eric Fairclough and another politician, Gary McRobb, decided to leave the New Democrats. They joined the Yukon Liberal Party. They felt that the New Democrat leader, Todd Hardy, was making decisions alone. This move made the Liberals the Official Opposition.

Later Years in Government

Eric Fairclough was re-elected again in 2006 as a Liberal. He won his riding, Mayo-Tatchun, with more than half the votes. The Liberals remained the Official Opposition.

During this time, he continued to work on important issues. He was a critic for health, community services, and education. He also helped manage the Liberal party's activities.

In the 2011 election, Eric Fairclough tried to get re-elected but was not successful. He finished third in his riding.

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 as Chief.

During this time, he spoke out against changes to the Yukon Environment and Socio-Economic Assessment Act. This law helps protect the environment and people in the Yukon. Eric Fairclough believed the changes would weaken the power of Yukon First Nations.

Both Sandy Silver, who became the Premier of Yukon, and Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, later promised to stop these changes.