Jeanie McLean facts for kids

Jeanie McLean, also known as Jeanie Dendys, is a Canadian politician. She is currently the Deputy Premier of Yukon, a role she has held since January 2023. She was first elected to the Legislative Assembly of Yukon in the 2016 election. She represents the area called Mountainview as a member of the Yukon Liberal Party.

Early Life and Career

Jeanie McLean was born and grew up in the Yukon. Her family background includes Tahltan First Nation and Norwegian heritage. In 2020, she changed her last name to McLean after marrying Rick McLean, who is a chief of the Tahltan band.

Before she became a politician, McLean worked as the Director of Justice for the Kwanlin Dün First Nation. She also helped with many important reviews and advisory groups. For example, she was part of the Yukon Policing Review and a review of the Yukon Corrections system. She also spent four years as the Yukon representative on the RCMP Commissioner's First Nation Policing Advisory Board. This board helps guide policing for First Nations communities.

Political Journey

In the election on November 7, 2016, Jeanie McLean won against the then-Yukon Premier, Darrell Pasloski, in his own riding of Mountainview. This was a big win for her.

After the election, on December 3, 2016, she was sworn in as a minister. She became the Yukon Minister of Tourism and Culture. She was also made the Minister responsible for the Women's Directorate. This office works to improve the lives of women and girls in the Yukon. Additionally, she became the Minister responsible for the Yukon Workers' Compensation Health and Safety Board. This board helps workers who get injured or sick on the job.

Jeanie McLean is also a member of the Standing Committee on Appointments to Major Government Boards and Committees. This committee helps decide who gets appointed to important government positions.

In January 2023, she took on the role of Deputy Premier of Yukon. This means she is a senior leader in the government.