During her first week as Vancouver’s Consul General, Lynne Platt accompanied Ambassador Bruce Heyman to Whitehorse for the 11th Conference of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region (CPAR).
The conference was attended by approximately 150 people including parliamentary representatives, indigenous peoples, organizations affiliated with the Arctic Council, and local dignitaries. The discussions addressed the issues of sustainable infrastructure development, governance models and decision making processes, environmental challenges, enhancing northern economies, responsible resource development, and capacity building.
CPAR was hosted at the picturesque Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre, a First Nations heritage centre situated on the banks of the Yukon River. Conference attendees were treated to a number of traditional performances, and were also given a tour of the Yukon College campus in Whitehorse.
While in Yukon, CG Lynne Platt was interviewed by Sandi Coleman on CBC North’s A New Day. The radio show marked her first appearance on Canadian media since the commencement of her term.
During their trip Ambassador Heyman and CG Platt met with Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski, Yukon Premier Darrell Pasloski, Whitehorse Mayor Dan Curtis, and the CEO of Air North, Joe Sparling.
In addition to attending CPAR, the Ambassador and Consul General commemorated September 11 at Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport. Thirteen years ago, when all US air traffic was being diverted, an allegedly hijacked Korean airliner was directed to land in Whitehorse. Ambassador Heyman and CG Platt expressed their gratitude to the first responders and the people of Whitehorse who selflessly aided their neighbors on that tragic day.
Please click here for photos from the trip.
