Conservatives pledge new cadet facility in Whitehorse, if re-elected

A re-elected Conservative government will build a new cadet facility in Whitehorse, according to Canada's current defence minister.

Conservative candidate Jason Kenney, who currently serves as Canada's minister of defence, made the announcement yesterday during a campaign stop in Yukon.

According to Kenney, the new 500-square metre facility would be open year round, and would be used for training and equipment storage. Currently, Whitehorse's cadets do drills at Whitehorse Elementary School and store their gear in a sea container.

"This will assist both the Whitehorse army cadet corps and the air cadet squadron in their year round activities," said Kenney."It should allow for them to recruit additional youngYukonersto join the Canadian cadets."

Kenney said that thebuilding, which isestimated to cost between $1 and $5 million, could also be used by an eventual Yukon military reserve.

MLA David Laxton, who is also a vice-president with the Army Cadet League of Canada, says that could fill a hole for territorial residents who want to serve in the armed forces.

"Yukonerswant to serve," said Laxton."They want to serve their country.But they want to live in the Yukon."

"Right now, you'd have to go to Edmonton to join the reserves, or somewhere else, and that means you're no longer in the Yukon, and that's just not right."

According to Kenney, the territorial government has already pledged $250,000 for the proposed facility.