Hanson named Yukon NDP leader

Elizabeth Hanson says she will get to know Yukoners in her new role as leader of the territory's New Democrats.

The Yukon NDP officially acclaimed Hanson during its convention in Whitehorse over the weekend.

Hanson replaces Todd Hardy, who will remain as MLA for Whitehorse Centre. Hardy announced earlier this year that he would step down as NDP leader, citing his ongoing battle with leukemia.

Hardy and Mount Lorne MLA Steve Cardiff are the only New Democrats in the Yukon's 18-seat legislative assembly. Hanson does not have a seat in the assembly.

Hanson's first mission as leader, she said, will be to familiarize herself with her new job and meet Yukoners.

"I'll be doing a series of in-home visits and community visits to get to know Yukoners, let them get to know me," Hanson told CBC News on Monday.

She said she will also "begin the process of working with the new executive to talk about activities that we can do to further engage Yukoners in understanding more what the Yukon New Democratic Party has to offer."

Hanson was the Yukon NDP's president until the leadup to the leadership convention. Kathy Hanifan, who has held the party president's job in the past, is now president again.