Yukoner pushes for election of next senator

Thereplacement forretiring Yukon Senator Ione Christensen should be chosen by the territory's residents,a Senate reform advocate says.

Ken Gabb, a formerReform party candidatefor the Yukon who has long supportedSenate reform, says Yukon Premier Dennis Fentie should call an election to choose Christensen's successor.

"We need some democratic reform," Gabb said.

"I think electing senators is a step in the right direction. Otherwise it's just an upper house of political hacks who have been appointed by the government to carry out the will of the government."

Gabb says the personelected as the next Yukon senator could then be appointed by the federal government.

Christensen made her retirement public last week, after Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced he wants new senators to be elected.

Christensen, who is opposed to Harper's proposal, will step down from the positionat the end of December.